Assessment Center

The Assessment Center offers a computerized assessment test to students in order to determine ability levels in Reading, Writing and Math. This process enables students to enroll in the appropriate courses, including courses designed to prepare for college-level work.

Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

• What is assessment?

Antelope Valley College uses COMPASS/ESL, a computerized placement program, to assess your basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The assessment is designed to help you achieve success in college by identifying your academic strengths and needs. Results from the assessment as well as other important information will assist you in choosing courses that match your educational development. Score results are not a condition of admission but are used to make appropriate class selections as you begin your studies at AVC.

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• What does the assessment measure?

The computerized assessment is adaptive, meaning it "zeroes-in" to determine both the level of difficulty and the number of questions offered based on your previous responses. The assessment measures your basic academic proficiencies in the following areas:

• Reading: measures your ability to locate specific information in text and to make logical inferences within the context of the information given.
• Writing: measures your understanding of appropriate usage in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, organization, and writing style.
• Math: measures your knowledge and skills in arithmetic, algebraic concepts, and trigonometric functions and identities. The assessment begins with basic math operations, progressing into higher levels of math concepts as questions are answered correctly.

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• Who is required to take the assessment?

All new students should take the Assessment in English, math and reading before meeting with a counselor. Students with a degree from an accredited college are exempt from the assessment test unless the assessment is needed to meet a particular course prerequisite or graduation requirement. If a class has a prerequisite of a certain English, math or reading course, you must take the assessment test or have met the requirement by completing the equivalent course at another college. Official transcripts must be sent to the Transcripts Office. A Counselor will determine if the assessment requirements have been met. Keep in mind that completing an assessment or receiving an exemption increases your priority registration. Reference the Matriculation section of the college catalog for a complete list of "Placement Testing Alternatives."

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• How can I arrange to take the assessment?

Assessments are administered on a walk-in basis during regular office hours to students who have applied for admission. The Assessment Center is located in the T-100 Modular Building, East of the Business Education Building (BE) in parking lot 9. Plan to arrive no later than two hours before closing since the full assessment (Reading, Writing, and Math) takes most students about 1-2 hours to complete.

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• What do I need to bring with me to the assessment test?

You must bring PHOTO IDENTIFICATION and your AVC Student ID Number. The Assessment Center provides all the test materials you will need, including a calculator, scratch paper and pencil. Please note that cell phones, ipods, media devices and children are not permitted in the testing room.

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• Should I prepare before taking the assessment?

Although not required, preparation before taking Compass is highly recommended to ensure that your test scores accurately reflect your academic skill levels. The Study Materials link provides many helpful resources, such as sample questions and web tutorial content.

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• How long does the assessment take?

The assessment is not timed. For planning purposes, allow yourself about two hours to complete the full assessment. If you are taking one or more parts separately, plan on spending about 30-40 minutes in each section. If your testing session exceeds the posted closing time, your assessment will be stopped and saved. You may return within 30 days to resume and complete your test.

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• How quickly will I receive my assessment test scores?

Results will be available immediately after completing the assessment. After receiving your score report, you may visit the Express Counselor in the Student Services Building to discuss your results as well as inquire about educational planning services.

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• Can I take the assessment test more than once?

Beginning Fall 2011, students will be allowed one retake in each subject of the assessment test; however, retesting to exit a college preparatory course, of which a student is enrolled or has been enrolled in, is not allowed. Students are required to wait at least twenty-four hours before retesting but are strongly encouraged to spend at least a week reviewing the subject matter of the retest. Test scores will be valid for three years. If no college English or math courses are taken for three years from the last assessment, students will need to retest in order to update their assessment results. Any retesting appeals must be made through the Dean of Counseling and Matriculation.

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• What if I already took a placement test at another college/university?

Placement tests other than the ACT Compass are not valid at AVC. If you've taken Compass elsewhere, you can request to have the results sent to us:

Antelope Valley College

ATTN: Assessment Center

3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93536


or fax to: (661) 722-6608


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• What if English is not my first language?

Non-native English speaking students are encouraged to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment to determine initial course placement. The ESL assessment includes three sections: Grammar/Usage, Reading, and Listening. ESL courses are designed for students who want to improve their English grammar, conversation, vocabulary, and composition skills.

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• What is the Ability-to-Benefit Test?

These tests are approved and regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who want to apply for various financial benefits without having earned a high school diploma (or the equivalent) must take and pass the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test in order to be eligible for assistance. The ATB Test is offered by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (661) 722-6300, ext. 6536.

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• What if I need special accommodations?

Special accommodations during the assessment may be arranged for students with documented disabilities. If you require special arrangements, contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at 661.722.6300, extension 6360, TDD 661.722.6362.

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• Do you offer test proctoring services?

The Assessment Center proctors exams for other institutions, including distance education and independent study courses. Visit our proctor information page to learn about our proctoring services, fees, and how to submit a proctor request.

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