The procedure for taking the placement test at South Seattle Community College:

1. Prepare by reviewing the sample questions and refreshing math or English skills you once learned but have forgotten.
2. Select a test session from the Testing Calendar; plan to arrive at the START time.
3. Have your government-issued photo ID with you (driver's license, state ID, passport).
4. Obtain a student ID number from the Registration Desk.
5. Pay the testing fee ($18.00) at the Cashier window.
6. Come to Robert Smith Building, Room 76, with your photo ID and receipt. Please see "Getting to Campus" for directions, bus, and parking information.

• Parking is free on 16th Ave SW. However, depending on time of day, you may have blocks to walk (and an uphill climb). If parking on campus, the closest lot is the South, general (not staff) parking lot. There are kiosks for paying the $2 daily fee. Do not park in Visitor Parking; it is limited to 45 minutes and tickets will be issued.
• A standard/scientific Microsoft calculator is available on-screen during the math test. A hand-held calculator, TS-3-X11S, is also supplied during the test; NO personal calculators are allowed.
• Scratch paper and pencils are provided. Scratch paper will be collected.
• All personal items must stay on the floor; only scratch paper and approved calculator are allowed on the desktop.
• The COMPASS tests are untimed but average 2-3 hours for most examinees. If you do not finish in one test session, you may return within one month to complete the test. (Note: If you lack a high school diploma or GED and are taking the test for Ability to Benefit/Financial Aid qualification, you must complete in one session.)
• You may arrive AFTER the start time; however, keep in mind that seating is first-come, first-served (you may be placed on a wait-list) and that the testing lab closes at the stated STOP times on the schedule. You may need to return another day to complete the test.
• You may take a single portion of the test (eg. Math only); the fee is the same.
• No food or drink allowed in the test lab. Cell phones must be turned OFF.
• No books, notes, dictionaries, or translators of any kind are allowed.
• Be sure of your answer before clicking "go on"; you may not go back to change answers.
• You can never be told the correct answers or which answers you missed.
• You may take restroom or other breaks during the test session; your test will be suspended and you will have a different question when you return and re-enter the test.
• Retesting is an exception. There is a 3-month wait period to re-test and a second fee is charged.
• Your scores print when you have finished the test and you may then make an appointment with an advisor or counselor to discuss classes and plans at South. Call 206-934-5387 for an advising appointment.

Location

Robert Smith Building (RSB), Room 76, see RSB map.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm
See the testing calendar for testing sessions.

Phone

Testing Information Line (206) 934-5349.

Fee

Test fee for COMPASS is currently $18.00.

Getting to the SSCC West Seattle Campus

Address and Phone:
South Seattle Community College
6000 16 Avenue S.W.
Seattle, WA    98106-1499
206-934-5300 or 206-938-6684

Bus Information

South Seattle Community College is easily accessible by bus, including routes 128 and 125.  Buses stop in front of the Robert Smith Building.  For information, please check the Metro Transit website. 

Click for Parking Information

Driving Directions to South Seattle Communty College:

From I-5 or Route 99

1. Take West Seattle Bridge to Delridge Way S.W.

2. Drive south on Delridge Way S.W. to third light.

3. At light, turn left onto S.W. Oregon.

4. Take arterial to top of hill, veering right onto 21st Ave S.W.

5. Take first left turn onto Dawson, continuing onto 16th Ave. S.W.

6. Follow 16th Ave. S.W. for 1/4 mile to SSCC campus on left.

Northbound from South Suburbs

1. At Southcenter, exit to Highway 518 West.

2. Follow 518 West to Burien, where it becomes S.W. 148th.

3. Continue on S.W. 148th to Ambaum Blvd., turning right onto Ambaum.

4. Drive straight north six miles on Ambaum/16th S.W. to SSCC campus.

Michigan-Corson Exit (Off I-5, North or Southbound)

1. Michigan-Corson exit.

2. Right onto S. Michigan St.

3. Follow Michigan to 1st Ave. Bridge, taking ramp onto bridge.

4. Take FIRST exit (W. Marginal Way/South Park).

5. Right at end of ramp; left at signal.

6. Left at Highland Park Way (up the hill).

7. Take first right turn onto Holden, continuing to16th Ave. S.W.

8. Right onto 16th Ave. S.W., follow north one mile to SSCC campus.

From Northbound I-5 at Southcenter

1. Take Exit 156 to Northbound Hwy. 599/Tukwila/W. Marginal.

2. Hwy. 599 turns into Hwy 99. At stoplight after 5 miles, go straight
   (W. Marginal Way/Burien).

3. Go under bridge, continue through signals and straight up Highland
   Park Way to top of hill.

4. At first right turn onto Holden, continuing to 16th Ave.

5. Turn right onto 16th Ave. S.W., follow north one mile to SSCC on right.

Georgetown Campus of South Seattle Community College

Click for Directions to the Georgetown Campus. 

Click for a map of the Georgetown campus.

The Testing Center is in the Robert Smith Building (RSB), Room 76.

If you are applying for college in person, the Enrollment Center is in the Robert Smith Building (RSB), Room 41

Address and Phone:
South Seattle Community College
6000 16 Avenue S.W.
Seattle, WA    98106-1499
206-764-5300 or 206-768-6684
Parking Information

South Seattle Community College
6000 16th Ave. SW,    Seattle, WA 98106-1499
Phone: 206-764-5300 or 206-768-6684     TDY: 800-833-6388

There is no time limit for the COMPASS test but other accommodations may be available if arranged well in advance through Educational Support Services & Disability Services.

Vist the ESS/DS web page for more information.

Student Assessment Services
Robert Smith Building Room 76
6000 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA  98106-1499
Telephone: 206-934-6767
Fax:206-934-6766