Placement Testing

About the Test

Most programs offered by WPCC require students to take all or part of a series of placement tests.  The purpose of placement testing is to determine the level at which a student is to begin his/her college course work.  The following is a description of the various parts of the test series.

Writing Skills
Students are required to read passages in which parts of sentences or whole sentences have been underlined and to determine if the underlined part is grammatically correct.  If not, the student is to choose the best alternative way of writing the underlined part. 

Reading Skills
Students are required to read a passage and answer questions about its main ideas, important details, ideas the author has suggested, but not stated directly, and about the meaning of words as used in the passage.

Numerical Skills/ Pre-Algebra
This mathematics test consists of questions in multiplication, division, subtraction, decimals, percentages, fractions, mixed numbers, and proportions.  Dollars and cents, prime factors, exponents, negative and positive numbers and word problems are also covered. 

Algebra Skills
This mathematics test consists of questions that require solving linear equations, linear inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, and equations with absolute value and radicals.  Students must also know how to graph equations in the xy-plane, use the distance formula, and factor polynomials.  Mastery of exponents, negative and positive numbers, square roots, < and >, and forming algebraic expressions from word problems must also be demonstrated. 

WPCC's Placement Test is given in two formats -

• COMPASS - computerized version, not timed, calculator allowed with all math portions.  Preferred format.
• ASSET - paper and pencil version, timed, 25 minutes/section.  Calculator allowed with algebra sections only.

Testing is by Appointment

• Submit your college application prior to scheduling a testing appointment.
• Call 448-6052 or 448-6046 to schedule an appointment for the next available test date.
• Seating is limited, so please call at your earliest opportunity to schedule your appointment.
• Check in at Student Services in Hildebrand Hall at least 30 minutes before test time.
• Present a photo ID.
• Allow 2-3 hours to complete the testing process.
• You will receive your test results at the conclusion of the test.

Special Test Accommodations:
Test accommodations are available to students with documented disabilities.  If you require special test accommodations as a result of your disability, you must arrange for these accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of your assigned test date.  Arrangements for special accommodations are made through the Office of Disability Access by calling 448-3153.

ASSET or COMPASS placement test, SAT, and ACT scores are not valid if more than seven years old as of the first day of the term the student plans to enroll.