COMPASS English as a Second Language (ESL)

If English is your second language, you may take the COMPASS/ESL Reading Test. Grammar and reading comprehension are covered in this test. If your score is 64 or higher you may be asked to do a writing sample to determine which English class is the most appropriate for you.

If you took the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and your score is below 500, you should take the COMPASS/ESL placement test. If your score is 500 or higher you will not need to take the COMPASS/ESL test, but you will be asked to do an ESL writing sample.

International students who score below 500 on the TOEFL test should take the Compass/ESL test instead of the regular COMPASS Reading and Writing placement tests.

International students who score 500 or above need to take the ESL writing sample test. For information about the Compass/ESL and ESL writing sample tests, call the Testing Center. See contact information below.

Non-Native Speakers

ESL immigrant students who want to be treated as non-native speakers can take the Compass/ESL test instead of the regular COMPASS test.

Important Information

• If you have taken the Compass/ESL test within the last six months, you may NOT take the test again until at least six months have passed between tests.
• Provide a picture I.D. with your student ID number. If you do not have a student ID yet, a social security number will also be accepted. You may provide a picture I.D. and student ID number or social security number on separate documents.
• The test is untimed, but the average length of a session is about 30 minutes.
• You will NOT be allowed to use dictionaries or other books.
• The results of the test will be available 1 to 2 minutes after you finish the test.
• Students who score above 64 on the COMPASS/ESL Reading Test must complete a writing sample. There is no time limit to complete the writing sample.

For more information, see "Placement Testing Information" under the Related Links section.