COMPASS Placement Testing
Description: COMPASS is a comprehensive computer adaptive placement testing system that is
developed by ACT. COMPASS helps place students in appropriate courses; it assists in matching a
student’s skill level with an appropriate course. Currently, the University of New Mexico utilizes ACT/SAT
scores to place students into a specific course. COMPASS testing is intended for Introductory Studies
students, returning students, and students who need a current assessment of their mathematical skill
level. Students who would like to take a placement test must do so prior to the first day of the semester.
Available tests:
Utilization:
Reading Placement
Out of Introductory Studies
Reading 100
Writing Placement
Out of Introductory Studies
English 100
Math Placement
*Trigonometry Test
(see below for
additional information)
Introductory Studies Math
100 up to Math 162
Calculus 1
Out of Math 123
Trigonometry
Important Information Regarding Reading and Writing Placement: The Reading Placement is used
for placing students out or into Introductory Studies Reading 100. The Writing Placement is used for
placing students out or into Introductory Studies English 100. Students who pass may register for English
101. The Writing Placement is NOT used for placing students out of English 101 and into English 102.
These tests are for placement only, not for course credits.
Important Information Regarding Math Placement: The Math Placement is utilized for placing
students in courses ranging from Introductory Studies Math 100 up to Math 162 Calculus. Those students
who place into Math 162 will automatically be moved into the Trigonometry test in order to determine the
level of their trigonometry skills. Please note that the Mathematics Department uses the most current
assessment for placement, students who place in a lower class will be required to take that course.
Additionally, once a student begins a Math sequence they are not eligible to test. For example, if a
student takes a Math course and fails, the student cannot take the Math Placement to move on to the
next course in the sequence. This test is for placement only, not for course credit.
Sample Questions: Some sample questions are online at: http://www.act.org/compass/
Length: The COMPASS tests are untimed so students can work at their own pace. Generally students
complete each test in 1 hour (approximately 3 hours for three placement tests).
Cost: There is a $3.00 fee per COMPASS test. Cash or Check Only. Exact change is preferred.
Where: Testing Center, 1634 University Blvd NE, Continuing Education- South Bldg room 226.
When: For the Spring semester Compass testing is offered November thru January. For Summer/Fall
semester Compass testing is offered May thru August. Please call the Testing Center at 277-5346 for
specific Compass testing dates. No appointment necessary (walk-in). Testing hours are Monday-Friday
from 8am- 3pm. Some exceptions may apply based on availability and/or staffing. Picture identification
is required at the time of testing.
Results: Results with placement recommendations will be available upon completion of the test.
Retesting: The computer adaptive nature of the COMPASS exams generally provides an accurate
measure of a student’s ability. However, a student may re-take the COMPASS one time if the student felt
that factors other than ability hindered performance (i.e. illness, did not understand directions, etc.).
Students requesting a re-test must contact the particular department to obtain re-test authorization.
Please ask test center staff for details.
* Additional Writing test information. If you have taken or are currently taking English 100 you cannot retest. However, if you have not taken English 100 you may re-test once per semester.
**Additional Math test information. Personal calculators are not allowed. However, an onscreen
calculator (basic and scientific) will be provided from within the exam.
*** Additional Trigonometry test information. Students who place into Math 162 via a score of 28 or
higher on the mathematics portion of the ACT or a score of 630 or higher on the Mathematics portion of
the SAT may take the Trigonometry test which enables students to place out of Math 123 Trigonometry
(Math 123 is a prerequisite for Math 162). Students who place out of Math 123 do not receive credit; they
simply do not have to take the class.
For additional information contact the Testing Center at 277-5346.