Testing
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Or check out these helpful standardized test links.
Placement Tests
New students enrolling in Madisonville Community College for the purpose of earning credit applicable toward a degree must document through the submission of scores on the ACT, ASSET or COMPASS tests that they possess the minimum academic skills essential for success. All degree-seeking students entering Fall 2000 or later must provide scores from the appropriate placement test when registering.
You cannot fail the placement test. However, students are strongly encouraged to do their best when taking an exam. The results from the test are used to place you into the appropriate courses for your skill level.
If you do not reach the required score for admission into standard level courses in the areas of English, reading and math, you will be required to take and pass developmental courses in those areas prior to enrolling in the standard level courses. These preparatory classes are non-credit courses.
Students entering certain selective admission programs will not be placed on a program waiting list until test scores are received. Minimum acceptable scores must be achieved before program admission is granted.
- The American College Test (ACT)
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The ACT is a national standardized test offered 5 times a year. This timed test is administered at the North Campus only 3 times a year (October, February and June) and at Muhlenberg Campus 2 times a year (February and April.) The test covers English, reading, mathematics and science. There is an optional Writing component. Students are allowed to bring a basic four-function calculator to use on the math section of the test. Registration can be completed online. Specific test dates and test sites are included in the online information.
Important note: A student enrolling general education courses must have an ACT subject score of at least 18 in English, reading and math in order to register for standard-level courses. If not, the student will be required to take the ASSET or COMPASS additionally.
Test fees for 2007–2008 ACT Assessment $30.00 ACT Plus Writing $44.50 Test dates for 2007–2008
North Campus
- June 14, 2008
- October 25, 2008
- February 7, 2009
- June 13, 2009
Muhlenberg Campus
- February 7, 2009
- April 4, 2009
ASSET Test
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The ASSET test is a paper and pencil version of the COMPASS test. It covers the subjects of writing, reading and math. Students are allowed to bring a basic four-function calculator to use on the algebra section of the test. The test is timed and scores are mailed to students.
Contact the Assessment Center at (270) 824-7102 to register. The first ASSET test is free. If you have taken the ASSET Test within the past 5 years, you will be assessed a fee of $10.00 per section to retake individual sections or $20.00 to re-take the entire test.
- COMPASS Test
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The COMPASS test is a computerized version of the ASSET Test. It covers the areas of writing, reading and math. A computer tutorial is available for those not experienced with computers. A calculator is included as part of the testing software for student use. Students are not timed and will receive test scores immediately.
The test is administered weekly, by appointment. To register for a test appointment contact the Assessment Center at (270) 824-1702.
The first COMPASS test is free. If you have taken the COMPASS Test within the past 5 years, you will be assessed a fee of $10.00 per section to retake individual sections or $20.00 to re-take the entire test.
Graduation Tests
- Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) and California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST)
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Anyone graduating with an Associate in Arts (AA) degree or an Associate in Science (AS) degree must take the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) exam. Both tests are given together on the dates listed below:
Your performance on these assessments will not affect your impending graduation. There is no need to study for this test, either. However, you must complete these exams in order to graduate, unless you are currently enrolled (taking classes) at a four-year institution or have previously taken the CAAP and CCTST.
The CAAP is an exit exam designed to assess selected general education skills typically attained in the first two years of college. All tests are multiple choice answer format. We will be administering four components of the test, outlined below:
- Writing Skills
The Writing Skills component is a 72-item, 40-minute assessment which measures a student's understanding of standard written English in usage/mechanics (punctuation, grammar, sentence structure) and rhetorical skills (strategy, organization, style). Spelling, vocabulary and rote rules of grammar are not tested.
- Mathematics
The Mathematics component is a 35-item, 40-minute test designed to measure mathematical reasoning ability in the areas of pre-elementary, intermediate and advanced algebra, coordinate geometry, trigonometry and introductory calculus. Students are allowed to use a basic four-function calculator. Calculators that make noise, have a large display, plug in, or have QWERTY keypads are not allowed. Calculators are not furnished for students.
- Reading
The Reading component is a 36-item, 40-minute test that measures reading and comprehension as a product of skills in referring, reasoning and generalizing. You will be required to derive meaning from several texts by (1) referring to what is explicitly stated, (2) reasoning to determine implicit meaning and (3) drawing conclusions, comparisons and generalizations beyond the text.
- Critical Thinking
The Critical Thinking component is a 32-item, 40-minute test that measures the ability to clarify, analyze, evaluate and extend arguments. The test will consist of four passages, each of which presents a series of sub-arguments in support of a more general conclusion.
Important information before taking the CAAP
- If you have taken the CAAP test before, notify Sherry Hewell as soon as possible.
- Arrive on time with a picture ID. You will not be admitted without ID.
- No food or drink is allowed in the testing room.
- If you have a disability and need special accommodations on the CAAP test, please notify Sherry Hewell as soon as possible.
- You will receive a reminder of your test date and room number 1 week prior to the test date. If you need to change test dates, notify Sherry Hewell. You must choose from another test date listed.
The CCTST (California Critical Thinking Skills Test) is a standardized, 34-item multiple choice test timed for 45 minutes that targets those core critical thinking skills regarded to be essential in a college education. The items range from those requiring the analysis of the meaning of a given sentence, to those requiring much more complex integration of critical thinking skills. Some items require that the correct inference be drawn from a set of assumptions, while others require that an inference which is provided be properly evaluated. Some require that the proper evaluation not only be determined, but also justified by the most cogent reason. Others require that objections to stated inferences be evaluated and that the evaluation of these objections then be justified.
Contact Sherry Hewell at (270) 824-8666 for test dates or questions regarding the CAAP and CCTST exams.
Links
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Assessment Center | Test services provided at the Assessment Center: GED, TABE, WorkKeys, COMPASS, ASSET, and NEAS. |
| American College Test (ACT) | Exam used for college admission and placement |
| ASSET | Exam used for college admission and placement |
| College Level Examination Program (CLEP) | Test out of college classes and earn college credit |
| COMPASS | Exam used for college admission and placement |
| PRAXIS | Required test for teacher education programs |
| Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) | Exit exam required of students graduating with an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree |