Nashville State Community College
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to take an assessment test to enroll in college?
How will I know which test I am required to take?
Where do I take the Microsoft Office Specialist or VUE test?
What happens if I fail the COMPASS test?
Does the assessment test cost anything?
How long does the assessment test last?
How long before I get my test scores?
If I don't make a good score, can I retake the test?
Do I have to make an appointment to take the assessment test?
English isn’t my first language. Do I need to take a special English test?
How does a student with a disability receive specialized testing accommodations.
Why do I have to take an assessment test to enroll in college?
Success in college is largely dependent on knowing an individuals skill level in Writing, Reading, and Math and placing that individual in classes comparable to those skills. NSCC wants to help you succeed!
How will I know which test I am required to take?When you file an application to enroll at Nashville State, the Admission Office will determine which test you are required to take based upon the following guidelines:
If you are 20 years of age, or younger; have a high school diploma, but do not have valid ACT scores, you will be required to take the COMPASS Test. This is an untimed, computerized test covering 3 subject areas: Reading, Writing, and Math.
If you are 21 years of age, or older, and do not have transfer credits in math and English, you will be required to take the entire COMPASS test.
If you have GED scores, you will take the COMPASS test.Where do I take the Microsoft Office Specialist or VUE test?
Contact the WorkForce Training Center at 615-353-3456 for information on these tests.
What happens if I fail the COMPASS test?The COMPASS is a placement test that assess ones skills in Reading, English, and Math and places you in comparable classes. It is not a "pass or fail" test.
Does the assessment test cost anything?Yes, the COMPASS test cost $4.00.
How long does the assessment test last?The COMPASS test is not timed, however, the average person takes approximately one and one half to two hours to complete the test. The Residual ACT takes approximately four and one half hours.
How long before I get my test scores?Your score reports are printed and given to you immediately following the test.
If I don't make a good score, can I retake the test?Yes. However, you will be charged $20 to retake the complete COMPASS test or any part thereof. The math portion may only be retaken with the permission of the math department. For more information go to ww2.nscc.edu/dspm.
Challenge tests schedules can be found in the current semester class schedule.
What type of tests is the COMPASS test?COMPASS is an adaptive, computerized test that assesses skills in three subject areas: English, Reading, and Math. The questions start in the middle of the skill level in each subject area. How you answer the questions determines the difficulty of the next question. A brochure named, "What to Expect on the COMPASS Test", is available at the Admission's Office or the Testing Center, (L-158) or you may visit the website: www.act.org/compass/index.html .
Do I have to make an appointment to take the assessment test?
NO. An individual may "walk-in" for COMPASS testing anytime between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Friday when classes are in session.
What is the latest date I will be allowed to take the assessment test to get enrolled for the semester?You may take assessment tests as late as Registration Day and Late Registration, however, it is not to your advantage to do so. Planning for your future is very important. Waiting until the last minute usually results in limited access to classes and undesirable class schedules.
English isn’t my first language. Do I need to take a special English test?
Yes. You must take the Michigan Plus English Placement test, instead of the COMPASS English Test. This is a free test that will determine your placement in Grammar, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Degree-seeking students must also take the COMPASS Math test. For more information or to sign up call the ESL testing specialist at 353-3380.
Where is the Testing Center?
The Testing Center is located inside the Library, the first office on the right Room # K- 158.
How does a student with a disability receive specialized testing accommodations?
A student with a documented disability needs to contact Student Disability Services at 353-3592 to discuss specialized testing accommodations.