Compass Placement Testing

Please read the following information before scheduling an appointment for placement testing online. Follow the link at the bottom of the page or Click here to use our online scheduling service. View or print step-by-step instructions or watch a short video tutorial here.

Purpose of Assessment

Skills Assessment is required as part of the entrance process into Maryland colleges. Assessment is a process to help identify your current skills in writing, reading, and mathematics. It is not a test that you pass or fail. Placement testing provides information necessary to make the best decision about the initial courses that you need to begin your college career. Our goal is to place you into the courses in which you will be most successful. Based on your test results, you may be placed in preparatory courses to help you build the foundational skills that are needed for success at the college level.

You must take the Placement Assessment:

• if you are seeking a degree or certificate
• if you are a student attempting your first college level English composition or math course or are enrolled in a course that has a math or English prerequisite

You are exempt:

1. From all placement assessments if you already have a college degree. However, if you are enrolled in a program that requires mathematics, you are encouraged to take the mathematics assessment
2. From all placement assessments if you are enrolled at another college or university and are taking HCC courses to transfer to that institution. Proof of current enrollment at your home institution is required (valid college ID, copy of grades, or letter from college official) at the time of registration
3. From the math placement assessment if you have an SAT math score of 550 or better, or an ACT
4. From the reading and writing placement assessments if you have an SAT Critical Reading score of 550 or better, or ACT English score of 21 or better,* or if you have passed a college level English course

*If your exemption (partial or total) is based on your SAT or ACT scores, you must forward your test results to the Office of Admission, Records & Registration before registering for courses.  If your test scores are older than five years, you must take the placement assessment.

+If your exemption is based on successful completion of a college level math or English composition course, official college transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admission, Records & Registration. 

Doing your best on the Skills Assessment

• Have a positive attitude.
• Brush up on your skills by using textbooks or Web-based tutorials.
• Allow at least three hours to take your Skills Assessment. If you are rushed, you cannot do your best. You may also consider taking the assessment in parts.
• Read all of the directions, answer each question, and check your answers carefully.

For more information click the links below:

Academic Skills Assessment brochure (pdf)

Introduction to COMPASS Placement Video (sreencast)

 Skills Assessment scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of assessment at Hagerstown Community College.

Retaking the Placement Tests

Students may retake one part or all of the placement assessment once within two years from the date of their original test. Students who have begun and English or mathematics course at HCC are not eligible to retake the placement assessments.

In accordance with COMPASS testing policy, a student may retest once only if one or more of the following is applicable:

1. performance on the placement assessment was influenced by factors others than the test taker’s ability
2. a significant change in the examinee’s skill level has occurred

There is a $15 retest fee payable to the Finance office which must be satisfied prior to testing. (Please note that candidates whose test is scheduled for a Saturday should arrange to pay their fee ahead of time as the Finance Office is not open on Saturday.)

Schedule a test online

Step-by-step instructions for scheduling

Online Scheduling Video Tutorial (screencast)