ACT COMPASS Placement Testing 

See Academic Skills Center Homepage for Announcements and Closures.

"COMPASS provides measures of key skills useful for placing students into standard courses in the areas of writing, reading, and mathematics, and if needed, into English as a Second Language courses. The standard COMPASS placement measures, mathematics, reading, and writing, are designed to assist institutions in placing students into appropriate college-credit courses or developmental or preparation courses." (COMPASS Reference Manual, 2)

To learn more about this computerized test, please read through the information below:

• Acceptable Forms of Identification
• ACT COMPASS Preparation
• ACT COMPASS Testing Directions
• Calculator Usage
• Components of the Test
• Group Testing (Scheduled)
• GSD Coursework
• Individuals Required to Test
• Interpreting Score Report
• Receiving Score Report
• Remote Testing Options
• Retaking the Test
• Sending Scores to another Institution
• Special Accommodations
• Steps to Take the Test
• Testing at Local High Schools
• Testing Fees
• Testing Times and Locations
• Using Scores from another Institution

COMPASS Preparation

Multiple preparation options are available on the ACT COMPASS Preparation page.

Calculator Usage

Students may borrow a calculator or use their own; nothing more advanced than a TI-86 may be used for the ACT COMPASS test. Student testers also have the option of using the calculator that is built into the ACT COMPASS test.

Back to Top

Components of the Test

All new full-time students must complete the entire ACT COMPASS Placement Test prior to registering for classes. Other students may have to complete all or a portion of the test depending on which courses and programs of study they wish to pursue. An explanation of which ACT COMPASS tests students are required to take is listed below within the Individuals Required to Test section. The full test is composed of reading, writing, and math testing. Geometry is an additional placement test available for those students wishing to test out of certain math courses. To better help you prepare for this test, a breakdown of the components within each of these tests is provided below.

Reading

The ACT COMPASS reading test determines whether an examinee has the reading skills necessary to succeed in a standard entry-level college course or whether the examinee might benefit from a developmental, or remedial, reading course first. This test measures reading comprehension in terms of the tester's ability to refer and reason.

Referring Items

• Recognizing the explicitly stated main idea of a passage with more than one paragraph
• Recognizing the explicitly stated main idea of a paragraph
• Locating explicit information in a passage that answers the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how
• Recognizing sequential relationships
• Recognizing comparative relationships (greater than, less than, etc.)
• Recognizing explicit evidence presented in support of a claim
• Recognizing stated assumptions.

Reasoning Items

• Inferring the main idea of a passage with more than one paragraph
• Inferring the main idea of a paragraph
• Showing how details are related to the main idea
• Inferring sequence
• Inferring cause-and-effect relationships
• Inferring unstated assumptions
• Drawing conclusions from the facts given
• Making comparisons using stated information
• Making appropriate generalizations
• Recognizing logical fallacies
• Recognizing stereotypes
• Recognizing various points of view
• Recognizing the scope of application of hypotheses, explanations, or conclusions
• Judging the relevance and appropriate application of new information
• Identifying the structure of an argument
• Recognizing relevant distinctions
• Distinguishing between supported and unsupported claims
• Determining specific meanings of words or short phrases in the context of a passage
• Applying information from a passage to new situations

Back to Top

Writing

The ACT COMPASS writing test determines whether a student possesses the writing skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a typical entry-level college composition course. This test assesses a student’s abilities in the categories of usage/mechanics (punctuation, basic grammar and usage, sentence structure) and rhetorical skills (strategy, organization, style).

Usage/Mechanics

Usage/Mechanics items are directed at the surface-level characteristics of writing, as exemplified in three major subcategories:

1. Punctuation – Misplaced, omitted, or superfluous commas; colons; semicolons; dashes; parentheses; apostrophes; question marks; periods; and exclamation points
2. Basic Grammar and Usage – Agreement between subject and verb, pronoun and antecedent, and modifier and words modified; formation of verb tenses; pronoun case; formation of comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs; and idiomatic usage
3. Sentence Structure – Relationships between and among clauses, the management and placement of modifiers, and unnecessary shifts in construction

Rhetorical Skills

Items in this general category assess examinees' understanding of the purposes and methods of effective writing. The three major subcategories are:

