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Program Placement Testing Scope and Guidelines
Placement tests are used to assist instructors and students in determining academic skills levels. Results are used to guide students in making appropriate program choices, to screen students for particular programs, and to determine which students need to improve basic academic skills through Developmental Education.
An applicant may repeat the placement test within 15 calendar days (prior to enrollment); however, there is a 30-calendar day waiting period for the ASSET if only one form is administered. Additionally, applicants may be limited by the number of times a placement test may be retaken prior to program admission/enrollment.
Transfer applicants whose official transcripts prove the successful completion (minimum of C) in required college level transferable general education courses are exempt from taking the placement exam, unless otherwise required for program entry by an accrediting agency; i.e., Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.
Who Must Placement Test
All applicants who are pursuing a credential, i.e. Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Technical Diploma (TD), or Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS), are required to take a placement test unless otherwise exempt due to transfer. Placement scores accepted by Louisiana Technical College are: ACT, SAT, ASSET, and COMPASS taken within the last 3 years.
Non-degree seeking students pursing general education courses that require specific academic competencies are required to take a placement exam, have appropriate scores, or have approved transfer credit.
Entrance Placement Score Requirements
The recommended and required placement scores are included in the Program Description section of the Catalog. Students who do not meet the required placement score for AAS, TD, or CTS programs must enroll in Developmental (English, Math and and/or Reading) Education.
All students enrolling in an AAS Degree program must achieve the required score levels for the associate degree on the placement exam and/or successfully complete all developmental studies courses in order to take the general education courses for the AAS Degree. Should the student not be able to attain these skill levels, he/she can exit with a Technical Diploma.
Some programs require placement scores prior to program entry. These include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Clinical Lab Technician, and Surgical Lab Technology. Applicants to the Practical Nursing Program with deficient scores are placed in either Developmental Education or Pre-Allied Health, depending upon the score levels achieved.
Coursework for students enrolling in Louisiana Technical College with transfer credit from other higher educational institutions will be evaluated to determine placement in LTC courses.
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PLEASE PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
After signing onto the COMPASS program, you will be asked several demographic questions. Answer these to the best of your knowledge. These questions WILL NOT alter the results of the exam.
- Read all the questions first, then the passage.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to start the test.
- Carefully read all instructions prior to starting a test.
- The writing part of the test is multiple choice.
- The COMPASS Mathematics section uses "adaptive technology." The better you do, the more difficult the problems become.
- There is no reason to RUSH, there is no time limit.
- GO SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY!
- Follow the instructions exactly as written, you will not be able to go on to the next question until you have answered the one you are working on.
- For COMPASS Mathematics, a button appears at the top of the screen to allow you to access a simple calculator.
- Graphic calculators are not allowed.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR TEST TAKING PERFORMANCE
WHAT IS COMPASS?
COMPASS is a comprehensive, computerized skills survey system that measures your:
- *Reading Skills
- *Writing Skills
- *Mathematics Skills
- COMPASS is not a pass/fail test
- COMPASS tests are given on a computer. The system is very user friendly and computer skills are not required.
- COMPASS is not timed, you have as much time as you need to complete the Placement Tests. Total time varies for each student, but you should allow approximately one hour for each scheduled exam.
- COMPASS is adaptive, most students will see test questions become more or less difficult based on previously answered questions.
WHAT ARE COMPASS SCORES USED FOR?
COMPASS scores determine your placement in:
- *Developmental Courses
- *College Level Courses
WHY IS COMPASS IMPORTANT?
COMPASS will not only give you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge level and academic skills, but your performance on the test could determine your placement in either developmental or college level courses.
WHEN CAN I TAKE THE COMPASS?
The test is usually administered at least weekly but you should call for an appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the your local campus.
SCHEDULING THE TEST
The test takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. You should not rush. You will score higher on the test when you do not rush.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Students must bring a paid receipt and current identification with picture (Drivers License, State I.D., or Social Security Card)
CAN I STUDY FOR THE COMPASS?
ABSOLUTELY, practice tests are available on the internet at www.act.org/compass You may also study for the test on campus if space is available.
IS THE COMPASS TEST TIMED?
NO, the COMPASS test is not timed.
IMPORTANT FACTS TO REMEMBER
- Take your time!
- Read all directions carefully and completely!
- Ask the proctor if you have any questions!
- Paying close attention to details is essential!
- It may take the computer a moment to process your data, wait for the computer to respond!
- Do not click or press enter multiple times!
- Please do not trash the computer!
YOU MUST PAY THE TESTING AND APPLICATION FEE PRIOR TO THE TESTING DATE
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Cost:
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Testing Fee = $15 (or $5 per part)
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Application Fee = $5
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TOTAL = $20
FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!
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