This important placement test measures your math, reading, and writing abilities. An ACT COMPASS placement score is a mandatory prerequisite for math and English courses, as well as several other programs and classes. See Individuals Required to Take Test to learn more about these requirements. Without the ACT COMPASS test, you may be unable to register for your classes.
You are strongly encouraged to take this test seriously. Lower scores may result in 1 to 4 additional semesters of coursework that do not count toward your degree. These English and math classes that do not count toward your degree are called developmental classes. These courses can be identified by the "0" as the first digit in the course number.
Click here to learn more about using this website and preparing for your ACT COMPASS placement test.
Below you will find a number of ACT COMPASS Preparation options including:
ACT COMPASS Review Sessions
During the fall, spring, and summer semesters, ACT COMPASS review sessions are available by appointment at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus, and City Center Campus. To make an appointment, please call the Academic Skills Center at 815-280-2261.
Because ACT produces the ACT COMPASS test, their website provides sample ACT COMPASS questions. According to ACT, "These sample items illustrate the types of questions students will encounter in the ACT COMPASS placement measures." Please select the appropriate subject area below to view the sample questions. To view a breakdown of the subject matter included in the ACT COMPASS test, please see Components of the Test.
ACT COMPASS Study Guides
These study guides were created by Joliet Junior College. Please select the appropriate subject area below to see questions, solutions, and explanations.
Final Exam Review Packets
The Math Department created Final Exam Review Packets for each of its developmental courses. These materials may help you brush up on your math skills prior to taking the ACT COMPASS test.
JJC Library Resources
If you prefer to use textbooks to prepare for this exam, you have plenty of options available in the JJC Library. