Student Affairs

Assessment & Testing Center

The Assessment & Testing Center offers many services for future and current students, as well as for community members.

 

Course Placement

Course placement can be achieved through a variety of means, primarily COMPASS assessment and Math Entrance Exams.

However, we may be able to use the following for placement: 

If any of these placement options apply to you please bring documentation and speak with an Entry Advisor in the Welcome Center.

Get to know the COMPASS

COMPASS is a computerized assessment given to determine appropriate placement in English and math classes. For more information on COMPASS visit www.act.org/compass

  • Familiarize yourself with the format of the COMPASS assessment by going online and trying some sample questions here and here, or do a Google search for COMPASS for more options.
  • There are also multiple copies of the book “Chart your success on the COMPASS test” available for check out in the Holman Library. The call number is 378.1662 C734c 2006
  • If you feel you need some practice before taking the math section of the COMPASS, try our Sample Entrance Exams. Here you will find problems pertinent to each of our math class levels (Math 070, Math 072, Math 097, Math 102, and Math 124). Please note that each Entrance Exam Sample contains prerequisite material for that course. For example, the Math 070 Entrance Exam Sample includes topics covered in courses prior to Math 70.

Steps to taking the COMPASS

  1. Fill out an application for admission online (the $20 non-refundable fee can be paid along with the COMPASS fee).
  2. Bring your Student ID number (SID) and a picture ID to the Testing Center (see the locations and hours listed below).
  3. Pay the $20 application and $20 COMPASS and fees.
  4. Take COMPASS. This assessment is not timed but allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
  5. Receive your scores. Upon completion of the COMPASS you will be connected with an entry advisor to receive your scores and learn about your next steps.

Note! You are encouraged to bring your own calculator as long as it meets ACT guidelines.

Reassessment: If you think your COMPASS placement scores do not accurately reflect your academic ability, you may retake COMPASS within the following guidelines:

• COMPASS retakes are limited to one per quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sept, Oct-Dec)
• Instructor permission to retake is required for students currently enrolled in ENGL 081/100 or READ 084/094
• Retakes not complying with these restrictions, including those taken at other institutions, will not be recorded or used for placement purposes
• Retakes fees are $10 per section. Fees are non-refundable

COMPASS Score requests: If you need a copy of your COMPASS scores please visit the Assessment and Testing center with a photo ID or complete this form and follow the instructions to return it.

Locations and hours

For updated hours and special closure notices, please visit our Hours of Operation and select your preferred location.

You may take COMPASS at any of our 3 campus locations.

Main Campus drop-ins are welcome.

Kent Campus  - by appointment only. For an appointment, call (253) 856-9595.

Enumclaw Campus - by appointment only. For an appointment, call (253) 288-3400.

GED Testing

Beginning January 2014, the current 5-part test will be reduced to a 4-test series. Students are encouraged to complete all five of the current tests by December 2013 so they don’t have to start from scratch on the new tests in 2014.

If you have any questions, please contact (253) 833-9111 ext. 2650

You may take the GED if you are age 19 or older. However, if you are 16 to 18 years of age, you may take the GED if you bring an original, signed form from the district office in the school district where you live. This form is called “Request for Approval to Test for Certificate of Educational Competence.” You cannot take the GED without this form if you are under age 19.

Exception for home-schooled students: If you are under age 19 and have been home-schooled, you must either obtain the "Request for Approval to Test" mentioned above, or you may choose to have your parent or guardian write a letter stating that you have completed a home-school program, and have this letter notarized. This letter will serve in place of the "Request for Approval to Test" form.

Requesting Scores:

To request scores, please fill out the GED Score Request and return via:

Fax: 253-288-3396 

OR

Mail:
Assessment & Testing Center
Green River Community College
12401 SE 320th St
Auburn, WA 98092 

Preparing for the GED

GED preparation classes are offered at Green River, for a $25 tuition charge. There are self-paced classes, and also classes devoted to one subject such as math or writing. For more information view our Getting Started with GED and ABE information sheet.

To sign up for preparation classes:

  1. Fill out an application for admission online (the $20 non-refundable fee can be paid along with tuition).
  2. Bring your Student ID number (SID) and a picture ID to RLC 125.
  3. Take CASAS. This assessment can take up to 2.5 hours to complete.
  4. Sign up for GED Preparation Classes. Upon completion of the CASAS you will be signed up for preparation classes on a space available basis.
  5. Pay the $20 application fee and $25 tuition charge.

Know before you test

First time testers:

    1. If you are 16, 17, or 18 years old, obtain your "Request for Approval to Test" form.
    2. Come to the Testing Center any Monday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; bring your under-age waiver if required (above) and current, government-issued, picture ID (i.e. driver's license or passport).
    3. Complete the GED Testing Orientation: offered every 30 minutes between 9:30am and 5:30pm, please come at least 15 minutes before the orientation you plan to attend, this session will take about 20 minutes
    4. Pay for the tests: $150 for the complete set of tests, or $30 per test.
    5. Start testing as time allows.

    Returning testers:

    Bring your current, government-issued, picture ID (i.e. driver's license or passport) and testing fees to the Assessment & Testing counter in the ZWC and take as many tests as time allows between 9am and 7pm.

    View our GED testing and preparation information sheet.

    Types of GED tests

    You may take as many of the following tests in one day as time allows. Some people choose to take one test every Monday until completion; some take all five in one day.

