Testing & Assessment Services
TESTING SERVICES
All students are strongly encouraged to make use of the services of the Advising Center Staff with regard to educational, vocational, or career planning decisions. For personal problems, students will be referred to appropriate agencies. Vocational, occupational information, and current catalogs from other educational institutions are available in the Advising Center. The Advising Center Staff is available to assist students in making relevant career decisions. Students are encouraged to meet with advisors early in their programs so that values, interests, and career information may be discussed. For more information, call 205.391.2232.
ASSESSMENT
Shelton State requires a comprehensive assessment of students in English, mathematics, and reading prior to enrollment in classes. Course placement is determined by the results of this assessment. COMPASS is the official assessment instrument used by the College.
COMPASS Assessment Information
Students must present picture identification and have an application for admission on file with the Office of Admissions and Records in order to take the COMPASS Assessment. COMPASS retesting is allowed under certain circumstances. The College reserves the right to assess a nominal charge for retesting. COMPASS scores are valid for three years. Students who enroll in a course without appropriate assessment scores may be withdrawn from the course by the College and may not qualify for a refund of tuition. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessment requirements are met. For more information, call 205.391.2232
The following students are exempt from the English and/or mathematics section(s) of the COMPASS® Assessment:
- students who score 20 or above on the English section and/or 20 or above on the mathematics section of the ACT and enroll at Shelton State within three years of high school graduation;
- students who score 480 or above on the English section and/or 480 or above on the mathematics section of the SAT I and enroll at Shelton State within three years of high school graduation;
- students who have an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution (community, junior or four-year college);
- students who transfer degree-creditable college-level English or mathematics courses with a grade of C or better;
- students who have successfully completed certain developmental coursework at another Alabama College System school within the last three years;
- students who provide documentation of assessment (COMPASS or ASSET) within the last three years.
To be eligible for these exemptions, assessment scores and/or college transcripts must be on file with the Assessment Coordinator.
ACT/SAT Policy
In lieu of assessment exam scores, course placement may also be assigned based on English, mathematics and reading subtest scores as reported by ACT and SAT assessment, provided that the student is enrolling within three years of high school graduation.
| Course |
SAT Score |
ACT Score |
| ENG 101 |
480 |
20* Not a higher placement |
| MTH 100 |
480 |
20 |
| MTH 110/MTH 112 |
580 |
25 |
| MTH 113/ MTH 120 |
620 |
27 |
| MTH 125 |
650 |
29 |
| Reading class not required |
480 |
20 |
These scores are subject to change.
CAREER ADVISING
Are you unsure of your career plans or have no career plans at all? Let Shelton State’s Career Advisor help you begin to explore your possibilities. Call today to set up an appointment to take the FOCUS 2 career assessment inventories and learn what your career interests, abilities, and work-values can offer you in the job market. Your career plans are only a phone call away!
Service: Career advising for students
By appointment: 205.391.2204
Location: Shelton State Workforce Development Center
Office: 1917