You do not need to study for the placement test.  Since the placement test's goal is to place you into the best suited course at this point in your academic career, you do not need to do anything special to prepare for taking your first placement test.  The test measures reading, writing, and math skills that you developed over a period of years. However, if you have been out of school for awhile or just feel the need to brush up on your skills in English, math, and/or reading, you are welcome to come to the Teaching and Learning Center.

The TLC offers many resources to help you re-familiarize yourself with English, math, and/or reading.  One of our most comprehensive programs is SkillsTutor. This program is internet based, which means once you obtain a password and ID from the TLC, you can access SkillsTutor from any computer that has the internet - in our center, one of OCTC's computer centers, at home, at a friend's house, the public library, etc.  SkillsTutor offers tutorials, quizzes, and post-tests in each area.  Though it does not match the COMPASS test, its sections cover every area tested in COMPASS, except Algebra II.  However, we do have CD-ROMs and other software to help you with Algebra II.

Among other resources, we have a book titled Chart Your Success on the COMPASS Test, which includes many sample questions on each area of the test. We also offer free tutoring. 

You are welcome to come to the TLC during the hours we are open and brush up on your skills before the test. 

You may also want to check out books on English and math from OCTC's main library, located on the main campus at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY, or from the Owensboro Daviess County Public Library. 

In addition, the Public Library has an electronic site titled, learnatest.com.  To access it, you will need your barcode number from the back of your public library card (not your college library card).  Type in your barcode as the username; choose any password of your choice.  You must write down your password and keep it.  If you forget it or lose it, you will not be able to access the site.  Neither our staff nor the library staff will be able to help you. Look under the following sections for math, English, and reading tests and material:  Academic; Basic Skills Success; College Preparation; English as Second Language (Spanish) Skills Improvement Courses; GED Preparation;  Graduate School Entrance Exam Preparation (would contain higher level practice for math, English, and reading); Skills Improvement Courses; and Technical and Career College.

If you have already taken the placement test and are unhappy with your results, you may retake the placement test one time.  Currently, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System charges $20 to retake the complete test and $7 to retake each individual part of the test.

Additionally, you will be required to come to the TLC to brush up on your skills.  Please click here for the regulations for retesting.

One reason the TLC so stresses committing yourself to more than the required study for retesting is that you may retest only one time.  If you don't do well or accidentally make mistakes on the retest, you will not receive a third chance.  Our goal is to help you prepare for a successful retest.  If you are really serious about improving your score and placement, then your time spent in the Teaching and Learning Center, with the TLC staff to assist you, will be a welcomed opportunity.

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