Assessment and Placement FAQ

• Can I retest?
• Do I need to take COMPASS?
• I need to take COMPASS. What do I do?
• Should I review before taking COMPASS?
• What are the score ranges for the COMPASS test?
• What is COMPASS?
• What should I bring to the COMPASS session?

Can I retest?

You may be able to retest under the new retest policy.

Back to top

Do I need to take COMPASS?

• Yes, if you haven’t taken the ACT or if your ACT scores are below 18 in English, 20 in Reading, and 22* in Math
(*19-21 may be sufficient for certain Math classes).
• No, if credit has been earned in college-level courses in Math, English and Reading

** Please note: Your scores are evaluated individually. You may not have to test in all 3 subject areas. Example: If your ACT test scores are a 17 in English, a 19 in Reading, and a 23 in Math, you would only need to take the COMPASS test in English and Reading.

Back to top

I need to take COMPASS. What do I do?

You must complete the application process and have obtained a student identification number prior to taking the COMPASS.

• Orientation is recommended before you take the COMPASS.
• You must complete the COMPASS prior to registration
• Call 270-831-9607 to speak with a Success Coach or 270-831-9772 to speak with the Testing Coordinator to schedule COMPASS.

Back to top

Should I review before taking COMPASS?

• Yes. COMPASS will assess your current skill level, but it is important to be familiar with the type of questions that will be asked. These online sites may be helpful.

Back to top

What are the score ranges for the COMPASS test?

English (Writing)
74-100 Enroll in ENG 101
39-73 Enroll in ENC 91
26-38 Enroll in ENC 90
0-20 Enroll in ENC 90 with ENC 92 or Adult Basic Education located in the Start Center located on the second floor of the Sullivan Technology Center

Reading
Note: Other course limitations apply unless exempt.
85-100 Exempt from taking RDG and CMS 185 (reading) courses
83-84 Enroll in CMS 185. Entry level courses may be taken if enrolled in CMS 185 concurrently
70-82 Enroll in RDG 30
49-69 Enroll in RDG 20 
0-40 Adult Basic Education located in the Start Center located on the second floor of the Sullivan Technology Center 

Mathematics
Note: If Pre-Algebra and Algebra scores are listed, refer to Algebra placement.

Algebra
50-99 MAT 150, MAT 155 or any course listed below
36-49 MAT 150 with MAT 100 or any course listed below
31-35 MAT 120, MAT 110, MAT 122, MAT 116, MAT 105
25-30 MAT 110, MAT 116, MAT 105 
16-30 MAT 065

Pre-Algebra (preal)
42-100 MAT 065 or course listed below
24-41 MAT 055
0-24 Adult Basic Education located in the Start Center located on the second floor of the Sullivan Technology Center 

If Using ACT:
English= 18 or higher enroll in ENG 101
Reading= 20 or higher exempt from taking RDG and CMS 185 courses
Math= 19-21 is eligible for MAT 120, MAT 110, or MAT 150 with MAT 100
22 or higher is eligible for MAT 150 or any course below MAT 150

Back to top

What is COMPASS?

• A computerized, untimed, multiple choice assessment in English, math, and reading used to determine the courses in which you are required to enroll. COMPASS should be taken seriously as it will determine the course and sequence of classes that must be taken.
• Mandatory Placement: To benefit students, KCTCS initiated a mandatory placement policy which requires students to enroll in courses indicated by your COMPASS scores

Back to top

What should I bring to the COMPASS session?

• Required Identification
You must present an acceptable photo ID before you will be permitted to test. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, school I.D, military I.D., health department I.D., or current passport.

• Calculator—if you wish. There is a calculator provided. You may NOT use calculators such as CFX 9970G, TI-89 or TI-92.

Back to top