Placement Testing for DTCC Courses

For a student to be enrolled into a university transfer credit course at DTCC, s/he must attain a minimum score on either of the following tests:  SAT, ACT, COMPASS.  The COMPASS is free and administered at DTCC (High school transcripts, end-of-course exam grades, and/or course materials do not serve as placement instruments.). If a student does not take the test, or does not receive a qualifying score, s/he may enroll in a non-university transfer credit course (see Enrollment in DTCC Courses). 

What is the COMPASS Test?
The COMPASS test is taken on the computer and assesses writing, reading and basic math and algebra skills. There is no time limit for this test.

In addition to simply qualifying students to take a university transfer course, the math portion of these tests also determines proper placement.  The table below indicates minimum test scores for eligibility for  enrollment in transfer credit courses, as well as course placement (Note: A sufficient score on the Pre-algebra part allows a student to take the next level test—Algebra, etc.).

Minimum Scores Required on the COMPASS: Writing and Reading
(must achieve min. score on both)

Minimimum Scores Required on the SAT and ACT tests

(click here for a .pdf document of the information above)

Important Information:  Students may take the COMPASS test a maximum of two times. Requests to take any part of the test a third time must be made in writing to the Director of Admissions (form available in the Durham Tech. Admissions Office). There are a few requirements to be met for a student to take the test:

• S/he must have a student ID# (which is acquired by submitting a DTCC enrollment application to the MCHS principal's office)
• Students must provide a photo ID
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the Testing Center
• All cell phones must be turned off during testing
• Children are not permitted in the Testing Center.
• All testing is on a first-come, first-served basis
• Seating is limited; early arrival is advised.

The Testing Center is located in the Phail Wynn, Jr. Student Services Center on the third floor Room 1302. The elevator is located in the main lobby of the building. The steps in the main lobby area reach the 2nd floor only, proceed to either end of the hall and use the stairs to access the 3rd floor.

Preparing for the COMPASS
To make your best possible score on the COMPASS, review as much as possible before taking the test. "Chart Your Success on the Compass" is available for purchase in the Durham Tech bookstore and is also on reserve at the circulation desk of the Durham Tech library. Practice questions and review material can also be found on the following web sites:

• http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html;

• www.testpreview.com  (select COMPASS practice from the menu on the left side of the screen)

• www.math.com

All Durham Tech. classes and the use of required
textbooks are free to MCHS students.