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
- Prior to taking your math COMPASS test or to prepare for a retest, complete the pre-assessment at EdReady to determine your existing math readiness. Then use the customized study plan to accelerate your math success! EdReady Printable PDF
- Schedule your first appointment online. When you are ready to test, select an available date and time on the testing calendar. For more information on how to schedule an appointment or to schedule a retake session, contact the Assessment Center at 509-547-0511.
- Check out the following links for additional review materials:
Reading/Writing:
Math:
Sample Questions:
Items we provide:
Pencil, scratch paper and FX-260 calculator
Come prepared to do your best:
Students may only test two times within a 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.
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 Center at 509-547-0511 to schedule an appointment required for each testing session.
- Bring receipt of payment, valid photo identification, and arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to your testing appointment for check-in.
“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.”