MVCC Placement Testing
MVCC uses the ACT Compass™ to assess reading, writing, and math skills for placement into college courses. The test will take two to three hours to complete. The test is not used as a basis for admission to MVCC. If you have any questions please call 315-731-5802.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
To schedule your test date, call 731–5802 or 792–5608. Leave your name and phone number, and then say “ESL test:” and the date you wish to take the ESL test.
English is not my native language. Do I have to take an ESL test?
It depends. When you take the MVCC Placement Test, your writing sample will be read by English faculty. If they determine that you need to take ESL Composition, you will also need to take an ESL test to find out what level is best.
| Day | Date | Time | Location | |
| Tuesday | 4/29 | at | 2 P.M. | AB 141 |
| Thursday | 5/15 | at | 9 A.M. | AB 141 |
| Friday | 5/30 | at | 9 A.M. | AB 145 |
| Monday | 6/16 | at | 3 P.M. | AB 141 |
| Saturday | 7/19 | at | 9 A.M. | AB 141 |
| Saturday | 8/2 | at | 9 A.M. | AB 141 |
| Thursday | 8/7 | at | 1 P.M. | AB 141 |
| Wednesday | 8/13 | at | 9 A.M. | AB 141 |
| Friday | 8/22 | at | 9 A.M. | AB 141 |
Once you have taken your ESL placement test, you will then be able to meet with an ESL advisor to plan your course of study and register for your classes.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented learning or other disability that may require testing accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at 315-792-5413 before scheduling your test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COMPASS test?
The COMPASS test is an adaptive computerized testing program. This means that the test is taken on a computer and "adapts" to the student′s ability to answer the questions. Most students will take 1.5-2 hours to complete the test. We recommend that you allow 3 hours when you schedule a testing appointment. However, the test is un-timed.
The test is always proctored in a secure and quiet testing environment, usually on campus, not on a home computer. If you live a distance from campus, our Placement Testing office can help you make special arrangements to take the test at a licensed test center closer to your home city.
Do I have to take this test?
All students who are admitted into a degree or certificate program must take the COMPASS test. The test scores help you and your advisors determine the best courses for you to take during your first semester.
If you are transferring from another college, you may receive notification from the MVCC admissions office that you have been exempted from the reading, writing, and/or math tests depending upon your credit evaluation.
What does the COMPASS test measure?
You will be taking three sections of the COMPASS placement test: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The reading test measures comprehension. The writing section measures your skills in grammar and punctuation. The mathematics test includes basic arithmetic through algebra and more advanced mathematics.
I haven′t been accepted by Admissions yet. Do I apply first?
Most students apply to MVCC and are accepted into a program before taking the placement test. This will ensure your smooth transition to the next steps of advising and scheduling your courses. However, we do not require that you have applied before you take the COMPASS test. If you take the COMPASS placement test first, your very next step is an application for admission. You will not be able to schedule classes until you are accepted by Admissions.
MVCC also offers COMPASS placement testing to students who are not applying to an MVCC program, but wish only to take a Math or English course at MVCC.
I don′t know how to navigate with a computer. What do I do?
There is a tutorial at the start of the test that shows you how to navigate using a computer mouse. If you find that the use of the mouse is too intimidating or unfamiliar, even after the tutorial, let your test proctor know, and we will discuss alternatives with you.
What should I study before taking the test?
You are encouraged to look over a sample test so you know what to expect: However, you are not expected to learn anything new for the COMPASS placement test. It is designed to give your advisor a current assessment of your basic skills.
Do I have to come to MVCC to take COMPASS?
It is not necessary for you to come to MVCC′s Utica or Rome campus to take the COMPASS test. If you are unable to travel to campus, call us at 315-731-5802 to possibly arrange testing at a licensed test center closer to your home. Some sites may charge a fee for COMPASS testing.
What do I need to bring with me?
- Photo identification
- Your Social Security card
Do I need to make an appointment?
Students must make an appointment for placement testing. Schedule via the web or call 731-5802 to schedule your testing session.
What do I do if a have a learning or other disability?
Since COMPASS is an untimed test and the use of a calculator is allowed, many students with disabilities are able to take COMPASS under the standard conditions. Those with more extensive accommodation needs should call (315) 731-5702 or (315) 792-5413.
Will I see my results immediately?
Your math and reading results will be ready immediately. It may take a few more days for us to evaluate your writing sample.
What happens after I complete the test?
In most cases, you will schedule an advising appointment for the week following the test. At that meeting, an academic advisor will discuss with you your plans and course placement. You will schedule your classes at that time.
Can I use a calculator on the Math test?
Students are permitted to use an online calculator when completing the COMPASS mathematics placement test. Because of the difficulty of verifying whether calculators meet Compass guidelines, students may NOT bring their own calculators into the test.
Retesting
If I don’t like my results, may I retake the placement test? Yes, but it is recommended that you first see an academic Department Head or Placement Specialist to review your test scores and Plan of Study. You may retake the test a maximum of one time per semester, after obtaining the written permission of an academic advisor or the Placement Testing Specialist.






