We want you to be successful at Columbia Basin College. Placement testing helps determine your readiness to enter college coursework. COMPASS is our primary placement tool but ASSET is also accepted at CBC for course placement. These tests are also used to qualify students for the Running Start program. The results are used to assist advisors and students in selecting appropriate courses.
Before you test:
- Apply to the College
- Scheduled testing appointments are available. Check the testing calendar about two weeks before you would like to test for dates and times. For more information or to schedule a testing session requiring an appointment, call 509-542-4860.
- Check out the following links to review what to expect:
Reading/Writing:
Math:
Sample Questions:
- Come prepared to do your best. Students may only test two times per calendar year. While the placement test is not pass/fail, it is in your best interest to do your best. It is important that you are placed in classes appropriate for your skill level.
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Keep in mind that you have a limited time in which you may use your test scores. You must register for your math class within one year of testing. You must register for classes with reading or writing scores within two years of testing. After that time, you will need to take your placement test again.
Who needs to take the placement test?
The placement test is required of all full-time students or of part-time students prior to enrolling in math or English classes. Students who have passed college-level English or math classes may submit an official transcript to Admissions for evaluation to waive the testing requirements. A CBC admissions application must be submitted prior to taking the COMPASS. The placement test provides placement information for math, reading, and English courses. The test takes approximately three hours.
Placement Test Procedures
To assist us in scheduling your placement test, please:
- Know your Student Identification Number (SID). If you are testing for the Running Start program or another college, you will use your Social Security number.
- Check testing schedule for offerings.
- Stop by or call the Assessment/Testing Center at 509-542-4860 to schedule an appointment required sessions.
- Pay an assessment fee of $21.50.
- Bring your receipt and photo identification with you to the testing session.
“If you have a disability and will require an accommodation for testing or in the classroom, please contact the CBC Resource Center located in the H Building, (509)542-4412, before scheduling the COMPASS Placement test.”