Spokane, WA
cloudy
65° F
(8PM rpt.)

Test Schedule:

» View most recently posted schedule (PDF)


To register for a placement test:

You may register in person or by telephone by contacting the Testing Center (533-7074, Bldg. 15) or the Admissions Office (533-8020, Bldg. 15). The campus toll-free number is 1-800-248-5644, through which either of these offices can be reached.

Picture identification and a receipt for the NON-REFUNDABLE $30 testing fee will be required from all test-takers. The testing fee is paid at the Cashiers' window in the Max Snyder Building (Bldg. 50). The Cashiers' Office opens at 8:00 a.m.

Important: If you have a condition that prevents you from testing in a group session, or that requires special accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services at 533-7169 at least 30 days in advance of your session.

Tips for Testing

  1. Relax! Placement tests are designed to help you succeed in school. Your scores help you and our staff determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses, you can get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills before they interfere with your learning.
  2. Complete sample questions and review your reading, writing, and math skills before coming in to test.
    • Sample questions for the COMPASS and ASSET are available at www.act.org/compass/sample/.
    • You can sign up for a free trial and complete sample questions within the ALEKS at www.aleks.com.
    • SCC Library has test preparation books which you can check out of the library and books you can use to review reading, writing, and math skills. You can also visit the SCC campus to use the Learning Express Library database which contains test practice tools (for ASSET and other tests) and skills improvement tools in English and in Spanish. Contact the library at Reference@scc.spokane.edu or (509) 533-8821.
  3. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly before the test. You should also arrive a few minutes early so you can find the testing area, bathrooms, etc., and have time to gather your thoughts before the test begins.
  4. Be sure you understand the directions for each test before that test session begins. Ask questions if you need to.
  5. Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking. If answering an item requires several steps, be sure you consider them all.
  6. Be sure to answer every item. You are not penalized for guessing. Your score will provide more useful placement information if you answer every item, even if you guess.
  7. Don't be afraid to change an answer if you believe that your first choice was wrong.
  8. If you have a problem or question during the test, ask the test administrator or proctor for help. Although they cannot answer test questions for you, they can help you with other types of problems.

Note: We will provide you with a calculator to use for the placement test. We do not allow use of any calculator other than the one provided by our office.

Testing Center

Acceptance to Spokane Community College is contingent on achieving qualifying placement test scores. These scores assess college readiness, enhancing student success. Please consult the chart below for minimum required scores.


Subject		Passing Scores
ASSETCOMPASSALEKS

Reading
 
35
34
X

Writing
 
35
32
X
Math
(Numerical
Skills)
30
17
20

Placement testing is NOT required for:

  • Students who have been tested and advised within the last three years or have completed English 101 and Math 099 at SCC or SFCC with a 2.0 or better
  • Students who have completed the COMPASS or ASSET placement test within the last three years at another facility - If this is the case, please have the institution at which you took your placement test send your results to the Testing Center either via fax to (509) 533-8313 or via mail to 1810 N. Greene St., MS 2151, Spokane, WA 99217.
  • In some cases, English and math completion at another college or university may be used in lieu of the placement test. Official transcripts must be submitted to the Transcript Office for evaluation.

Assessment testing is a process that strives to ensure that you are placed into classes that are neither too difficult nor too easy, so that you may experience success during your first quarter at SCC.

The testing session is your final step before registering for classes. Before this, you have decided upon a career, applied for a program at this school, and, if necessary, sent away for your official college transcripts. Now you are ready to take a test to finalize acceptance to the college and to determine your math and English placement level. After taking the test, you are ready to register for classes. A mandatory advising session will follow your test to assist you in this process. Counselors are also available in the Counseling Center to assist you in setting up your classes and planning your curriculum.

The COMPASS and ALEKS placement tests are computer-based and are not timed. ASSET placement tests are completed with paper and pencil and do have time limits. The Civil Engineering Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technician, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) programs require Mechanical Reasoning and Spatial Relations tests in addition to COMPASS or ASSET testing. Other programs may require keyboarding tests in addition to the COMPASS or ASSET. These tests are intended to help you understand where your skills are in relation to where the faculty would like your skills to be at the time you enter school. The test results will be used to place you into classes that best match your skills and needs.

COMPASS, ALEKS, and ASSET tests are not intelligence or aptitude tests; they are placement tests. You may be counseled into classes other than those you may want to take if your scores are not high enough, but you will not be considered less intelligent than a student who scores higher than you. Remember, these are placement tests, not intelligence tests.

As important as testing is, it is only a part of the overall assessment as you enter college. An advising session in the Testing Center will follow your test to assist you in interpreting your test scores and to provide you with information on registration procedures. You may also meet with one of our counselors in the Counseling Center (509-533-7026) to discuss your test results, program requirements, course selection, registration procedures, college services and activities, and strategies for success during your first quarter at SCC.

For further information and to schedule a test, please contact the Testing Center by calling (509) 533-7074 or sending an email message to scctesting@scc.spokane.edu.

Persons with a disability requiring any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations should contact the college at least 30 days before the beginning of the instructional program. Call SCC's Office of Disability Support Services at (509) 533-7169 (voice) or (509) 533-7482 (TTY).