    Subject English Spanish
    Language Arts: Writing 120 min 125 min
    Language Arts: Reading 65 min 70 min
    Science 80 min 85 min
    Social Studies 70 min 75 min
    Math 90 min 100 min
    ESL Test #6 80 min

    You must arrive at the Testing Center with sufficient time to complete your test of choice before the center closes. We will not let you start a test if there is not the fully allotted amount of time for that test remaining before we close.

    Testing days and hours

    GED testing is only offered Mondays between 9am and 7pm.

    For updated hours and special closure notices, please visit our Hours of Operation and select Assessment and Testing.

    See all college hours »

    There is no GED testing the following days:

    April 29, 2013 - testing room remodel

    May 27, 2013 - Memorial Day Holiday

    September 2, 2013 - Labor Day Holiday

    Class Testing

    Many Green River instructors arrange for students to take their tests in the Assessment & Testing Center rather than in the classroom.

    If your instructor plans to use the Testing Center, he or she will let you know which day the testing will take place.

    Steps to taking a classroom test
    • Please plan to arrive at the Testing Center with sufficient time to complete your test before the center closes. We will not give tests out 30 minutes prior to closing.
    • You must present picture ID to receive a test.
    • You must be prepared to provide the name of your instructor and the name of your class (i.e. Psychology 100).
    • If your test requires a scantron, please have your name, and course filled out in pen. Scantrons can be purchased at the Paper Tree Bookstore.

    For a full list of things to know before you test, see our Student Instructions and Responsibilities

    **Instructors: find Assessment & Testing on the gatornet for forms and information**

    Other Tests

    HESI Entrance Exam

    The HESI Exam covers several subject areas neccesary for success in nursing programs. This exam is an application requirement for students interested in the Practical Nursing Program at Green River.

    Time: up to 4 hours
    Mode: computer based 

    Process: offered on a drop-in basis during open hours
    Fee: $32.00

    Advanced Preparation: Students must set up an Evolve account before coming in to test. Please follow these instructions to set up your account and bring your username and password with you to test.

    Nelson Denny

    The Nelson Denny Reading Test is designed to measure students' vocabulary, comprehension and reading rate. This test is a requirement for entry into several Health Occupations programs including: Practical Nursing, Nursing Assisstant, and Central Processing.

    Time: timed, roughly 1 hour
    Mode: computer based
    Process:
    offered on a drop-in basis during open hours
    Fee: $10.00 

    Spelling

    The spelling test is required for entry into ENGL 108 - Medical Terminology. Students are given a list of 30 commonly misspelled words and must determine whether they are spelled correctly or incorrectly in 5 minutes. There are two versions - test A and test B; if students do not achieve the required score on test A they are immediately offered test B. Students must take tests A and B back to back, they are not allowed to leave and return later.

    Time: timed, 5 minutes for each test
    Mode: paper and pencil 

    Process: offered on a drop-in basis during open hours
    Fee: there is no fee at this time

    WAMAP

    The Washington Mathmatics Assessment and Placement (WAMAP) is a Math Entrance Exam. Students should take the test for the math class they are attempting to enter. For example, if you wish to get into Math 072, take WAMAP for Math 072. Students are only allowed to tests for each math level once.

    Time: untimed, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours
    Mode: computer based

    Process: offered on a drop-in basis during open hours
    Fee: there is no fee at this time

    Advanced Preparation: students must complete the practice test online, for more information visit greenriver.edu/mathplacement

    Non-Green River Testing

    If you are in need of proctoring services, we may be the place for you! Please see our information below, or call 253-833-9111 x2650 for more information.

    Proctoring Exams for Schools and Agencies

    The Assessment & Testing Center at Green River offers proctoring services for individuals taking distance education or online courses through other institutions, as well as certifications and other employment tests for agencies.

    Time: dependent on institution/agency requirements
    Mode: dependent on institution/agency requirements
    Process: offered on a drop-in basis during open hours 
    Fee: $25.00

    Advanced Preparation: Test materials must be submitted by the institution/agency. Inquiries about setting up testing with Green River can be directed to assessment@greenriver.edu or 253-833-9111 x2650.

    TEAS V Testing

    Some schools in the South Puget Sound area require the TEAS V test for admission into their nursing programs. If you are not able to test at the school for which you are applying, we may be able to proctor this exam for you.

    Time: up to 4 hours
    Mode: computer based 

    Process: offered by request based on Testing Center schedule availability, call 253-833-9111 x2652 to inquire if we have an upcoming test date.
    Fees: 

    $25.00 - Proctoring Fee (payable to Green River Testing Center)
    $35.00 - TEAS V Fee (payable online only with credit or debit card)
    $26.00 - Official Transcript Fee (payable online with testing fee, or later by logging back into your ATI account) 

    Advanced Preparation: Students must have an ATI account. Go to www.atitesting.com to set one up and bring your username and password with you when you come to test

    Hours of Operation

    See all college hours »

    Contact Us

    Call.

    If you need assistance, please call
    the number shown below.

    (253) 833-9111 ext. 2650

    E-mail.

    You can send the Assessment & Testing Center an e-mail by using the link below.

    Send an E-mail

    Visit.

    We are located on the Main Campus in Auburn.
    Look for ZWC on the campus map.

    12401 SE 320th Street
    Auburn, WA 98092

    Making your way here