Welcome to the Testing Center

Schedule your COMPASS placement test:

1. Complete a Wake Tech Application for Admission prior to taking your placement test. 
2. Select "Register for Testing" from the navigation list on the left to make your appointment.
3. Bring a photo I.D. with you to the Testing Center (driver’s license, passport, work ID, etc.)
4. Present a Placement Testing Permit on the day you test. Pick up your permit on or before the day of testing from any advisor at the campus at which you are scheduled to test.
5. DO NOT BRING A CALCULATOR.  One will be provided for your use at the time of testing.
   

Exemption from the Compass Placement:

• SAT scores of 520 or higher in Critical Reading (or Verbal) and 600 or higher in the Math section of the SAT test, scores must be less than 5 years old at the time you apply to Wake Tech, or
• ACT scores of 21 or higher in the Reading, Writing, and Math sections of the ACT test, scores must be less than 5 years old at the time you apply to Wake Tech, or
• A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English and math course.
• *NOTE* - Students enrolling in a Health Sciences program must have completed a college level Math course within the past 5 years.

Are You Prepared to Take the COMPASS Placement Test?

The COMPASS placement test is one of the most important tests you will take at Wake Tech. The test does not determine if you get into Wake Tech, however, it does determine if you qualify to take college-level courses or if you will be required to take pre-curriculum (developmental) courses prior to starting your college-level coursework. The COMPASS test is un-timed, but generally takes 2-3 hours to complete. The test is FREE to all students, but a charge of $5 will be assessed for any test taken a second time. Students may not take the test more than three times in one year.

Practice Makes Perfect!

We strongly encourage all students to click on the 3 links below to take a sample writing, reading, and math test. This will give you a chance to see what the test is like, and also identify areas you need some review in before taking your placement test. Students taking our English as a Second Language placement test should click on ESL Practice below for sample tests. These links will open in a new browser and take you to websites that are not part of the Wake Tech website.

How can I prepare for the test?

1. There are many websites that offer free sample tests or free tutorial services to help students prepare for the test. Click here for a list and description of sites.
2. The Individualized Learning Center offers free test preparation for students. Please contact 919-866-5276 for information regarding a referral to the ILC.
3. “Chart Your Success on the COMPASS Test" by Nannette Commander. This guide is available for purchase at the Wake Tech Bookstore 919-771-1663.
4. Get a good night's sleep, and schedule the test at a time convenient for you (allow 3 hours to complete the test).
   

The cost (time and money) of not preparing for the placement test.

Each pre-curriculum review course you place into will cost you extra time and money to complete. While pre-curriculum review courses are very beneficial in developing strong reading, writing, and math skills, these courses do not count towards your programs graduation requirements. Good preparation leads to good results. By spending time preparing for the test, you can save up to $1,500 and over a year’s worth of coursework!

Locations:

The Main Campus Testing Center is located on the Main Campus in the Student Services Building, Room 226.
919-866-5461 or 919-866-5463
Map to Main Campus

The Health Sciences Testing Center is located on the Health Sciences Campus in the Student Services Center, Room 01.
919-866-5461 or 919-866-5463
Map to Health Sciences Campus

The Northern Wake Testing Center is located on the Northern Wake campus in the Administrative Building, Room 206A.
919-532-5585
Map to Northern Wake Testing Center

The Western Wake Testing Center is located on the Western Wake Campus in Room 112.
919-866-5461 or 919-866-5463
Map to Western Wake Testing Center