1. Strategy – Appropriateness of expression in relation to audience and purpose; the effect of adding, revising, or deleting supporting material (e.g., strengthening compositions with appropriate supporting material); and the effective choice of opening, transitional, and closing sentences
2. Organization – Organization of ideas and the relevancy of statements in context (order, coherence, unity)
3. Style – Precision and appropriateness in the choice of words and images, rhetorically effective management of sentence elements, avoidance of ambiguous pronoun references, and economy in writing

Back to Top

Math

The ACT COMPASS math test is a self-adaptive test, which potentially tests students within four different levels of math including pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, and trigonometry. A student may select a starting point of pre-algebra, algebra, or college algebra depending on his perceived math ability. As the student answers questions, he may move into more difficult levels of math as he answers questions correctly. Similarly, if a student answers questions incorrectly, the computerized test will begin to ask questions from a lower level of math.

Pre-Algebra

• Basic operations with integers
• Basic operations with fractions
• Basic operations with decimals
• Exponents, square roots, and scientific notation
• Ratios and proportions
• Percentages
• Conversions between fractions and decimals
• Multiples and factors of integers
• Absolute values of numbers
• Averages (means, medians, and modes)
• Range
• Order concepts (greater/less than)
• Estimation skills
• Number theory
• Counting problems and simple probability

Algebra

• Elementary Algebra
  • Substituting values into algebraic expressions
  • Setting up equations for given situations
  • Basic operations with polynomials
  • Factoring of polynomials
  • Solving polynomial equations by factoring
  • Formula manipulation and field axioms
  • Linear equations in one variable (using integers, fractions, and decimals as coefficients)
  • Exponents and radicals
  • Linear inequalities in one variable
• Intermediate Algebra
  • Rational expressions
  • Exponents and radicals
  • Systems of linear equations in two variables
  • Quadratic formulas
  • Absolute value equations and inequalities
• Coordinate Geometry
  • Linear equations in two variables
  • Distance formulas in the plane
  • Graphing conics (circle, parabola, etc.)
  • Graphing parallel lines
  • Graphing perpendicular lines
  • Graphing relations in the plane
  • Graphing systems of equations and rational functions
  • Midpoint formula

College Algebra

• Functions
• Exponents
• Complex numbers
• Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series
• Factorials
• Matrices (basic operations, equations, and determinants)
• Systems of linear equations in three or more variables
• Logic and proof techniques
• Roots of polynomials

Geometry

• Triangles (perimeter, area, Pythagorean Theorem, etc.)
• Circles (perimeter, area, arcs, etc.)
• Angles (supplementary, complementary, adjacent, vertical, etc.)
• Rectangles (perimeter, area, etc.)
• Three-dimensional concepts
• Hybrid (composite) shapes
• Trapezoids
• Parallelograms
• Logic and proof techniques

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric functions and identities
• Right-triangle trigonometry
• Trigonometric equations and inequalities
• Graphs of trigonometric functions
• Special angles (multiples of 30 and 45 degrees)
• Polar coordinates

Back to Top

GSD Coursework

Placement into certain developmental classes will result in mandatory General Student Development (GSD) coursework.

College Preparation and Study Skills (GSD 085)

A student is required to take GSD 085 if he/she places into all of the following developmental classes:

• ENG 020 (College Reading) and
• ENG 098 (Fundamentals of English) and
• MATH 090 (College Arithmetic)

If a student wishes to appeal his placement into GSD 085, he or she must see the Counseling Department.

College Success (GSD 100)

A student is required to take GSD 100 if she places into all of the following developmental classes:

• ENG 021 (College Reading II) and
• ENG 099 (Fundamentals of Writing) and
• MATH 090 (College Arithmetic)

Back to Top

Individuals Required to Test

Below is a chart illustrating which individuals are required to complete all or a portion of the ACT COMPASS test prior to course registration.

* Please be aware that there are several other courses and programs that require particular English and math prerequisites and/or certain ACT COMPASS placement scores. A student is strongly encouraged to look at the prerequisites for each class using the JJC Catalog or speak directly with a counselor or adviser.

**Yes, if the student wishes to take a 100-level transfer-oriented math course and does not have a transcript showing one year of high school geometry with a "C" average or higher

Back to Top

Interpreting Score Report

Once a student has completed testing, he will receive a copy of his scores along with the ACT COMPASS Score Report Interpretation Guides listed below.

