Students who plan to earn a degree or certificate or to transfer to a university must take a placement assessment test to ensure they begin studies at the level that matches their current skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Results and course recommendations are provided immediately upon completion of the testing session. Advisors use these placement results to determine English and math placement. We strongly encourage preparing for the placement assessment prior to testing because only one retest is permitted. Please see the sample question links below.

LCC uses the COMPASS testing system for English placement and Pearson's MyLabsPlus for math placement. Placement recommendations are valid for two years.

See Handout: Placement Assessment Information for additional information.

Prepare for the COMPASS test by practicing sample questions:

• Sample Questions - Reading
• Sample Questions - Writing

Prepare for the Math Placement test by creating an account and practicing sample questions:

• Pearson's MyLabsPlus - Access sample questions if you have an account.
  • If you do not have an account, request one for free. You will need your Student ID.
  • No Student ID? Register online.
• Topics covered in Math Placement

New Student Fee: $30.00 (includes placement assessment and application to LCC)

If you took your placement test at another college, it is your responsibility to request and deliver placement results to LCC. 

Use the Placement Assessment Scores document to determine LCC's placement guidelines. LCC honors the scores, but not the placement recommendations of other colleges.

Testers are allowed to retake the placement assessment one time per year.

Contact us:

Advising and Testing
Admissions Center (ADC), East Wing
360-442-2353
FAX 360-442-2359

Program Assistant, Admissions Testing

Director, Advising and Testing

Office Hours
*Monday-Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: 10 am -5 pm

Assessment takes approximately 3-1/2 hours to complete, but can be broken up over two days.

*Limited Testing services on some Mondays
No Placement Testing on Monday when GED is scheduled.

*Ability to Benefit (ATB)

• Sample Questions - Reading
• Sample Questions - Writing
• Sample Questions - Mathematics: Pre Algebra, Algebra (Required for Ability to Benefit)

If you do not have your high school diploma or GED, you can still qualify to receive financial aid, but you must prove you have the Ability to Benefit from college level coursework. The Compass assessment is an approved source that can be used to make that determination.

ATB testers take Compass pre-algebra, reading, and writing in one test session (no splitting the assessment over multiple days). To qualify for Financial Aid, you must achieve the following minimum required results (based on a formula):

Retakes
If the minimum score is not achieved, one retake is permitted with documented proof of skill improvement. If any section is insufficient to receive an ATB Certificate, all portions of the assessment are required to be retaken - even those with passing scores.

Testing Sessions
Students must pre-register to take the Ability to Benefit Test. We currently offer ATB Testing on Tuesdays from 9 am to 12 pm by appointment only.