Placement Testing Information
Placement tests are a way to find the Math, English, or Language (American Sign Language, Foreign, and Hawaiian) class that best suits you. The COMPASS placement test for Math and English also determines your eligibility to take other courses that require certain levels of Math or English.
Who Should Take A Placement Test?
You should take a placement test if you have not previously completed college courses in English, math, or languages. You should also take language tests if you have prior knowledge or experience in the language you plan to study.
Location and Hours
The COMPASS and language placement tests may be taken at the Testing Center. No appointment for testing is necessary. For location and hours of operation visit the Testing Center website.
Requesting Special Testing Accommodations
To request for special testing accommodations, contact the Disability Support Services Office.
To arrange for American Sign Language (ASL) testing, contact the ASL coordinator.
COMPASS Brush-up Workshops
Are you Prepared to take the Compass Placement Test? Get a solid start in college with some great workshops!
For more information, please check out the Kahikoluamea Brush-Ups Sessions.What to Bring To The Placement Test
BRING IDENTIFICATION WITH YOU. WE MUST BE ABLE TO CONFIRM YOUR IDENTITY OR WE CANNOT ADMINISTER THE PLACEMENT TEST
- A photo ID (International students are required to bring their passports).
- A document showing your student ID number. (This will be on your student ID card or your acceptance letter. If you do not have a student ID number, you may use your Social Security).
- Documents showing that you have applied to or have been accepted to a University of Hawaii system school.
- #2 pencils and an eraser.
- Non-native English speakers should bring an ink pen. Students may be asked for a writing sample if they have a TOEFL score of 500+ or an ESL COMPASS score of 64+.
- DO NOT BRING a calculator or scratch paper for the COMPASS Math test. Paper for the writing samples and scratch paper for the math test will be provided.
Can I retake a placement test?
- The results of a placement test are valid for two years.
- You may retake a placement test after 60 days (subject to change).
- You cannot retake an English, Math, or language placement test while enrolled in the class for which the test was first taken.
- You cannot retake an English, Math, or language placement test if you received a grade of A, B, C, D, CR, or P in the class for which the test was first taken. However, you have the option to repeat a course in which you received a grade of D.
- You may retake the placement test if you received a grade of F, NC, NP, or W in the in English, Math, or language courses for which the test was first taken. However, you must wait until the test results are more than two years old and no longer valid.
