Testing Questions & Answers

What is the Placement Test?

Placement Testing is designed to help you succeed in your college studies. The subject areas assessed include Reading, Writing, and Math/Algebra. It is important that you do your best on these tests. Your scores will assist your academic advisor in placing you into the courses and sections most suited to your preparation and needs, and will provide you and your advisor with important information about your individual skills, about your preparation for the program or degree that you wish to pursue, and about your special educational needs. If needed, Remedial and Developmental courses provide academic support for students whose placement test scores show a need for more preparation in reading, writing, and/or math. In short, the placement test is your first step toward success in achieving your educational goals. Consequently, it is crucial that you do your very best on these tests.

---

How do my ACT/SAT scores relate to the Placement test?

If you have taken the ACT or SAT within the last three years, use the following to determine whether placement testing is required for you:

ACT

English score is 19 or above : No writing test required
Math score is 19 or above : No math test required
Composite score is 19 or above : No reading test required

SAT

Verbal score is 460 or above : No writing test required
Math score is 450 or above : No math test required
Total score is 890 or above : No reading test required

---

What do I need to bring to the test?

You do not need to bring anything. Everything you need will be provided by the testing staff, including scratch paper, pencils, and a calculator for the math test.

---

How can I prepare for the test?

Newskills is a service on campus that, among other things, helps students prepare for the placement test. Although students are not required to utilize this service, it is an excellent resource and we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Newskills may be contacted by calling 615-452-8600, extension 3675 (toll-free: 1-888-335-8722, extension 3675) or by visiting their office in the Career Technology Building (T-Bldg), Room 121-C.

---

I still have a lot of questions. Who can I talk to?

Contact the Office of Counseling and Testing at 615-230-3484 (toll-free: 1-888-335-8722, extension 3484).

---

I'm working on a Certificate not a Degree.

If you are enrolled in a technical certificate program, the placement test is not required.

---

Who takes the Placement Test?

The requirement to test is based on factors such as ACT/SAT scores, transfer college credit, the program of study you are pursuing, and previous completion of the placement test at another Tennessee Board of Regents institution. To find out if you will be required to test, you may contact the Office of Counseling and Testing at 615-230-3484 (toll-free: 1-888-335-8722, extension 3484).

---

Computerized Testing?

The primary placement test used by Vol State is COMPASS, which is administered by computer. The program is very easy to use, and knowledge of computers is not necessary.

The COMPASS is an "adaptive" test, which means that the first question you are given will be at the medium level of difficulty. If you answer that question correctly, then the computer will automatically give you a more difficult question next time. If you miss a question, the computer automatically gives you a less difficult question the next time. Once the program has enough information about your skills/knowledge in the subject area being tested, the test will end and you will receive your scores and placement results.

---

How long does the test take?

There is no time limit on the COMPASS. However, the average time to complete the entire battery of tests is about an hour and a half.

---

When can I take the test?

You may take the test once your application for admission has been processed by the Office of Admissions and Records. Most of the time, testing is available Monday thru Thursday, 8am until 6pm, and on Saturday, 9am until 1pm. However, you must contact the Office of Counseling and Testing by phone at 615-230-3484 (toll-free: 1-888-335-8722, extension 3484), or by visiting the office in the Campus Center, Suite 210, to verify which dates/times are available and to sign up.

---

Does Vol State require the ACT or SAT?

Degree-seeking students who are under 21 years of age are required to submit ACT or SAT scores.

---

I took the Placement Test at another school.

If you have completed the placement test at another Tennessee Board of Regents or UT system institution, you do not need to retest. We will place you based on the scores from your other college.

---

I'm a Transfer student. Do I have to test?

Transfer students who have official transcripts on file that show completion of college-level course work (with a grade of C or better) in both English Composition and College Algebra do not need to take the Placement Test. Students who have course work completed in just one area (English Composition or College Algebra) will take the portion of the Placement Test for which they do not have official course work completed. If you have any questions about transfer courses, contact the Academic Success Center at 615-230-3702 (toll-free: 1-888-335-8722, extension 3702).

Placement testing from colleges other than the Tennessee Board of Regents or UT system will not transfer to Vol State. We will generally accept coursework from accredited colleges but not placement testing alone.