Current Testing Calendar (pdf)
COMPASS Study Guide Information
The Assessment Center located in the lower level, Room L912, is responsible for administering placement tests for the college. All new students are tested in English or English as a second language, reading, and mathematics on standardized computer adaptive placement tests. In addition, students complete a writing sample. Students who qualify for financial aid who do not have a high school diploma or GED certificate may meet the ability-to-benefit requirements to receive financial aid by achieving a minimum score on the English, reading and mathematics tests. Test results determine the level at which students begin their studies. On the basis of the results, students may be placed in college credit, developmental and/or non-credit (pre-credit) classes. Students are allowed to retake the English placement test after one year or consent of the communication department chairperson, and after three months for the math or the consent of the math department chairperson, and after one semester for the COMPASS ESL test.
You may come in to take your test(s) during the following times:
The following is a list of tests given in the center and the population who might take those tests:
| Test | Population |
| COMPASS | This computer adaptive test, which includes reading, writing and math is given to all native speaking students entering the college. It is also used with students entering occupational skills programs in the Technical Center. The Nursing Program used the reading test as an entrance requirement. |
| This test is a computer adaptive test used with non-native speakers for assessing placement in the credit program. | |
| CELSA |
The CELSA test is used with non-native speakers for assessing placement in the credit program. This is a paper and pencil test. The CELSA test is used primarily with Adult Education students for pre and post testing of their English level. |
| ASSET | This is a paper and pencil test for native speakers of English to determine their English placement. |
| Ability to Benefit | This test is given to those students who do not have a high school diploma or GED certificate. It is used to assess whether the student would benefit from taking college courses. In order for a student to qualify for financial aid under the ability to benefit guidelines, they must meet certain placement cut-offs. |
| TABE |
This test is a general test given to: Continuing Education students trying to enter the CNA program; Middle College students (they will use a different form); Adult Education GED students; |
| HESI | Testing for the Nursing Program. |
| CDL tests | Students at any City College taking any Center for Distance Learning course may take course exams in our assessment center. |
The Assessment Center also offers test proctoring, for a fee, to other schools nationally.
Contact Emmanuel Esperanza, Jr., eesperanza@ccc.edu, for more information.
To call the Assessment Center dial 773-907-4834 or 773-907-4889
