COMPASS

In order to take the COMPASS/ESL Placement test you must have applied and been issued a Cougar Identification number.

The COMPASS/ESL Placement test consists of three parts: Writing, Mathematics and Reading. The Testing Center provides a basic calculator for the Mathematics portion; you do not need to bring your own. Testing is done on a walk-in basis; an appointment is not necessary. If you plan on taking the COMPASS Placement test, report at least 2-3 hours before closing. Upon completion of testing you will be directed to see an advisor for an interpretation of results.

• COMPASS/ESL Placement Testing will not be administered two hours prior to closing and testing must be finished by closing time.
• A valid photo ID is required for testing.

 

What is COMPASS/ESL?
Who needs to complete the COMPASS Assessment?
Resources to Help you Review
*Includes links to sample questions and math resources
When should I complete my COMPASS Assessment?
How long does the Assessment Take?
When will I get my results?
Can I take the COMPASS Assessment at one of the Regional Testing Centers?
Can I take the COMPASS Assessment if I live outside of central Ohio?
Can I request my COMPASS scores be sent to another College or University?
Do I need computer skills?
Where should I park? 
Information for the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) students taking COMPASS

 

What is COMPASS/ESL?
COMPASS/ESL is a computerized assessment in reading, writing, and math that is part of Columbus State's admissions and registration process. It is not a timed assessment, nor is it pass or fail.  English as a Second Language (ESL) students will complete the computerized reading and grammar/usage components as well as a timed paper/pencil writing sample. Placement testing helps to identify what classes you should schedule your first semester. Our goal is to ensure that your classes are at the right level for you - not too easy and unchallenging and not so difficult that you would feel overwhelmed.  For more information, contact the Testing Center in Aquinas Hall, Room 002, 614-287-2478. 
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Who needs to complete the COMPASS Assessment? All students who plan to register for courses with reading, writing, or math prerequisites must complete the COMPASS/ESL assessment.

Exceptions:
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN NON-CREDIT, BASIC ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE COURSES, please contact the CSCC Language Institute for testing and course information. The Language Institute is located in the Center for Workforce Development (WD), 315 Cleveland Avenue, Room 1090, Phone 614-287-5858. Basic English courses are for students who do not have a foundation of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

IF YOU HAVE TRANSFER CREDIT IN COLLEGE LEVEL ENGLISH AND/OR MATH, please meet with an Advisor in Advising Services. See Aquinas Hall, Room 116, 614-287-2668 for course selection and registration information. You should contact all colleges you previously attended and have them forward an official copy of your transcript.

IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY AND NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE WITH TESTING, contact Disability Services at 614-287-2570 (V/TDD).
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Should I review for the test? 
YES! Reviewing may enable you to bypass some courses and place into the highest level of courses in which you can be successful. This can also save you time and money.

COMPASS Assessment Sample Items
English as a Second Language (ESL) Assessment Sample Items
Resources for Math Review
Note: Only the sample questions apply to the Testing Center. Other information on the ACT site may not apply.
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When should I complete my COMPASS Assessment?
After you have applied to the college and been issued a Cougar ID number. You do not need to make an appointment; testing is walk-in basis only. Valid photo identification is required.
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How long does the Assessment take?
The computerized assessment is not timed, so you can take as much time as you need.  ESL students have 45 minutes to complete the writing sample, but the computerized section is not timed. Most students take about two hours to complete all three sections of the assessment. ESL students complete the math assessment at a later date with the approval of an advisor.
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When will I get my results?
If you are an ESL student and completed a paper/pencil writing sample, your placement test results will be available in Advising Services 3 business days after testing. If you completed ONLY the computerized assessments, you will be given your test results following testing and entry of your scores into our student information system. We will give you instructions for your next step after you receive your scores.

Delaware Campus students, meet with an advisor at Moeller Hall Room 101. More on Delaware Services.
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Can I take the COMPASS Assessment at one of the Regional Testing Centers?
YES!  COMPASS Placement testing is available at the following Regional Centers.  (call for location and hours):

Columbus Campus: 614-287-2478
Dublin Center: 614-761-2800
Gahanna Center: 614-287-2726
Westerville Center: 614-287-7000 or 614-287-7020
Delaware Campus: 740-203-8383

Note:Academic Advisors may not be available at all locations. Please contact Advising Services 614-287-2668 at the Columbus campus for first semester advising options.
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Can I take the COMPASS Placement if I live outside of central Ohio?

The COMPASS Placement test is offered remotely to students who live outside of Central Ohio. Remote COMPASS Placement testing is only offered to students planning to take classes at Columbus State Community College.  Students NOT planning to take classes at Columbus State should view ACT.org at http://www.act.org/compass/sites/index.html for alternate COMPASS testing locations. 

• Remote COMPASS placement testing is not available to ESL (English as a second language) students.

To take the remote COMPASS Placement test, students must have applied to the college, been accepted, and received a cougar identification number.

Click the link below to print the COMPASS Remote Site Registration form. (word document)

COMPASS Remote Site Registration form (.doc)

Complete the form and e-mail, fax or mail your request.  Please allow 5-7 business days for your request to be processed. You must include an e-mail address and contact phone number. 

E-mail: Compass@cscc.edu
Fax: 614-287-6096

If you agree to take a remote COMPASS Placement test, you will be responsible for any fees at the testing location and a photo ID is required.
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Can I request my COMPASS scores be sent to another College or University?
YES! If you took the COMPASS Placement Test at Columbus State Community College and will be transferring to another College or University, you can request to have your COMPASS scores faxed to that institution. If your COMPASS Placement Test was taken more than two years from the date of your request, the scores will not be sent.

Click the link below to print the COMPASS Placement Test Score Release Request form. (word document) 

COMPASS Score Release Request form (.doc)

Complete the form and e-mail, fax or mail your request.  Please allow 5-7 business days for your request to be processed. You must include an e-mail address and contact phone number. 

E-mail: Compass@cscc.edu
Fax: 614-287-6096

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Do I need computer skills?
You need only basic computer skills to complete this assessment. It is a computerized assessment, so you will need to use a computer mouse. The program is very user-friendly, but if you need assistance, staff is available to help.
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Where should I park?
You should park in any of the STUDENT designated parking areas (campus map). For a Temporary Parking pass, please go to the Testing Center and request one. Parking meters are also available at both the Columbus Campus and the Delaware Campus.