COMPASS Exit Testing Information
Testing Schedule | Preparing for the COMPASS Test | Retesting Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes the exit test?
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) requires all students to meet required exit test scores before entering associate level courses in English and Math. Exit Testing is therefore required for degree-seeking students at the Math 0099, English 0098, and Reading 0098 levels who are currently passing these courses with an average of 70% or above. This requirement applies to students both in the classroom and online.
What does the exit test involve?
Math 0099, English 0098, and Reading 0098 students will be taking the COMPASS, a computerized adaptive testing system. If you score at a program-ready level, you will be qualified to move into degree-level course work in Math and/or English. Program-ready scores are:
• Algebra (MATH 0099) = 37
• Writing (ENGL 0098) = 62
• Reading (READ 0098) = 79
Where and when do students take the Exit test?
Several computer labs will be set aside for COMPASS exit testing at all CGTC locations during the last week of class. Online students can take the test at any CGTC location or must contact Hazel Struby, Dean of Instruction for Curriculum and Professional Development, at 478-757-3430 to arrange remote testing. All students taking the COMPASS test must present a CGTC or other photo ID and a permission form signed by the instructor in order for the exit test to be administered.
How long does the test take?
The COMPASS test is untimed. The test is adaptive, meaning it offers students a range in number and difficulty of questions, depending upon your responses. As a result, there will be some variance in how long the test lasts. The average completion time on the test is about 40 minutes.
How do I prepare for the test?
CGTC’s Academic Success Center (Macon Campus D-124, 757-3674) offers free tutoring assistance. Students can also take a COMPASS Diagnostic test, which closely resembles the exit test and provides detailed feedback on what areas to study.
COMPASS sample questions
http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
Chart Your Success on the COMPASS Test (Library Call Number: LB 3060.32 .C65 C34 2005) by Commander, Cotter and Callahan is a test preparation and study guide designed specifically for the COMPASS Test. Multiple copies are available for checkout from the Macon and Milledgeville Libraries and one in-house Reference copy is available for use at the Crawford Center.
Test-taking workshops. Look for notices posted throughout the Macon and Milledgeville campuses.
What happens if I do not pass the test?
If you do not test program ready on the first attempt* you are allowed a second taking during the add/drop period of the following term.
| *Please note: If you do not take the COMPASS during the scheduled exit exam testing period, you will be allowed only one testing during the following retest period. |
If you do not score at a program-ready level, you will be given a grade of IP (in progress) and may choose to either repeat the course or receive tutoring assistance through the Academic Success Center. Please see the CGTC catalog (Academic Information section) for retesting policies.