We want you to be successful at WNCC

In order to best serve the needs of students and contribute to their success, it is necessary that the college know the characteristics of its students both as individuals and as a group.

To assist in effective advising, a pre-enrollment assessment called the eCompass is used. The eCompass measures basic skills in the areas of writing, reading and mathematics and helps to determine placement in proper courses.

See eCompass Sample Questions HERE

The eCompass is admininistered to:

a) Fulltime students
b) Students enrolling in English, reading or mathematics courses
c) Students enrolling in courses with English, reading or math prerequisites
d) Students who have accumulated 12 credits of course work.

Students may check the prerequisite test scores and courses for any WNCC credit course from this website.

Note: The eCOMPASS requirement is waived for students who already possess a college degree from an accredited higher education institution. Official transcripts verifying the degree must be received by the Registrar’s Office prior to enrollment.

A required degree of performance is necessary prior to enrolling in English, reading, and mathematics courses. Successful completion of English Composition, Reading Techniques, and/or College Algebra (or a higher-level math course) exempts the student from the corresponding eCOMPASS requirement. Students completing such courses at an institution other than WNCC must submit official copies of academic transcripts to the Student Services Office for the eCOMPASS requirement to be waived.

Students are exempt from taking parts or all of the eCOMPASS if they provide the College with an official copy of the ACT or SAT I scores or an official high school transcript listing the scores of their ACT (American College Test) or SAT I Reasoning test, ACT, SAT I, and/or ASSET scores will qualify a student for equivalent levels of the eCOMPASS and can be utilized for course placement. However, to register for college-level courses, the ACT, SAT I, ASSET or e COMPASS score must meet or exceed the criteria presented in the table below.

eCOMPASS Writing Skills Equivalent:

eCOMPASS Reading Skills Equivalent:

eCOMPASS Math Skills Equivalent:

STUDENT DOES NOT NEED TO TAKE THE eCOMPASS if
ACT subscores are:

And/or SAT I subscores are:

*A STUDENT DOES NOT NEED TO TAKE THE eCOMPASS IF ACT sub scores and/or SAT I sub scores meet or exceed the above listed scores.

* However, students will need to complete the eCOMPASS Intermediate Algebra Assessment and College Algebra Assessment if they wish to register for MATH-1210 Trigonometry or MATH-1300 Calculus 1.

To claim the eCOMPASS exemption, students must verify that Student Services has received an official copy of their ACT or SAT I scores or an official high school grade transcript listing the ACT or SAT I scores.

e COMPASS, ACT, SAT I and ASSET results are valid for a maximum period of three (3) years from date of administration. Students who do not enroll at WNCC within three (3) years from the initial date of the assessment will be required to retake the eCOMPASS, ASSET, ACT, or SAT I. The highest eCOMPASS, ASSET, ACT or SAT I score within the current three (3) year active period can be used for course placement.

Note: With a nominal retest fee, the student may retake the eCOMPASS. However, it is recommended that the student complete 15 contact hours of documented intervening instruction before retesting. Study Guides are available through the Student Services Office. For further information regarding the

Please remember: COMPASS is not an admission test and the results will have no effect upon your acceptance at WNCC.

• The basic assessment battery includes skill sections in writing, reading, numerical, and algebra.
• There is no charge for taking the assessment the first time. However, there is a $10.00 fee if you want to retest .  The retest fee must be paid at the Business Office prior to retesting.
• To aid you in preparing to take COMPASS, study guides are available through Student Services or the Assessment Center.
• Please call the Assessment Center at 635-6050 to register for the eCOMPASS assessment.

Note: Due to the standardized nature of the assessment, admission to the room after the session has begun will not be permitted. Check-in will begin 10 minutes before the scheduled assessment time.

• You must have a photo ID to be admitted to the assessment session. If you cannot provide a photo ID, you should contact the Assistant to the Vice President of Educational & Student Services prior to attending an assessment session.

  • COMPASS is a computerized adaptive testing system. You do not need to have computer experience to complete the assessment.
  • COMPASS is untimed. You should allow yourself 1-2 hours to complete the assessment.
  • For scoring purposes, you will be asked to provide your social security number. All other materials including pencils will be provided. Following the assessment session, you will need to schedule an appointment with an advisor to review your scores and associated course placement.