Assessment Center
The Assessment Center offers a computerized assessment test to students in order to determine ability levels in Reading, Writing and Math. This process enables students to enroll in the appropriate courses, including courses designed to prepare for college-level work.
Important Information
- OSD Accommodations
(student with a disability) - Student Release Form for Assessment Results
(send results to another college)
Study Materials
- English Study Guide
- Reading Study Guide
- Math Study Guide
- FREE MATH PreAssessment Workshops(PAWs) -
FALL 2010 PAWs Flyer
---Be Prepared NOT Surprised!--- - ESL Study Guide
Assessment Frequently Asked Questions
- What is assessment?
- What does the assessment measure?
- Reading: measures your ability to locate specific information in text and to make logical inferences within the context of the information given.
- Writing: measures your understanding of appropriate usage in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, organization, and writing style.
- Math: measures your knowledge and skills in arithmetic, algebraic concepts, and trigonometric functions and identities. The assessment begins with basic math operations, progressing into higher levels of math concepts as questions are answered correctly.
- Who is required to take the assessment?
- How can I arrange to take the assessment?
- What do I need to bring with me to the assessment test?
- Should I prepare before taking the assessment?
- How long does the assessment take?
- How quickly will I receive my assessment test scores?
- Can I take the assessment test more than once?
- What if I already took a placement test at another college/university?
- What if English is not my first language?
- What is the Ability-to-Benefit Test?
- What if I need special accommodations?
- Do you offer test proctoring services?
Antelope Valley College uses COMPASS/ESL, a computerized placement program, to assess your basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The assessment is designed to help you achieve success in college by identifying your academic strengths and needs. Results from the assessment as well as other important information will assist you in choosing courses that match your educational development. Score results are not a condition of admission but are used to make appropriate class selections as you begin your studies at AVC.
hideThe computerized assessment is adaptive, meaning it "zeroes-in" to determine both the level of difficulty and the number of questions offered based on your previous responses. The assessment measures your basic academic proficiencies in the following areas:
All new students must take the assessment. Exceptions include students who enroll only in courses without English, reading, or math placement requirements. Students who have earned transfer credit in college-level English and math course work are also exempt from taking the assessment. Official copies of all college transcripts must be forwarded to the Admissions and Records Office. Keep in mind that completing an assessment (or receiving an exemption) increases your priority registration.
hideAssessments are administered on a walk-in basis during regular office hours to students who have applied for admission. The Assessment Center is located in the T-100 Modular Building, located East of the Business Education Building (BE) in parking lot 9. Plan to arrive no later than two hours before closing since the full assessment (Reading, Writing, and Math) takes most students about 1-2 hours to complete.
hideYou must bring PHOTO IDENTIFICATION and your AVC Student ID Number. The Assessment Center provides all the test materials you will need, including a calculator, scratch paper and pencil. Please note that cell phones, ipods, media devices and children are not permitted in the testing room.
hideAlthough not required, preparation before taking Compass is recommended to ensure that your test scores accurately reflect your current skill levels. The online Study Guides provide helpful sample questions. GED or SAT review books, available in the AVC Library, also provide basic review in reading comprehension, grammar rules, and math concepts. You may also consider doing a web search by entering "Compass Placement Practice Test" as the search criteria. The key to preparation, though, is realizing that the assessment is intended to measure current skill levels.
hideThe assessment is not timed. For planning purposes, allow yourself about two hours to complete the full assessment. If you are taking one or more parts separately, plan on spending about 30 minutes in each section. If your testing session exceeds the posted closing time, your assessment will be stopped. If this is the case, you may return within a 30 day period to resume from where you left off.
hideResults will be available immediately after completing the assessment. After receiving your score report, you may visit the Express Counselor in the Student Services Building to discuss your results as well as inquire about educational planning services.
hideStudents may retake any or all areas of the assessment test two additional times; however, retesting to exit a college preparatory course, of which a student is enrolled or has been enrolled in, is not allowed. Students are required to wait at least twenty-four hours between testing sessions but are strongly encouraged to spend at least a week reviewing the subject matter of the retest. Test scores will be valid for three years. If no college English or math courses are taken for three years from the date of the last assessment, students must retest to update their assessment results. Any retesting appeals must be made through the Dean of Counseling and Matriculation.
hidePlacement tests other than the ACT Compass are not valid at AVC. If you've taken Compass elsewhere, you can request to have the results sent to us:
Antelope Valley College
ATTN: Assessment Center
3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93536
or fax to: (661) 722-6608
Non-native English speaking students are encouraged to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment to determine initial course placement. The ESL assessment includes three sections: Grammar/Usage, Reading, and Listening. ESL courses are designed for students who want to improve their English grammar, conversation, vocabulary, and composition skills.
hideThese tests are approved and regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who want to apply for various financial benefits without having earned a high school diploma (or the equivalent) must take and pass the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test in order to be eligible for assistance. The ATB test is offered on a walk-in basis during regular office hours.
hideSpecial accommodations during the assessment may be arranged for students with documented disabilities. If you require special arrangements, contact Disabled Student Services at 661.722.6300, extension 6360, TDD 661.722.6362.
hideAs a service to the community, the Assessment Center proctors exams for other institutions, including distance education and independent study courses. Currently, there is no fee for this service. For more information, or to make proctoring arrangements, call 661.722.6300, extension 6536.
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