• English and Foreign Language - ACT COMPASS Score Report Interpretation Guide (PDF)
• Mathematics - ACT COMPASS Score Report Interpretation Guide (PDF)
• Joliet Junior College Sequence of Mathematics Courses (PDF)

Back to Top

Receiving Score Report

Students will receive their ACT COMPASS score report immediately upon completion of testing; this report will provide the student with scores and placement messages indicating the reading, writing, and math courses for which the student is eligible to register. Likewise, the student will be provided with the interpretation guides listed above. If a student loses his original copy, he may request that an additional score report be printed. Please be aware that the Academic Skills Center only keeps these reports for three years.

Back to Top

Remote Testing Options

ACT COMPASS Remote Testing allows students to complete their ACT COMPASS testing even if they are not in close geographic proximity to their school’s testing site. This international service is ideal for two particular types of students: the Traveling JJC Student and the Local Non-JJC Student.

The Traveling JJC Student – This individual wishes to be a JJC student but is temporarily not living in the Joliet, Illinois area. The student may be removed from the area because of military, family, or other reasons. If this student wishes to take the JJC ACT COMPASS test at a non-JJC location, she may email academicskillscenter@jjc.edu with the following information. The student will be contacted within two business days. Generally, this service generates a $25.00-$65.00 fee collected by the testing institution.

1. Full name (First name, middle initial, and last name)
2. JJC ID Number
3. Date of birth
4. Address, city, state, and zip code
5. Email address
6. Phone number with voicemail
7. Locate a COMPASS Internet Remote Testing Site where you would like to test.  Include the following information about this site in your email:
• Location name
• Location address including city, state, and zip code
• Location fee
• Please be aware that the COMPASS Internet Remote Testing Sites included in the link above are not always up-to-date.  If you would like to take your JJC ACT COMPASS test at a Remote Testing Site but do not see a close location on the list, please contact the Academic Skills Center Secretary at (815) 280-6667 and she will provide you with the most updated list of testing sites in your area.
8. Indicate whether you will be a full-time or part-time JJC student.

The Local Non-JJC Student – This individual lives in the Joliet, Illinois area but intends to attend a college or university elsewhere. If this student's institution requires COMPASS testing and she would like to conveniently complete this testing in Joliet, she should follow the steps listed below.

1. Contact your institution to see if they can set up a Remote Test to take place at Joliet Junior College; if they have questions about this, direct them to (815) 280-6667 or (815) 280-2824.
2. Once your institution has set up this test, you will instantly receive an email outlining your next steps.
3. Using this email, contact the JJC Academic Skills Center to schedule this test. See the Remote ACT COMPASS Placement Testing Schedule.
4. You will be charged a $25.00 fee.

Back to Top

Retaking the Test

A JJC Student with JJC Student ID Number may take the ACT COMPASS test in its entirety one time for free. This same student may retake all or a portion of the ACT COMPASS test one time for $10.00. Testing and retesting are available at the following campuses: Main Campus, North Campus, and Grundy Campus. Once a student has attempted math or English classes, the ACT COMPASS test cannot be retaken.

• Once a student has attempted a JJC math course, they cannot retake the ACT COMPASS math test.
• Once a student has attempted a JJC reading course, they cannot retake the ACT COMPASS reading test.
• Once a student has attempted a JJC writing course, they cannot retake the ACT COMPASS writing test.

Back to Top

Sending Scores to another Institution

A student may request that her scores be sent to another institution by emailing academicskillscenter@jjc.edu with the information listed below. This process takes approximately two business days.

Student Information

• Full name
• JJC ID Number
• Address, city, state, and zip code
• Email address
• Phone number with voicemail
• Approximate date of testing

Institution Information

• Institution name
• Address, city, state, and zip code
• Contact person, title, department, email, phone number with voicemail, and fax number

Back to Top

Special Accommodations

All students have access to the following accommodations:

• The entire ACT COMPASS test is untimed.
• All students are provided with scratch paper and pencils.
• Students may borrow a calculator or use their own; nothing more advanced than a TI-86 may be used for the ACT COMPASS test.
• A student may request earplugs to block out noise distractions.
• A student may take the entire ACT COMPASS test at one time or may break it into three parts: reading, writing, and math. Please be aware that scores are not recorded until the testing session is complete.

Students with documented disabilities have the ability to work with the Student Accommodations and Resources (StAR) Department to arrange for further accommodations including screen magnification, Braille, sign language interpreters to help with instructions, large print or audio books, scribes, and trac-balls. To contact the StAR Department, please call (815) 280-2230.

