• You are taking your first college credit course in English or math
• You are enrolling in any class that lists a COMPASS score as a prerequisite
  
• You do not have a high school diploma or GED, and you are applying for financial aid
  

You may be exempt from placement assessments if:

• You have earned an associate or higher degree
  
• You have official guest student status
  
• You have earned college credits in English or math with a grade of C or higher
  
• You have previously taken the COMPASS or ASSET test
  
• You have ACT scores, you may not need the English or reading tests
  

Alternatives to the COMPASS test
If you took the ACT assessment, you may choose to use your ACT writing and reading scores instead of taking those sections in COMPASS. The ASSET assessment may also be used for placement instead of COMPASS. If you want to use ACT scores, you will need to provide a copy of your ACT scores to the College before you plan to register for classes.

Retesting
Generally, you may take the placement test one time, but there may be circumstances when retesting is appropriate. If you have previously taken the assessment test, you are encouraged to speak to an academic advisor before attempting to retest. Students who have valid placement scores, but want to retest, may do so without seeing an advisor, by paying a retest fee at the test site. You must wait at least one day before retesting. If you retest, your retest score will be the one used for placement.

National Standardized Credit by Examination Tests
The Testing and Assessment Center offers two college-level equivalency examination programs, CLEP and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. These are described below. If you have had prior learning that may be equivalent to college course work, or if you can study a subject on your own, these programs may save some time and money in earning your degree. Both testing programs are available to Kellogg Community College students and to members of the community. You may apply the credit to your degree here or at any institution that participates in these programs.

Kellogg Community College generally grants credit for scores that meet the recommendations determined by the American Council on Education (ACE). A listing of examinations and minimum acceptable scores is available at the Testing and Assessment Center and at the Grahl, Fehsenfeld and Eastern Academic Centers. The Registrar’s Office determines credit awarded upon receipt of successful exam scores. Credit is considered transfer credit, which is subject to a maximum of 60% of a degree or certificate.

If you are planning to transfer to another institution, be aware that acceptance of credit by Kellogg Community College toward a degree does not guarantee that credit will be accepted by your transfer institution. Check with your anticipated transfer institution if this is a consideration.

These college-level equivalency programs are administered at the Testing and Assessment Center, Battle Creek site, by appointment. There is a test fee and a non-refundable administration fee charged per test.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP examinations are computer-based examinations through the College Board. There are 34 different examinations in introductory-level subjects. These tests are timed. You will receive your score immediately after testing. Official score reports are mailed directly to the score recipient institutions.

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
DSSTs examinations are untimed paper and pencil examinations from the Chauncey Group International. There are 30 test titles available covering a wide range of subjects. Examinations are mailed to the Chauncey Group for scoring, and official score reports are mailed directly to you and the score recipient institution.