Future Student Testing

ACT Residual Testing

ACT Residual Test is given to prospective Chattanooga State students under 21 years of age who have an admission application on file. Dual-enrollment and Middle College students must bring their admission ticket.  The scores from this test are not transferable to other universities and colleges.

Test is given Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. except during final exams.  Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam.  Cost is $35, either cash or check made out to: Chattanooga State Community College.
  • No appointment necessary
  • Photo I.D./Driver’s License required
  • Calculators are permitted on the math portion of the test except TI89 or TI 92
  • Cell phones may not be used during the test or at breaks

Compass Placement Testing

What does the test consist of?
The Compass test consists of three parts: Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

  • Reading
    • This section requires you to read a series of passages and answer questions about each passage.
  • Math
    • This section assesses your math and basic algebra skills. You are permitted to use scratch paper and a calculator for this portion of the test!
  • Writing
    • In this section, you will be revising a series of papers. You must click on each sentence of the essay that you want to correct and then the computer will present a list of possible corrections that you may choose. The next portion of exam consists of questions about the paper.

How can I take the test?
You must have a testing ticket from Admissions (front desk in the Student Center) in order to test and a picture I.D. is required.

How long does the test take?
The Compass tests are untimed. Most individuals spend about 2 hours taking the exam to do their best.

Is the test computerized or paper and pencil?  
Compass is a computerized test which is user-friendly.

Who is required to take a placement test?
A placement exam is required for all students 21 years of age who do not have transfer credit in college English or college Mathematics who are applying for admission to Chattanooga State. If you are younger than 21 years of age, please go to ACT Residual for further information. 

Why do you have to take a placement exam?
The Compass test is used to place you in the appropriate courses so you will have the foundational knowledge and skills to be successful in your college career.

What if I have a disability?
Students with disabilities who need accommodations must meet with Disabilities Support prior to taking Compass. They can be reached at 423/697-4452.

The Compass test is given year-round at the following times on a 1st come 1st serve as space/time allows.

Compass Testing Schedule
Day of Week Start Time Start Time
Mondays 9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday 1:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m.

Look for additional sessions prior to the start of a semester.

Practice Tests

Can I challenge my original placement?

Any student electing to challenge their original placement must have approval from the office of the director of Transitional Studies

The office is located in the IMC Building,  Room 122 or can be reached at 423/697-3221