Students have a variety of course placement options

Students who begin at Seattle Central need to sign up for the appropriate level of English and math courses, and the college uses placement tests as a tool to assess reading, writing and math skills. While the COMPASS test is no longer offered, Seattle Central’s Testing Center provides assessments for students to demonstrate their skills.

Students are encouraged to complete placement tests or another option early to guarantee placement in the appropriate course. This is especially important for some classes that require students to test at a certain level. Visit the Testing Center’s website for more information.

Placement test is not the only option for students to demonstrate their English and math proficiency. Others include:

  • Using scores from other tests, such as the ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement (AP) test, or Smarter Balance Assessment (SBAC) scores. International Students can use TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Placement test taken at another Washington state community or technical college within the past year by submitting a Placement Reciprocity Student Request Form (pdf).
  • Submitting official transcripts from another college, and/or high school transcripts (applicable for Seattle Public Schools students only).
  • To transfer in credits and/or qualify to take higher-level courses, students may also use transcript evaluations, Advanced Placement exam scores and other qualified documentation.