WHO TAKES THE COMPASS EXAM?
Students whose first language is English, and non-native English speakers who read and write English fluently, are required to take the COMPASS placement test prior to enrolling in a degree or certificate program.
- Students with a college transcript showing successful completion of college level Math and/or English may not be required to take the COMPASS exam.
- Students who have taken the COMPASS exam at another college within the last two years may have their scores faxed from the originating institution to the Assessment Center at 425-739-8207.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COMPASS TEST?
COMPASS is a computer-based test, designed to assist advisors in placing students in the appropriate level of English and math courses for student success. Lake Washington Technical College offers English and math courses for many levels of placement.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE COMPASS TEST?
COMPASS is not a timed test and students cannot fail. Total testing time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (each section takes 20-30 minutes). An additional 30 minutes may be spent at the start of the exam answering questions regarding student's background and educational plans.
HOW DO I ARRANGE TO TAKE THE TEST AND WHAT WILL I NEED?
- No appointment is necessary; you may test on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday starting at 8:00am, with the last seating at 2:00pm by coming to room W204 on the second floor of the West building.
- You must have government-issued photo ID and an LWTC Student ID number to test (available in W201).
- No dictionaries or electronic devices are allowed in the testing room.
- Calculators, pencils and scratch paper are provided by Assessment Center; personal calculators, pens and pencils are not permitted.
- The test result is valid for up to two years.
WHAT SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE TEST?
- Reading: This is a comprehension test, in which the student reads text and answers related questions displayed on the screen.
- Writing: In this section the student edits text by finding and correcting grammatical and organizational errors in essays. When an error has been found, the student's selected revision will be inserted into the text.
- Math: The math section starts off with basic skills and gradually gets harder by including content from pre-algebra/numerical skills, algebra, college algebra, geometry, calculus and trigonometry.
- e-Write: Students may be advised to take the e-Write writing assessment if their COMPASS Writing scores fall within the Decision Zone (70-78) , or if advisors need additional assessment for English placement.
IS THERE A FEE FOR THE TEST?
- The COMPASS test is free of charge.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?
We strongly encourage you to prepare for the COMPASS test to improve scores, and to reduce the number of courses in Math and English required. Results are valid for two years from original test date at LWTC. Retests require advisor permission.
- COMPASS Orientations - Wednesdays @ 10am in room W204F
- January 16
- February 6 and 20
- March 5
- Sample questions are available online at samples. Please note that by using this link, you are exiting the LWTC Web site.
- Sample questions are also available in the Assessment Center in W204.
- Math preparation websites include:
AM I ALLOWED TO RETEST TO IMPROVE MY SCORES?
- Re-testing within the two-year period is allowed only under specific circumstances, with advisor permission.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY RESULTS?
- Results are available immediately upon completion of the test.
Assessment
