What do I need to know about Placement Testing?

Placement testing is one of the most essential keys to student success at Spokane Falls Community College.

All incoming students are required to take the COMPASS English test prior to registering for any English courses unless:

  • You have previous college-level English credits to transfer into SFCC.
  • You have completed an assessment within the last three years.
  • You are not pursuing a degree or certificate and will not be enrolling in English courses.

All incoming students are required to take a math placement test prior to registering for any math courses unless:

  • You are a recent high school graduate with successful precalculus credits.
  • You plan to complete a vocational/technical program with no math requirements other than Business Math (BUS 103, MATH 100).
  • You are not pursuing a degree or certificate and will not be enrolling in Math courses.

What is COMPASS?

The COMPASS test is a non-timed computer program that assesses proficiency in reading and writing.

COMPASS is also used for placement into higher level mathematics courses, such as calculus. To take this test, students must first take the MMT test and place into the 142 level.

You will take the entire test on the computer in our testing center. Please schedule an appointment to do so.

Study Guides

Looking for tips on how to prepare for your assessment test? You may download PDF versions of sample questions for the assessment and general information.

MyMath Test

The MyMath Test assesses mathematics skills at the pre-college levels (Math 93, 94 and 98) and college levels (Math 108 and 141). Upon program activation, you will have access to a 16 week online tutorial/study tool to prepare you to take the test. To receive activation codes, please email us at SFCCtesting_ctr@spokanefalls.edu. Include your Student Identification number and receipt number for the $30.00 fee. Or you can bring your receipt to the Testing Center (Bldg 17 room 141) and we will assist you in activating your study program.

Contact Us!

The SFCC Testing Center is located in the Student Union Building #17 in Room 140 and Room 141 . We are normally open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

PLEASE NOTE:
If you are unable to attend your scheduled testing appointment, you must CANCEL 24 HOURS PRIOR to your appointment or you will be charged a $30.00 NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee .

Option 1 (recent high school graduates only): SFCC allows high school coursework to gain placement into precalculus or calculus as follows:

  • Those students who can produce a high school transcript documenting an A or B (3.0 or better) in both semesters of Precalculus receive placement in one of the courses: MATH 107, 108, 141, 142, 201, 208, or 221.
  • Those who earn an A in both semesters of Precalculus may begin in MATH 151 (Calculus 1). This placement comes with conditions:
    • Students may only use the agreement within a year of graduation from high school. Alternatively, students must proceed through the regular placement process.
    • If you do not receive a 2.0 or higher in your first math course (MATH 107, 108, 141, 142, 201, 208, 221, or 151), you must proceed through the regular placement process.
    • While this placement will satisfy the Intermediate Algebra Proficiency of the A.A. degree upon passing a transfer-level mathematics course , it will not fulfill any other requirement of the degree or grant college credit.

Option 2: Pass the MMT "College Level" test and then score at the precalculus or calculus level on the COMPASS exam.

Schedule your test online once you have paid the fee, studied and met any prerequisites above. If you are still uncertain or confused about which math assessment to take, please contact our office at (509) 533-3401, or email us at SFCCtesting_ctr@spokanefalls.edu .

checkmark Have you checked out all the placement testing options?

PLEASE NOTE:
If you are unable to attend your scheduled testing appointment, you must CANCEL 24 HOURS PRIOR to your appointment or you will be charged a $30.00 NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee .

Who needs to complete an assessment test?
  • All students seeking a degree or certificate
  • Students intending to take mathematics courses at SFCC and have not achieved at least a 2.0 in a college level math course or a college intermediate algebra course in the last 3 years
  • Reactivating or transfer students who have not completed college-level English composition and intermediate algebra
  • Students who have test scores older than three years
Who does NOT need to complete an assessment test?
  • Students who have completed an assessment within the last three years
  • Students who have received a 2.0 or higher in college-level English composition and college-level math or algebra course within the last three years
  • Students who are not pursuing a degree or certificate and are not enrolling in math and/or English courses
What is COMPASS?
  • The COMPASS is a non-timed computer program that assesses proficiency in reading and writing.
  • COMPASS is also used for placement into higher level mathematics courses (calculus). To take the COMPASS test, students must first take the MMT test and place into the 142 level.
  • You will take the entire test on the computer in our testing center.
What is MyMath Test?
  • The MMT is a timed computer test that will assess your placement in pre-college level algebra and pre calculus
  • After completion of your first test you are eligible for a 16 week online tutorial/practice for retest and\or higher math placement options
How long does the test take?
  • The COMPASS is a non-timed assessment; allow approximately 3 hours for test and post-test consultation
  • The MMT test is one hour
Where do I go to take the assessment/placement test?
  • Make an appointment for your assessment.
  • Pay the $30 fee at the cashier’s office in Building 17 , Lower Concourse (next to Admissions). The $30.00 fee includes math and English testing
  • Keep your receipt and bring it with you when you take the test.
  • Go to Building 17 , Room 140 , which is located on the far west side of the building.
What should I bring?
  • A current Photo ID
  • Testing Fee Receipt
  • Student ID Number (SID)
We will provide for your use:
  • A calculator (where allowed)
  • Pencils
  • Paper

If you are uncertain or confused about which math assessment to take, please contact our office at (509) 533-3004, or email us at SFCCtesting_ctr@spokanefalls.edu.

Compass Study Guides


Looking for tips on how to prepare for your assessment test? You may download PDF versions of sample questions for the assessment and general information.

View or print the Reading Study Guide

View or print the Writing Study Guide

The SFCC Math Department has a great math class flow chart to help you select the correct math class for your program.

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Spokane Falls Community College - 3410 W. Fort George Wright Dr. - Spokane, WA 99224-5288
For general information call: 509-533-3500 or 888-509-7944
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