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Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED


In order to take the COMPASS/ESL Placement test you must have applied and received correspondence from the College letting you know you have been accepted.   

The COMPASS/ESL Placement test consists of three parts:  Writing, Mathematics and Reading.  The Testing Center provides a basic calculator for the Mathematics portion.  Testing is done on a walk-in basis an appointment is not necessary.  If you plan on taking the COMPASS Placement test, report 2-3 hours before closing.  Upon completion of testing you will be directed to see an advisor for an interpretation of results. 

COMPASS/ESL Placement Testing will not be administered two hours prior to closing and testing must be finished by closing time. A photo ID is required for testing.

What is COMPASS/ESL?

COMPASS/ESL is a computerized assessment in reading, writing, and math that is part of Columbus State's admissions and registration process. English as a Second Language (ESL) students will complete the computerized reading and grammar/usage components as well as a paper/pencil writing sample.  Placement testing helps to identify what classes you should schedule your first quarter. Our goal is to ensure that your classes are at the right level for you - not too easy and unchallenging and not so difficult that you would feel overwhelmed.  For more information, contact the Testing Center in Aquinas Hall, Room 002, (614) 287-2478.

 

Who needs to complete the COMPASS Assessment?

All students who plan to register for courses with reading, writing, or math prerequisites must complete the COMPASS/ESL assessment.

Exceptions:

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN NON-CREDIT, BASIC ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE COURSES, please contact the CSCC Language Institute for testing and course information.  The Language Institute is located in the Center for Workforce Development (WD), 315 Cleveland Avenue, Room 1090.  Basic English courses are for students who do not have a foundation of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

IF YOU HAVE TRANSFER CREDIT IN BOTH COLLEGE LEVEL ENGLISH AND MATH, please meet with an Advisor in Advising Services in  Aquinas Hall, Room 116 (614) 287-2668 for course selection and registration information.  You should contact all colleges you previously attended and have them forward an official copy of your transcript. 

IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY AND NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE WITH TESTING, call Disability Services at (614) 287-2570 (V/TDD). Note: COMPASS/ESL is NOT a timed test.  The ESL paper/pencil writing sample is timed.

Should I review for the test?

YES! Reviewing may enable you to bypass some courses and place into the highest level of courses in which you can be successful. This can also save you time and money.

COMPASS Assessment Sample Items

English as a Second Language (ESL) Assessment Sample Items

Note: Only the sample questions apply to the Testing Center.  Other information on the ACT site may not apply.

Resources for Math Review

When should I complete my COMPASS Assessment?

After you have applied to the college and received your acceptance letter. You don’t need an appointment, testing is walk-in basis only. A photo ID is required.

How long does the Assessment take?

The computerized assessment is not timed, so you can take as much time as you need.  ESL student have 45 minutes to complete the writing sample.  Most students take about two hours to complete all three sections of the assessment.  ESL students complete the math assessment at a later date.

When will I get my results?

If you completed a paper/pencil writing sample, your placement test results will be available in Advising Services one week after testing.  If you completed ONLY the computerized assessments, you will be given your test results following testing and entry of your scores into our student information system.  Your next step is to meet with an academic advisor in Advising Services, Aquinas Hall (AQ), Room 116, to review your test results and identify appropriate first quarter courses.

Can I take the COMPASS Assessment at one of the Off-Campus Centers?

YES!  COMPASS Placement testing is available at the following off-campus centers.  ESL testing must report to main campus. (call for location and hours):
 

Main Campus:   614-287-2478
Dublin Center:    614-761-2800
Westerville Center:     614-287-7000 or 614-287-7020

Note:  Academic Advisors are not available at all locations.  Please contact Advising and Counseling Services (614-287-2668) on main campus for first quarter advising options.

Note:  DISTANCE LEARNERS who do not live in the Columbus area should contact the Testing Center (1-800-621-6407, ext. 3602 or 2478) for information on placement testing at an alternative location.

Do I need computer skills?

You need only basic computer skills to complete this assessment.  It is a computerize assessment, so you will need to use a computer mouse.  The program is very user-friendly, but if you need assistance, staff is available to help.

Where should I park?

You should park in any of the STUDENT designated parking areas (campus map).  For a Temporary Parking pass, please go to Public Safety located in Union Hall 048.  Parking meters are also available.