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COMPASS PLACEMENT TESTS

ATTENTION: THE TESTING CENTER HAS MOVED TO LAMA 118 [MAP]

Step-by-step procedures for taking placement tests at Kapiolani Community College:

If one (1) of the following situations apply to you, then you are required to take the COMPASS placement test before you can register for classes:

  • You are a NEW/FIRST TIME student to any UH Community College, including KCC.
  • You have not already completed college courses in Math or English.
  • You are transferring to KCC, but have not yet had your previous college transcripts evaluated.

The results of your placement test are used to determine the appropriate Math and English courses that best suits your skills. Your placement test results also determine whether or not you meet the minimum pre-requisites necessary to register for other college courses.

When can I take my COMPASS Placement Test?
All tests are by WALK-IN only. No appointments or reservations are required.
You may START your test during the following days/times:

  • Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • CLOSED: Weekends, Holidays, Spring Break, Winter Break
STEP 1: CHECK IN AT THE TESTING CENTER IN LAMA LIBRARY

Present the following documents to Testing Center Staff:

1. Picture identification (Driver's License, State ID, Military ID, School ID, or Passport) AND

2. An OFFICIAL document that shows your UH Number:

Acceptable documents include:

Please note: UH Numbers saved to a cell phone or written on piece of scratch paper is not official and cannot be used in place of the documents above.

Students without proper documentation will not be admitted to test.

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STEP 2: TAKE THE TEST

All students will be provided with scratch paper and pencil.

What placement tests do I need to take?
For native speakers of English and high school graduates in schools located in the U.S.:
If English is your first language, you will take COMPASS Math and English placement test.
On the Math section, students will choose their initial starting level
The English has two parts, which consists of the Reading and Writing sections.

For non-native speakers of English (International F-1 students, Resident Immigrants):
If English is your second language, you will take the COMPASS Math, COMPASS ESL-Reading, and ESL Writing Sample test. In addition, most students who took ESL/ESOL courses in high school also fall into this category, although the decision to take the regular English or ESOL will be entirely up to the student.

Does the placement test have any time limits?
The COMPASS Placement Tests have no time limits. The average time it takes a person to complete all sections (Math, Reading, and Writing) of the test is 1 1/2 to 2 hours, with each individual section taking 30 to 45 minutes or more. Please read through the directions carefully and understand what the test is telling you to do before answering the questions.

Can I take the COMPASS Placement Test in separate sections?
If you are not ready to take the entire test in one sitting, or do not have time to take the entire test, you can break the test up by taking the Math or English sections on separate days. Please let the Testing Center staff know of your intentions when you check-in.

Can I use a calculator on the math section?
You are permitted to bring and use a basic, 10-key calculator only.
Calculators with advanced functions or graphing capabilities are not permitted.

All calculators will be inspected and cleared before it can be used on the test.

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STEP 3: GET YOUR PLACEMENT TEST RESULTS

When do I get the results of the placement test?
Students who take the COMPASS Math, English, and/or ESL-Reading section will receive their test scores immediately upon the completion of the test. Please pick-up your results at the front desk.

If you took the ESL Writing Sample Test, your test will be scored by an ESL instructor. Your score results can be picked up at the Testing Center in two (2) business days. Students must bring a photo ID when picking up their test scores. Due to FERPA and federal privacy laws, test scores will only be released to the student who took the test.

How long are my test scores good for?
Your COMPASS Placement Test scores are good for two (2) years.

What is the COMPASS Re-Test Policy?
Full details of our re-testing policy can be found here: COMPASS Re-Test Policy.

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STEP 4: NEW/FIRST TIME STUDENTS - ATTEND NSO PART II

New/first-time students enrolling at Kapiolani Community College must bring their COMPASS placement test results to New Student Orientation, Part II.

Search for courses using Class Availability: http://www.sis.hawaii.edu/uhdad/avail.classes

Register for classes and pay tuition via MyUH Portal: http://myuh.hawaii.edu

Note: You will be dropped from your courses if you do not meet the tuition payment deadline.

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Kapi'olani Community College Testing Center • 4303 Diamond Head Road • Honolulu Hawai'i 96816
Information: 808-734-9144 • Fax: 808-734-9453 • E-mail: kcctest@hawaii.edu