What is COMPASS?

COMPASS is a computerized college placement test from the ACT organization.  As do many states, the Commonwealth of Kentucky mandates COMPASS for most community and technical college students, though some students are subject to exemptions. The COMPASS placement test covers math, writing (English), and reading. 

The COMPASS program draws on a pool of more than 2,400 test items, plus adjusts the difficulty level of each test to the skills and expertise of the individuals taking the test, thus avoiding presenting items that contribute little to measurement. 

• In the math test, as you answer questions correctly, the test moves you to harder questions.  If you answer questions incorrectly, the test moves you to easier questions.  The computer program will continue to move you back and forth between hard and easy questions until it can verify your current skill level. 

  • You will begin your math test with algebra questions.  If, after about four questions, you are unable to consistently answer the algebra questions, the program automatically moves you to pre-algebra questions. 

  • If you are able to answer those questions correctly, it will move you to harder questions, until you are back at the algebra level.

  • If you have difficulty with the pre-algebra questions, it will continue giving you pre-algebra questions, until it can determine your skill level.
     

• In the reading and writing tests, such adaptive testing means that you may receive more questions and/or passages or fewer questions and/or passages to complete until the computer can verify your skill levels. 

  • If you are consistently unable to answer the questions correctly, the program will give you more questions or passages until it can determine your skill level.

What's on the test?

Math, English, and reading.

What does "placement test" mean?

From your test results, COMPASS determines the level of class in which you will be successful.  COMPASS then "places" you into your first math class, your first English class, and determines whether you need to take a reading class.  The placement is mandatory.

How long does the test take?

COMPASS takes approximately two hours to complete, though it is not a timed test, which helps reduce test anxiety.

Where do I go to take the test?

The Teaching and Learning Center administers the test for students attending the Main Campus.

• The Main Campus is located on Highway 231.

• Go to the Campus Center Building, which is the only building in the middle of the two asphalt parking lots.

• The front of the Campus Center faces the sidewalk and patio; go in the front door.

• Using the stairs or the elevator, continue to the second floor.

• Turn right (away from Subway).

• The first office on the right is the main office for the Teaching and Learning Center.

• If the office is empty, continue heading to the right to the Teaching and Learning Center.

• Inform a staff member - who will be wearing a TLC name badge - of your COMPASS appointment.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

• You will need to bring a picture ID.  We cannot administer your test without it.

• You will need to know your social security number.  (If you enter an incorrect social security number, the Registrar's Office will not know you took the test, and you will not be able to register.)

The Teaching and Learning Center provides paper and pencil, plus the appropriate calculator for math calculations

How much is the test?

The initial test is free.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes. To make an appointment, please call (270) 686-4533, 686-4534, or 686-4535.  You may also make an appointment by stopping by the Teaching and Learning Center's main office. 

The Teaching and Learning Center is also available for remediation should you want to refresh your skills before taking the placement test.

Upon finishing your test, a TLC staff member will hand you your test results.  At that point, you take your results to the Counseling Center, located on the lower level of the Campus Center.  A counselor will explain your test results, set your orientation date, and inform you of your next step.

When do you test?

• Testing for summer and fall courses is generally done April through August. 

• Testing for spring courses is normally done October through January. 

To avoid last minute heavy testing and to make sure you get an appointment time that will work for you, make your appointment as soon as possible.

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