North Seattle Community College has many levels of math and English classes to meet a variety of educational and personal goals. We use the COMPASS exam to place you into the level of math or English that is right for you. The test is given on a computer (but does not require experience using a computer). The COMPASS tests are not pass-fail. The placement tests assess math skills and academic English skills for native English speakers and non-native English speakers with advanced English language skills. This is an adaptive, computerized assessment test. If you are taking the combined English/math test, the computer delivers the math test first, then the English test follows.

If English is not your first language and your ESL skills are at a beginning or intermediate level, you will take the ESL/CASAS group test. An appointment is required. For more information about ESL placement testing, see: https://northseattle.edu/esl-testing/english-second-language-test

Information about Test Scores

North's COMPASS English and math placement scores and ESL/CASAS placement scores are available to print (unofficial copy) or view online. For more information about scores for all tests, including GED, see https://northseattle.edu/scores/ged-scores

Using placement test scores or transcripts from other institutions and entry codes to meet course pre-requisites:

If you have placement test scores or course work from other colleges, you may not need to take a COMPASS Placement Test. Bring your placement test scores or college transcript with you when you attend a new student orientation or meet with an advisor. If your scores or transcripts meet pre-requisites for particular courses, an advisor will provide an "entry code" that will allow you to register online for those courses. Testing does not transfer in test scores from other institutions, but you are able to meet pre-requisites, with an "entry code". You may also check North's Testing Center website about eligibility of scores from other institutions or past placement tests taken at North (link: https://northseattle.edu/placement-tests/placement-testing-other-schools).

To get an entry code to register for a class with an English or math pre-requisite, you can prove eligibility by providing an unofficial test score or transcript from another college or university, at a New Student Orientation (link: https://northseattle.edu/advising/new-student-orientation-signup) or to the Advising Office (link: https://northseattle.edu/advising).

English test scores are valid for 2 years. English courses on a transcript have no time limit. Math test scores are valid for 1 year. Math courses on a transcript are valid for 2 years. If you have valid COMPASS English test scores from another institution, you can calculate your English course placement level at North by using the interactive form on our website (link: https://northseattle.edu/testing/calculate-your-english-placement ).

What are Entry Codes?

Entry codes are five-digit numbers issued to students for classes that have unmet prerequisites or require permission by an instructor. Entry codes are used for registration through Online Services. Once an entry code has been used, the computer will not accept the same code again. Entry codes are available for unmet prerequisites through Advising, or, for permission classes, from the division.

The Testing Center at North Seattle Community College is located in the College Center Building (CC) 2459C (on the 2nd floor, in the SE corner). We are around the corner from the Financial Aid Office, near International Student Programs. See Interactive Campus Map for campus and visitor parking information.

Hours:
M & F 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
T 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
W & Th 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hours subject to change. See Testing Calendar for open hours on specific dates

The Testing Center at North Seattle Community College provides professional testing and assessment services to support student success, enrollment services and college programs. Our emphasis is on:

• providing a positive test experience in a welcoming environment
• providing accurate and up-to-date information and record-keeping
• ensuring test integrity
• exploring evolving technologies and methods in the design and delivery of services

Is There a Fee for the Test?
THE FEE IS $18.00. If you take math and English (the Combined COMPASS English/math test) in one session, you pay the $18.00 fee once. If you come back later to take English or math, you will pay the $18.00 fee twice, once for each test.

What Do I Need to Take the Test?

1. Your student ID number- (to get a North Student ID number, Apply online via the Web Admissions Center(link: https://www.public.ctc.edu/ApplicantWebClient/Applicant/ApplWelcome.aspx) or go to Admissions/Registration in person.
2. Your receipt from the Cashier's Office (like a ticket to get in). Cash, check, or cards are accepted at the Cashiers Office for payment.
3. A valid Photo ID (such as a Washington State ID or Driver's License, passport, or current student photo ID card)

We have everything you will need to test (pencils, scratch paper, calculators (provided on the computer), comfortable seating and helpful staff.

Travel light! Personal belongings, including bags, cell phones and calculators will need to be stored outside the Testing room during testing. No food, candy, gum, or beverages (including water) are allowed inside the room. Children may not be left unattended in the Testing lobby. Please make childcare arrangements prior to testing.

Testing Services
The Testing Center provides testing for COMPASS English and math placement, ESL/CASAS placement and GED exams. Testing accommodations, such as a private testing room or additional testing time are available to students with documented disabilities.

COMPASS English and math placement tests (COMPASS) do not require an appointment but can only be taken during specific hours

ESL tests can be taken by appointment only. Test times vary.

The GED Test can be taken only on selected days (usually Thursdays) and requires an appointment and a completed GED Registration packet, at least a day in advance of taking an exam.

All testing procedures require a valid Photo ID to be presented before you may test.

(See the monthly Testing Calendar for open office hours, COMPASS drop-in placement hours, and GED and ESL test dates and times).

Click to visit the North Seattle Community College Testing Center webpage.

Use the Interactive Campus Map to type in your home or starting location and get custom directions and traffic conditions for driving, bicycle and bus routes to campus!

North Seattle Community College is easily accessible by bus, iincluding bus routes 5, 16, 75, 316, 345 and 346. Check the Metro Transit website for information.

General Directions to North Seattle Community College

North Seattle Community College is next to Interstate-5, just 4 miles north of downtown Seattle. If you are coming to the college from the 520 or I-90 bridges, you should be traveling North on Interstate-5 to reach the campus.

Heading North on I-5

1. Take exit #173 (Northgate exit)
2. Turn right (South) onto 1st Avenue NE
3. Turn right again at N 92nd Street
4. Turn right onto College Way N
5. The college is on the right.
   
   

Heading South on I-5

1. Take exit #173 Westbound (Northgate exit)
2. Turn right onto N Northgate Way
3. Turn left onto Meridian Avenue N (becomes College Way N)
4. The college is on the left.
   
   

Parking

If you are visiting the college for 2 hours or less, you can park in one of the Visitor Lots. Otherwise, you can use any of the General Parking lots. Parking permits are required in all lots, and are available from automated dispensers in the Visitor lots (for 2 hrs or less), and the Southeast Lot (if you need more than 2hrs). Detailed parking information is available from the Parking and Carpool page.

On Campus Map and Information

You can find detailed campus information here.

Coming Soon

Testing and Assessment Center
College Center building, Room CC 4259C
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA  98103
Telephone: 206-934-3674