COMPASS Placement (by ACT) Tests

What Is COMPASS?

COMPASS is an untimed, computerized test that helps your college evaluate your skills and place you into appropriate courses. COMPASS offers tests in reading, writing, and math. COMPASS is offered at no-charge to those needing the test for admission purposes.

Visit COMPASS for additional information and sample test questions.

What students need to know and do prior to testing:

• Students must have an application on file in Admissions so scores can be entered into the system. This must be done before a student can test.

• The COMPASS test is not timed. It usually takes 1½ to 2 hours to complete.

• Non-programmable calculators are allowed. Two calculators are available on the computer. An approved calculator list can be found here.

• Test results are available immediately following the test.

• No cellular phones, pagers, timers, gum, candy, drinks, food, or tobacco products are allowed in the testing room.

• COMPASS scores are non-transferable to other colleges. 

What students should bring for testing:

1. A current valid picture identification (driver’s license, work or school ID, or passport).

2. A registration advising ticket from Admissions.

COMPASS Test Dates by Campus

Jackson Campus - Academic/Technical Center - 601.987.8153

Given each Monday(except open registration, spring break, between semesters or on holidays) by appointment only. Testing hours are  from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Plato Lab of Bivins Hall, Room 115.

Jackson Campus - Nursing/Allied Health Center - 601.376.4814

Given on Mondays (except during open registration, spring break, between semesters or on a holiday), the test will begin at 7:30 AM in Computer Lab #1 in Anderson Hall.

Rankin Campus - 601.936.1821

Tests are given each Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the Workforce Development Center located in the Administrative Building. Students must call the Workforce Development Center to make appointments.

Raymond Campus - 601.857.3216

The Compass test is administered in the Testing Center located in Denton Hall room 250. The testing schedule varies. Dates and times are listed below.

Utica Campus - 601.885.7020 (WFDC) 601.885.7042 (Ples McCadney)

Given Monday and Wednesday in room 120 of the Work Force Development Center from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM in Room 203 of Ples McCadney Building.

Vicksburg-Warren Campus - 601.629.6803

Given each Monday at 12:15 p.m. in Room 23 of the Annex Building during the college semester when school is in session. During June, July and August, Compass will be given on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. in room 23 in the Annex Building. Students must register for the Compass test in the Counseling office. Children are not allowed in the testing center.

Visit this Website for additional information and sample test questions. Click on these links for additional tutorials in COMPASS Writing & Reading and Mathematics.