Assessment Testing for PlacemenT: Steps

Testing Steps Admission Test preparation Sample tests Fee Compass tests Day of test

1. Admission to TCC
   Gain acceptance to the college by submitting an Application for Admission. Student must be admitted to the college prior to taking the assessment test.
   Allow 48 hours for an application to be processed.
   

   Once you have submitted your Application for Admission, you can take the tests on any campus as early as two semesters before you plan to enroll at the college and up until the beginning of the semester in which you plan to attend.

   Early testing is a benefit to you.  You will be ready to enroll in classes when registration begins for any one semester and when the largest selection of classes is available. Testing in early spring is a great time for potential June graduates to take the placement tests.

   
   
2. Test preparation
   Review the sample test questions below or study the COMPASS Testing Sample Booklet available at any TCC campus.
   
   
3. Sample test questions
   

   Open and print PDF versions of each set of practice sample questions and answers for the COMPASS placement measures.

   • Reading
     
   • Writing
   • English as a Second Language Practice
     
   • Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra *
   • College Algebra/Geometry/Trigonometry *
   • More Pre-Algebra, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Practice *

   * Calculators? ONLY on-screen Windows calculators (Standard or Scientific view) are allowed during testing. These are the same as available on any PC.  Practice BEFORE you come for the test.
   
   

4. Pay fee
   Pay a $4.00 testing fee at any campus Business Office (Business Offices (hours) are not open on Saturday or immediately prior to all 6:00 p.m. tests.
   

5. COMPASS test on the computer

   • Ease of use. User friendly.
   • Your lab administrator will always be present to answer questions about the computer. 
     
   • Type in your name, student ID number, and other personal identification, at the beginning.
   • Type your birthdate in the following format:
     

Birthdate Example	Typed Format
April 1, 1960	04/01/1960
November 5, 1966	11/05/1966



• During the evaluation sessions, you can use the mouse to choose your answers, navigate through the test, and to select HELP or CALCULATOR. The HELP screen will show you keys that may be helpful.

Day of the test Testing Centers hours of operation Arrive at the Testing Center fifteen (15) minutes early for all tests. Limited seating available. Plan ahead. Present a photo ID and the receipt for $4.00 to the Assessment Lab Proctor. Make other arrangements for children and family so you can fully concentrate on the test. Allow at least three (3) hours to complete the Assessment Test. Assessment testing sessions will NOT be started any later than three hours before the posted closing time.

Note: Acrobat Reader is free software which you MUST have to open and read pdf files. If you do not have Acrobat Reader on your PC, you may download it quicklly by following the instructions at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html