COMPASS®/English as a Second Language (ESL) Test
One government issue photo ID is required for all testing.
Note: An Online Admissions Application must be submitted five (5) business days prior to testing.
COMPASS® is a computerized placement test design to assess the student's level of preparedness in reading, writing and mathematics. There is no charge for the COMPASS® test.
The COMPASS® test is administered continuously throughout the semester. While you may wish to schedule a specific time to take the COMPASS® test to ensure a seat, Southwest does accept walk in testing for COMPASS® on a first come, first available basis.
COMPASS®/ESL Test Times
Announcement: A special Saturday COMPASS® test day is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2013. Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m. to take the test. Anyone who arrives after 8:30 a.m. will have to test at a later regularly scheduled day.
Effective, Monday, April 1, COMPASS® testing will no longer be available on Mondays. The Testing Center will follow the testing schedule shown in the table below.
| Day | Macon Cove Campus | Union Avenue Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No testing available | No testing available |
| Tuesday | 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 8:30-11:30 a.m. |
| Wednesday | 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | No testing available |
| Thursday | 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 8:30-11:30 a.m. |
| Friday | 8:30 a.m.-Noon | No testing available |
There is no time limit on the COMPASS® test. The average person will complete the entire test (reading, writing and math) in one (1) to two (2) hours.
Students who must take the COMPASS®/ESL test are:
- First-time Southwest students 21 years of age or older
- Non-degree students who have not received a "C" or better in college level English Composition and or College Algebra
- Transfer and Summer Visiting Students who have not earned a "C" or better in English Composition and College Algebra from a regionally accredited college or university.
In order to prepare for the COMPASS® Test, please view the COMPASS® Sample Test Questions.
