MATH PLACEMENT TEST

MEDICAL EDUCATION CAMPUS

TESTING CENTER

Northern Virginia Community College requires a minimum skill level for entry into the majority of its mathematics, sciences, and computer sciences courses. An interactive computer generated test called COMPASS, developed by American College Testing will determine the skill level.

COMPASS is not a timed test and is divided into five levels of material: pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, college algebra, and trigonometry. However, you will only be required to solve problems based on your math skills.

The test will begin with pre-algebra questions and as long as your answers are correct, the computer will keep giving you more difficult questions. If you give a wrong answer to four questions in a row the program will stop and you will be placed into the right level.

Your answers will determine the number of problems and the areas in which you will be tested.

GUIDELINES

TO TAKE A MATH PLACEMENT TEST, you must:

· APPLY FOR ADMISSION to a credit program at NVCC

· Arrive 2 hours before closing

· BRING A VALID PICTURE ID

· HAVE YOUR STUDENT ID NUMBER (EMPLID #)

· Use the online calculator only

· Utilize paper & pencils provided

MATH Scores ARE VALID FOR 1 YEAR.

COMPASS MATH MAY BE TAKEN once EVERY 3 MONTHS.

The next few pages will give you a basic idea of what kinds of problems you could expect on the test.

MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT TEST

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

The following is a basic description of the type of material which should be mastered before entering each course level. Simple examples have been given to illustrate the terminology. These examples are not indicative of the complexity of the problems you may see on the placement test.

MTH 001, 002

No Placement Test Required

MTH 003, 103, 120, 126

Skill Level Required: Proficiency in Prealgebra (Basic Math)

MTH 004, 006, 060, 151, 152, 157, 241 Skill Level Required: Proficiency in

MTH 270, 271---Skill Level Required: Proficiency in college Algebra, as

MTH 007, 115, 150, 163, 166, 181 Skill Level Required: Proficiency in geometry, as well as material required for the previous levels.

MTH 173, 213----Skill Level Required: Proficiency in trigonometry, as well as material required for the previous levels.

MTH 003, 103, 120, 126

ANSWERS TO THE MATH PROBLEMS

MTH 004, 006, 060, 151, 152, 157, 241

MTH 270, 271

MTH 007, 115, 150, 163, 166, 181

Skill Level Required: Proficiency in geometry, as well

MTH 173, 213

CHART YOUR SUCCESS ON THE COMPASS is an additional resource to help prepare for the English and Math Placement tests. Copies of this book are available at the library of any NVCC Campus.