What is a placement test?

A placement test in reading/writing and one in math is required before beginning classes. The COMPASS placement test will assess your ability in reading and writing. The Virginia Placement Test (VPT) will assess your ability in math. Both the COMPASS and VPT are comprehensive, computer-adaptive and diagnostic tests that are designed to help place students into appropriate courses needed to ensure student success.

Who must take these tests?

The tests are required of all new students who plan to:

• seek a degree or certificate,
• students who plan to receive financial aid,
• high school students who plan to take dual credit courses while in high school,
• enter the first semester of courses that have mathematics or English as a pre-requisite (this may include transfer students from other colleges or universities who do not have documented credit in either college level mathematics or English. A college counselor will talk to you about your college transcripts.)

What if I have been to another college or university?

If you have been to another college or university and completed a BA or BS degree you are exempt from placement testing.  If you have been to another college or university and have completed college level Math and/or English courses with a grade of C or above, you may be exempt from testing.  You must provide your college transcripts (unofficial copy) or test information (SAT or ACT) as documentation for a waiver of the placement test requirement.

How will placement testing help me?

The college placement tests will help you to identify your skill levels in English and Math. This information will assist you in the selection of courses in which you are likely to succeed.

How can I prepare for this test?

You can prepare for the placement tests by visiting the following websites:

COMPASS – Review the study guide at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

Virginia Placement Test

• Review the content of developmental math modules at http://www.vccs.edu/deved. 
• There is a practice test available, instructions on how to take the practice test can be found here. 
• Practice Questions and Answers
• Resources for Preparation

What should I bring?

Bring a pencil or pen and any four-function, scientific calculator, EXCEPT as specified below:

The following types of calculators are NOT PERMITTED:

• pocket organizers
• graphing calculators
• handheld or laptop computers
• electronic writing pads or pen-input devices
• models with a QWERTY (typewriter) keypad (although calculators with letters on the keys are permitted as long as the keys are not arranged in QWERTY format)
• models with built-in capability to simplify algebraic expressions, multiply polynomials, or factor polynomials (often called Computer Algebra Systems), for example, CFX-9970G, TI-89, and TI-92

How long does the test take?

THE TEST IS NOT TIMED. On the average, each test takes approximately 1½ hours (but it may take a little longer). You are allowed and encouraged to take a break in-between tests to ensure that you do your best work.

Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes, students may contact the student development office to schedule an appointment for testing.

• Glenns Campus (804) 758-6730 or (800) 836-9381
• Warsaw Campus (804) 333-6730 or (800) 836-9379
• King George site (540) 775-0087

What does it cost?

The combined total cost for both placement tests is $5.00.

How long does it take to find out how I did on the test?

Both the COMPASS and VPT are computerized tests and the results are instant. Upon completion of the tests you will be given a copy of the test results and will meet with a counselor to discuss the results and course placement.

How long are my test results valid?

The Virginia Community College System policy states that the VPT results are valid for two years.

I’ve taken the math portion of the COMPASS test before but didn’t enroll in a math class. Do I have to re-test and take the VPT?

If you took the math portion of the COMPASS placement test in Spring 2009 or later, your score is valid and you do not need to re-test. See a counselor for course placement.

If you took the math portion of the COMPASS placement test before Spring 2009, you must re-test and take the VPT.

I’ve taken the math portion of the COMPASS test for Dual-enrollment classes at my high school. Do I have to re-test and take the VPT?

If you took a college math class while you were a dual enrolled high school student you do not need to take the VPT.

If you did not take a college level math class while you were a dual enrolled high school student you must take the VPT.

I did not graduate from high school and don’t have a GED. What placement tests do I have to take?

You must take all three parts of COMPASS test to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You may also need to take the VPT. Due to the length of the tests, it is strongly recommended that you take the VPT on a different day.

RETEST POLICY: 

A re-test may be given one time and one time only for $5.00, IF –

• There were mitigating circumstances that prevented the student from appropriately completing the test (this circumstance must be discussed with the college counselor).

NOTE:  Students who test and do not enroll within two years must retest unless there is documentation that the student has attended another college or university