COA offers the COMPASS assessment for placement testing. The Compass is a computerized adaptive assessment. COMPASS measures your skills in reading, writing, and math. The test results will be used in conjunction with other information, to place you in the appropriate college level course(s) for your program of study at COA.
Who must take the test?
All full-time and part-time students entering College of The Albemarle must take a placement test unless they have the placement test waived - see Placement Test Waiver Policy below.
When and where is the test given?
The placement test is scheduled at convenient times on each our campuses. Please see the test schedule and location for each campus below.
Elizabeth City Campus Building B, Room 215
To schedule your placement test, please contact Admissions via e-mail at admission4u@albemarle.edu. Please include your name, COA ID number, and test date of interest. For more information, please contact Tricia at (252) 335-0821 x 0.
Dare County Campus
To schedule your placement test, please contact Laura Katz at laura_katz@albemarle.edu or (252) 473-2264 ext 227. Please include your contact information and test date of interest.
Edenton-Chowan Campus
Placement testing is done by appointment only. Please contact the front desk at (252) 482-7900 x 2412 or 2413 to make your appointment.
Special arrangements for students with disabilities:
If you have a learning and/or physical disability that would prevent you from taking the test under standard conditions, separate testing is available in conjunction with any other special accommodations. No fee is charged for these arrangements. For details, please contact the Director of Disabilities Services at 252-335-0821, ext. 2277
Placement Test Waiver Policy
Students must take an assessment before their first term of registration. This requirement may be waived per the Placement Test Waiver Policy. Students who want to take Calculus at COA must take the COMPASS college algebra assessment.
Retest Policy
Students have the option of taking one retest per subject area per the Re-Test Policy. Student retesting must pay a $10 retest fee. Placement Retest Policy.
Placement Testing Help
For additional sample questions and more help to prepare to take the COMPASSS assessment see links listed below.
Free downloadable/printable study guides (Wayne Community College web site)
Sample test questions (ACT web site)
For extra math (Pre-algebra and algebra) practice visit
www.math.com (Pre-algebra through college algebra)
www.khanacademy.org (Video math instruction)
Testing regulations
You may not use dictionaries or aids of any kind during the exam. Anyone who gives or receives help during the test, or uses any type of aids, will not be permitted to continue the test. The college will invalidate any test score if there is a reason to question its legitimacy.
The COMPASS Pre-algebra and Algebra tests provide a built in calculator. Student can use their own approved calculator for the COMPASS math tests. Calculators that do algebraic equations are not approved for use on COMPASS or other alternate assessments.
Test scores
You will receive your test scores immediately after testing.
What you need on test day
- Number 2 pencils
- Approved calculator
- A photo ID or two forms of non photo ID
- Student Identification Number (ex. 012345 - found in you acceptance letter)
Back to Top