The Asset test is a paper-and-pencil test used to replace the reading and writing portion of the ACT COMPASS Placement test for students with documented dyslexia (severe word perception disability). The Asset test can be read to students via a tape recorder. Documentation must be preapproved and testing is done by appointment only through StAR.

Back to Top

Steps to Take the Test

1. Apply for admission to JJC. If you are wishing to use these ACT COMPASS scores at an institution other than JJC, please look at the Remote Testing Options.
2. Determine whether you must take all or a portion of this test by looking through the Individuals Required to Test information.
3. Speak with the Student Accommodations and Resources (StAR) Department if you need Special Accommodations.
4. Prepare for the ACT COMPASS test by knowing the Components of the Test and participating in one or more of the ACT COMPASS Preparation options.
5. Decide on which of the three locations you will complete your test: Main Campus in Joliet, North Campus in Romeoville, or Grundy Campus in Morris.
6. Arrive at the testing center with your JJC ID Number, one acceptable form of identification, and a calculator; if you do not have appropriate identification ID, you will not be allowed to test. There are no exceptions to this rule!
7. Pay a fee if necessary; remember that a JJC Student with a JJC Student ID Number may take the ACT COMPASS test one time for free.
8. Give the COMPASS Proctor your backpack, books, paperwork, food, drink, all electronic devices, and all other personal items; these are not allowed in the testing area.
9. Watch the ACT COMPASS Placement Testing Directions on the computer at the testing site immediately before testing. (You may preview these directions using Windows Media Player; please disregard the reference to a confirmation page.)
10. Complete all or a portion of this untimed test.
11. Receive your ACT COMPASS score report immediately along with math and English interpretation guides and learn of your course placement. Depending on your placement, GSD coursework and developmental classes may be required.
12. Retest for a fee if necessary.
13. Continue with the next steps of the enrollment process.

Back to Top

Testing at Local High Schools

Also known as ACT COMPASS Off-Site Testing, this service allows local high schools to arrange for an ACT COMPASS testing session to take place in a high school computer lab. Please contact the Academic Skills Center secretary at (815) 280-6667 to learn more about this option.

Back to Top

Testing Fees

The amount a student is charged to take the ACT COMPASS test is dependent upon their JJC student status, whether they have completed this test before, and if they are taking this test for JJC or another school.

• JJC Student with JJC Student ID Number may take the ACT COMPASS test one time for free.
• JJC Student with JJC Student ID Number may retake all or a portion of the ACT COMPASS test one time for $10.00.
• JJC Student with JJC Student ID Number may take the ACT COMPASS test remotely for a fee determined by the testing site they choose; this is generally $25.00-$65.00.
• Non-JJC Student may take COMPASS Test remotely for another institution for $25.00.

Back to Top

Testing Times and Locations

ACT COMPASS Testing is available at three different locations including Main Campus, North Campus, and Grundy Campus. No appointment is necessary and the test is untimed. As indicated in the charts below, the student must begin your test no later than two hours prior to closing. On average, this test may take 1.5 - 3 hours to complete. Scroll down to see addresses, contact information, and specific testing hours.

No ACT COMPASS Remote Testing will occur during JJC Final Exams Week; please see the current JJC Academic Calendar for these dates.

Main Campus
Directions to Main Campus
Academic Skills Center in J-2013
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

North Campus
Directions to North Campus
Resource Center in NC-80
1125 West Romeo Road
(West 135th Street)
Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: (815) 280-7780

Grundy Campus
Directions to Grundy Campus
1715 North Division
Morris, IL 60450
Phone: (815) 942-1552

Back to Top

Using Scores from another Institution

If you have completed placement testing at another institution, you may be eligible to use these scores at JJC. Please know that JJC only accepts ACT COMPASS scores; ACT ESL COMPASS scores and all other non-COMPASS scores (i.e. Accuplacer) will not be accepted. All ACT COMPASS scores from other institutions should be sent directly to the Academic Skills Center. The secretary will input all reading and writing scores; any math scores will be forwarded to the Math Placement Specialist. All math-placement related questions should be directed to Jim Morgan, Math Placement Specialist, at jamorgan@jjc.edu.

Once these scores have been submitted to the Academic Skills Center, you will be charged a retake fee if you wish to retest in one or more portions of the ACT COMPASS Placement Test.

Back to Top