What should I know before testing?

It is recommended you complete an application for admission prior to testing. Placement testing is generally required of all students who apply for admission to a diploma or associate degree program. Students planning to enroll in EDU courses (excluding EDU 119) will be required to take or submit Reading and Writing placement scores prior to registering. The tests measure your skills in the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics. Your scores are used to appropriately place you into courses that will enable you to succeed.

What are the ASSET and COMPASS?

Stanly Community College offers two options for placement testing: ASSET and COMPASS.

The ASSET and COMPASS placement tests are a series of short tests by ACT, Inc. These tests are designed to identify academic strengths and needs so you can build a solid plan for success while attending SCC. They determine an applicant’s readiness relative to the academic requirements of his or her program of study.

ASSET: is a paper/pencil bubble-in format test. ASSET consists of five separate sections: Writing, Reading, Numerical, Elementary Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra. (The Intermediate Algebra section is only for those students considering transferring to a university requiring MAT 151 or MAT 171.) Each section has a 25-minute time limit. Unless otherwise indicated, test results will be available by noon following the day of the test.  At that time, a Counselor will meet with you to review your test results.  These results will be used to help you make good choices when you register for college classes.

ASSET is offered only a few times a year as an alternative to the computerized placement test.  Please consult the Placement Testing Calendar for upcoming ASSET test dates.  Contact Admissions at (704) 991-0226 to schedule a placement test.

COMPASS: is an untimed computerized test. COMPASS consists of sections including Writing, Reading, Prealgebra, and Algebra. Unless otherwise indicated, test results will be available immediately after completion of the test.  At that time, a Counselor will meet with you to review your test results.  These results will be used to help you make good choices when you register for college classes.

Do I need to take a placement test?

Yes, although under certain conditions, your test may be waived. Please refer to our Admissions Placement Test Policy for more information.

Can I take the placement test more than once?

Please refer to our Admissions Placement Test Policy for more information.

How do I prepare for the placement test?

Prior to taking ASSET or COMPASS, it is recommended that student applicants complete a practice placement test.  The purpose of the practice test is to provide a sampling of the types of questions found on the placement test and to help students identify specific academic areas that should be reviewed prior to taking ASSET or COMPASS. The placement test determines your placement in math and English courses so preparation is critical.

Practice Makes Perfect! More practice is available by clicking on the links below.  These links will open in a new browser and take you to websites that are not part of the SCC website.

Helpful websites:
COMPASS
www.math.com
www.chompchomp.com
www.hippocampus.org
www.compass-test-practice.com

Practice Sites:
http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/oaa/compass/index.asp
http://www.gsc.edu/academics/adadenrich/Is/CPE/Pages/default.aspx

What should I bring to the placement test?

Students are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled testing time. Valid picture identification must be presented at check-in to the test administrator. Calculators, pencils, and scratch paper will be provided during the testing session. Please be prepared to enter your social security number at the time of testing.

Cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are not permitted during testing (if device is needed for disability accommodations prior approval and documentation is required).

How long will the test take?

The length of time for testing depends on how many parts of the test you need and your testing pace.  Taking all four parts of the test takes on average 2-1/2 hours.

I have a disability, can I make special arrangements?

Please refer to our Admissions Placement Test Policy for more information.

How do I send scores from or to another college?

SCC can accept ASSET and COMPASS scores from another accredited college or authorized testing site if they are fewer than five years old.  SCC also accepts ACCUPLACER scores (except for Nursing and RAD programs) if they have been taken in the last five years.

To send scores from another college they must be received in a sealed envelope from the school to be considered, or must be faxed from the school on official letterhead.  Scores brought by students cannot be accepted as official and used for placement.

To send scores from SCC to another college you need to fill out a written request for placement test scores, or submit a written request including student’s full name, last four digits of social security number, where they would like scores sent, their signature, and the date of request.

How can I view my placement scores?

You can view your placement test results on line by logging into your SCC webadvisor account:

• Click on Log In.
• Enter your WebAdvisor user name and password to log in (For help with your user ID, click What’s My ID?)
• At the Main Menu, click on the Curriculum Students menu, and then click on the Test Summary link located in the Academic Profile section.
• A summary of your test scores will be displayed.