North has many levels of math and English classes to meet a variety of educational and personal goals. We use the COMPASS exam to test your level in English and math. The test is given on a computer but does not require experience using a computer. An essay is no longer required for the English placement test. The COMPASS exam is not a pass/fail test. It is designed to place you in the level of math or English that is right for you. You will receive English and math results immediately after your test.

If you have placement test scores or course work from other colleges, you may not need to test. Bring your placement test scores or college transcript with you when you attend a new student orientation or meet with an advisor. You may also check with the Testing Center about eligibility of external scores or past placement tests taken at North. See Frequently Asked Questions below.

• Test Hours
• Appointment Policy
• Cost
• Test Procedure
• Retake Policy
• Appeal Policy
• Frequently Asked Questions

Test Hours

Placement Tests can be started ⁽¹⁾ anytime between these hours:
  Mon: 9:30am - 2pm
  Tues: 9:30am - 4pm ⁽²⁾ (Session ends at 6pm.)
  Wed/Thur/Fri: See the Testing Calendar.

Note 1: You can start a test anytime between the hours listed. Testing continues at least 2 hours beyond the last start time (for example, if the placement test hours are 9:30am - 4pm, you can start as late as 4pm and testing will continue until 6pm).

Note 2: Except the first Tuesday of every month, when hours will be 9:30am - 2pm.

• The current cost for each placement test session is available from the fees page. Note, the English and math tests can be combined in one session.
• Additional copies of mailed test scores are $3.00 each. We do not fax scores.

• For New Students:
  This procedure will apply to all students who are planning to enroll in classes at North Seattle Community College.
  
  1. Fill out and submit a college application and get your assigned student number.
     You may submit an application in person at the Registration Office for immediate processing, or do it online. See the Steps to Admission for the links to the online application or the downloadable application you can print out to bring to the Registration office. If you already have a student number for the college, use that and do not get another number. If you have forgotten your student number, college staff can help you retrieve it.
  2. Go to the Cashier's Office and pay for your placement test. The current cost for placement testing is available from the fees page.
  3. Come to the Testing Center office with the following:
     • Bring your assigned NSCC student ID number (you receive it after applying to the college)
     • your receipt for the placement test you receive from the Cashier's Office (like a ticket to get in), and
     • a valid picture ID (for example: driver's license, Wa. State ID, passport, school ID).
  4. Come for your placement test anytime during the placement testing hours listed on each individual day of the Testing Calendar. The tests are not timed; generally, you should allow about 1½ - 2 hours for the combined English/math test, 1 - 1 ½ hours for English only, and 15 minutes to an hour for math only. If English is not your first language or if you are not familiar with academic English, you may want to allow more time.
  
  Note: There is no need to bring pencils, pens, or calculators. These items will be provided by the Testing Center. You may not use your own calculator.
  
  
• For Running Start Students:
  This test is for juniors and seniors who will start at North Seattle Community College within 1 or 2 quarters. Sophomores may test after February 1 for the following Fall quarter. For information on testing for underage students, see the “Underage Admissions” section below.

  High school students enrolling in the Running Start program follow the same procedures for placement testing, getting an assigned student number, and payment as listed above, under “New Students”. Free testing for Running Start students was discontinued in 2009. Students who are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program at their high school should contact the high school counselor for information about the fee voucher.

  The placement testing is free for the first English and math tests for Running Start students if you bring valid and current picture ID from your high school. If your school doesn't have picture ID, or if you have lost your ID, you can bring a letter on school letterhead from a counselor or school official that says you are eligible and ready to test, ALONG WITH official picture ID (i.e., driver's license, passport, WA State ID card). If you do not have official picture ID you will not be able to test.

  Your first set of tests are free; the cost for each subsequent set of tests is available from the fees page. See Retake Policy.

  For information about the Running Start Program, visit the Running Start web page.

• Underage Admissions
  The placement test fee for underage students is the same as for any other new student. The current cost is available from the fees page.

  Placement Testing and Underage Admissions Procedure: Students 16 and 17 years of age, follow the procedures listed on the Underage Admissions web page - http://www.northseattle.edu/start/underage.html.

  Underage Admissions requirements apply to students under the age of eighteen:
  • who are not high school or GED graduates
  • are not enrolled in the Career Link program
  • are not enrolled in the Running Start program. (Note: There are no Running Start sessions during summer quarter.)

Appeals must be made within one month of taking the placement test. Only one appeal is allowed per test.

For math appeals: contact the Math, Science, Social Sciences Division Office    206-527-3746 to schedule an appointment with a math instructor or the division dean. Bring your math placement results and picture ID with you to this appointment. You may bring a recent math textbook if you feel this will strengthen your appeal for placement in a higher level.

For English appeals: Follow the procedure below. There is a study guide for the Appeal Test available.

Cost: The current fee for the Appeal Test is available from the fees page.

The appeal must be done within one month of taking the English placement test; only one appeal is permitted.

• Go to the Cashier to pay the Appeal Test fee. Keep your receipt—you will need to take it with you to your Appeal Test.
• Schedule the Appeal Test with the Testing Center during regular Placement Testing drop-in testing hours.
• Bring your receipt, test scores, and valid picture ID to the Testing Center at your scheduled appointment.
• The placement results from the Appeal Test will be available in one week. You must pick up your results from the Testing Center in person—bring valid picture ID with you.

• What is on the placement tests?
• What is the difference between the COMPASS English test and the ESL test?
• Is there a study guide?
• How long do the tests take?
• What if I can't finish in one session?
• When will my scores be ready? How do I get my scores?
• What do I do if I have (or think I may have) a disability and require an academic adjustment or accommodation?
• Does North accept placement tests or completed classes from other schools?
• I have taken the placement test, and received my results. What is the next step?
• May I choose not to take the math test and just start at the first level math course?
• Can I appeal my test placement?