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Placement Test
The primary placement test for Athens Technical College is COMPASS, a nationally recognized exam from ACT, Inc., that is used by many two and four-year colleges and universities. It is an untimed, computerized test that measures basic writing, reading, and math (pre-algebra and algebra) skills. Use of a calculator, which will be furnished for the test, is permitted on the math portion of COMPASS. To process an application, the admissions office must have both a pre-algebra and an algebra COMPASS score from an applicant, or equivalent scores on another approved test.
In certain instances, such as to test large groups of students in high schools, we may use the ASSET placement test instead. The ASSET is a paper-pencil assessment that is timed, and it does not permit use of a calculator on the numerical skills portion of the test. However, a calculator is permitted on the elementary algebra portion of the test, and it will be provided at the appropriate time during the test.
The results of the placement test indicate whether or not an applicant is ready to enter credit classes or if they instead need to strengthen their basic skills in writing, reading, or math through learning support classes before they attempt credit classes. Any applicant who submits official transcripts with evidence of prior English and math courses at the college level may not be required to take the placement test. Learning support classes taken at another institution are not transferrable to Athens Technical College.