COMPASS Information and
COMPASS Scheduling
There is a $20 fee to take COMPASS at CVTC.
Please pay at the cashier's window in Eau Claire (or in the front office at other campuses) and bring your receipt to the testing room.
COMPASS Resources
To familiarize yourself with the types of items included on COMPASS, click on the link below to review and work through items similar to those found on COMPASS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS is a series of basic skills assessments completed on a computer. Developed by American College Testing (ACT), COMPASS stands for COMputer-adapted Placement Assessment and Support Services. This assessment allows you and CVTC staff to work together to help you be successful. COMPASS scores indicate academic areas where you are strong, as well as academic areas where you are not as strong.
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COMPASS is an admission requirement for all of our Associate Degree and Technical Diploma programs here at Chippewa Valley Technical College. For many of our programs, your scores will be used for advisory purposes only: CVTC program counselors may use your scores to recommend beginning coursework or to help connect you with appropriate college services. For other programs, you are required to achieve a minimum score in one or more areas. You can find out the specific COMPASS requirement for the program you are interested in by visiting our on-line catalog, finding your program, and clicking on the 'Admissions Requirements' link or selecting COMPASS Assessment, Scores and Requirements.
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Is COMPASS required for everyone?
COMPASS testing is not required if you have previously completed a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree (documentation is required). Also, pre-entry testing is not required if you have taken one of the following tests and met the program required score.
* Asset test
* ACT
* SAT with composite of 400
* COMPASS
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But I have no computer experience.
COMPASS was designed for individuals with little or no computer experience. College staff will assist you in getting started. Once you type in some identifying information (name, address, etc.) you will simply use a few keyboard "keys" to select your responses. COMPASS is not timed, so you can relax!
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Where can I take COMPASS?
The COMPASS Assessment is administered at the following CVTC locations:
- Chippewa Falls Campus
- Eau Claire Business Center Campus
- Menomonie Campus
- Neillsville Campus
- River Falls Campus
To schedule an appointment for a COMPASS Assessment at the location nearest to you, please select Schedule COMPASS Assessment.
If you are applying to Chippewa Valley Technical College from another area of Wisconsin, you may be able to meet the COMPASS requirement by testing at another technical college. Call the college nearest to you and inquire if they provide COMPASS testing. If so, you may test at another location and send a copy of the print-out, including your scores, to our Admissions Office.
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How long will it take?
COMPASS is computer-adaptive testing, meaning that the computer will administer more or less items to you, depending on how you answered previous questions. Because everyone receives different numbers of items, it is difficult to predict how long it will take. You can expect it to last somewhere between 1.5 - 2 hours. Most importantly, since COMPASS is not timed, you should not rush. Students who relax and take their time are typically more successful test-takers.
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Is it a difficult test?
What makes COMPASS unique is that it adapts to your abilities. Questions increase in difficulty depending on your skill level. You will not receive a large number of questions that are too difficult for you. You will receive just the right amount of items for COMPASS to determine your level.
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What will I be tested on?
Before beginning COMPASS, you need to decide what CVTC program you are interested in. The program you are applying to will determine which subjects you will be tested on. For more information regarding program assessment tests, visit COMPASS Assessments, Scores and Requirements.
In COMPASS math, you will be asked to select a correct answer from a list of choices. We will provide scratch paper and a calculator. For most CVTC programs, we are interested only in your pre-algebra (basic math) skills. Testing for some programs will include an assessment of your algebra skills, also. (Programs which include algebra are Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (HVAC), Civil Engineering, Electromechanical, Fire Medic, Paralegal and the University Transfer Program.)
The reading section assesses your reading comprehension, also in a multiple-choice format.
The writing section asks the tester to edit a passage of text that has a variety of 'problems' related to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
For more information about what to expect on COMPASS, select COMPASS Study Guide or COMPASS Test Prep Review.
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When will I find out my scores?
Immediately after testing, you will be provided with a print-out showing your scores. A CVTC staff person will review this with you.
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What if I don't do very well?
For some CVTC programs, specific scores on COMPASS are required to move forward in the admissions process. For other programs, we have set recommended scores that we hope you will achieve. Students who fail to meet the required score will have the option of re-testing one time. If the score is recommended, the counselor may encourage CVTC support services, advise you on beginning coursework, and help you understand how to best be successful once you enter classes.
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Do I need to prepare before taking COMPASS?
Our pre-entry testing is designed to assess your current skills, in order to determine your readiness for CVTC classes. It is recommended to study before taking COMPASS. However, staff in all of our CVTC Learning Centers would be happy to help you brush up, if you have been out of school for awhile or feel 'rusty' in one or more areas. All Learning Center services are free! Call the Center most convenient to you for their schedule:
Eau Claire: (715) 833-6400 or 1-800-547-2882, ext. 6400
Chippewa Falls: (715) 723-0261 or 1-800-511-9095
Menomonie: (715) 232-2843 or 1-800-622-5011
River Falls (715) 425-3301 or 1-800-480-0997
Neillsville: (715) 743-3965
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Tips for taking COMPASS:
* Relax! The COMPASS tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Once you identify your academic strengths and needs you can select the right courses and get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills.
* Pace yourself! Test questions increase in difficulty, and there is no time limit for COMPASS.
* Ask questions if you do not understand the process for COMPASS. CVTC staff are available to help you.
* Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
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Assessment Center Phone Numbers
Eau Claire: 833-6346 or 1-800-547-2882 ext. 6346
Chippewa Falls: 723-0261 or 1-800-511-9095
Menomonie: 232-2685 or 1-800-622-5011
River Falls: 425-3301 or 1-800-480-0997
Neillsville: 743-3965 or 1-800-547-2882 Ext. 4320
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