COMPASS Information and
COMPASS Scheduling
There is a $20 fee to take COMPASSTM 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.
COMPASSTM Resources
Placement Guides
COMPASSTM Preparation
To familiarize yourself with the types of items included on COMPASSTM, click on the link below to review and work through items similar to those found on COMPASSTM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COMPASSTM?
COMPASSTM 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. COMPASSTM scores indicate academic areas where you are strong, as well as academic areas where you are not as strong.
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COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM Assessment, Scores and Requirements.
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Is COMPASSTM required for everyone?
COMPASSTM testing may not be required if you have previously completed a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree (please refer program admission requirements, 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
* COMPASSTM
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But I have no computer experience.
COMPASSTM 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. COMPASSTM is not timed, so you can relax!
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Where can I take COMPASSTM?
The COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM Assessment at the location nearest to you, please select Schedule COMPASSTM Assessment.
If you are applying to Chippewa Valley Technical College from another area of Wisconsin, you may be able to meet the COMPASSTM requirement by testing at another technical college. Call the college nearest to you and inquire if they provide COMPASSTM 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?
COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM to determine your level.
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What will I be tested on?
Before beginning COMPASSTM, 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 COMPASSTM Assessments, Scores and Requirements.
In COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM, select COMPASSTM Study Guide or COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM?
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 COMPASSTM. 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 COMPASSTM:
* Relax! The COMPASSTM 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 COMPASSTM.
* Ask questions if you do not understand the process for COMPASSTM. 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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