COMPASS
Orientation
National Park Community College
The Testing Center
Room 217, Campus Center
501.760.4376
What is the COMPASS?
COMPASS (Computer-adaptive Placement
Assessment and Support Systems) is a
computerized testing program from ACT,
designed to find out your skill levels and place
you into the best courses that can help you
reach your academic goals.
Before I Test…
O Know Testing Center Hours
O
The Testing Center 501.760.4376
O
Second Floor, Room 217, Gerald Fisher Campus Center
O Brush-up on Skills
O
Online and face-to-face tutoring are available
O
Contact NPCC Career Services at 501.760.4243
O Bring valid photo ID to take your test and know your
social security number.
Check-in Process
O Greet the Testing Center staff person at the
front desk who will instruct you on the
check-in process
O Have your photo ID available and make sure
your cell phone is completely turned off.
O Scratch paper, pencil, and calculator will be
provided
O You will be escorted to a testing computer
Important to Note!
O The COMPASS test is available every day the
Testing Center is open.
O No appointment is necessary.
O You may take the entire exam at one time or you
may take one section at a time. For example,
you may take the Math on one day, the Reading
on another day, and the Writing at another time.
O The test is untimed, so you may take breaks at
any time you need, in between each exam or
even during the exam.
Starting the Test
COMPASS Introduction
Demographics
Things to Know:
O COMPASS testing is on the computer
O The mouse is used to answer the questions
O Be sure to read the BLUE, on-screen
directions carefully
O Use the HELP button on the top right, at any
time during the test, for additional
assistance
Testing Accommodations:
O Test is self-paced, work at your own speed
O Scratch paper and pencil provided
O Multiple choice questions only
O Calculator available on the computer
Review Practice or
Begin Testing
What will be on the Test?
1)Reading
2)Writing
3)Math
Reading Placement
O Answer multiple-choice questions about a
passage
O One side of the screen has the passage and
the other side has the question with the
answer choices
O Targets the areas of reading comprehension
and vocabulary
Reading Tutorial
Reading Sample
Writing Placement
O Find and correct errors in essays
O Answer questions about essay after editing
O Apply knowledge of punctuation, basic
grammar, and sentence structure
O Apply skills in organization, style, and
strategy
Writing Message
Writing Tutorial
Writing Reminder
Writing Sample
Math Placement
O Work problems in areas from basic
operations and pre-algebra to college
algebra and geometry
O Answer multiple-choice questions
O A calculator is available on the
computer
Math Tutorial
Math Sample
How Many Questions?
 The number of possible questions is unlimited.
 The COMPASS test is a progressive computer-
adaptive test.
 The computer program will automatically adjust
the level of difficulty of the next question based
upon the answers given on the current question
until it is able to determine a placement score.
How Much Time Is Allowed?
 The COMPASS is not timed.
 Each test section usually takes about 30 to
45 minutes to complete.
 Most people finish within 2 ½ to 3 hours.
 If you need to stop testing before finishing,
your test can be saved to be finished at a
later time.
Test Scores
 A copy of your score report will print
automatically as soon as you finish.
 A Testing Center Staff member will
review these scores with you.
Academic Advisors
O Once you have completed your COMPASS exam,
you will need to schedule an appointment with an
Academic Advisor.
O The Advising office is located on the 2nd floor of
the Fisher Campus Center Building down the hall
from the Testing Center.
Understanding the Scores
O This is not a pass/fail test; however minimum scores
are required.
O Depending on your score, you may be required to
attend tutoring to brush up on your
reading/writing/math skills before retaking the
COMPASS test.
O Depending on your score, it may also be necessary to
take some Basic Studies courses before you can
enroll in college-level courses.
Basic Studies Courses
 Foundations of Reading and Writing
 Composition1 + EE = Accelerated
Learning Program
 Speed Reading
 Foundations of College Math
 Foundations of Technical Math
Scoring Minimums
COMPASS Scores
Courses Required
Writing:
48 or Below
Alternative Placement
49-66
Foundations of Reading and Writing
67-77
Composition 1 + EE = Accelerated Learning Program
78-100
Composition 1
69 or Below
Alternative Placement
70-76
Foundations of Reading and Writing
77-82
Speed Reading
83-100
No Reading Required
Reading:
Scoring Minimums
COMPASS Scores
Courses Required
Math:
Pre-Algebra:
28 or Below
And up
Algebra:
20 or Below
21 up
42 - 100
College Algebra:
0-100
Fundamentals of College Math 1A
Foundations of Technical Math
Technical Math
College Algebra or Math for General Education
College Algebra
Retaking the COMPASS
 You may retake all sections or just one
particular section to improve your scores
after tutoring.
 NPCC will always use the highest test score
of each section to determine your course
placement.
Want to Brush Up ?
 www.algebrahelp.com and www.math.com are
great for math!
 www.chompchomp.com is good to review writing
skills!
 www.testprepreview.com has lots of reading,
math, and writing practice problems!
 To see more test samples:
www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
Don’t Forget…!
O Your photo ID!
O Know your social security number!
O Get plenty of rest!
O Read all the directions and each question
carefully!
O Concentrate so you can do your best!
Questions?
If you have any questions,
ask our staff or please call
The Testing Center at 501.760.4376.
Thank you and Welcome to
National Park Community College!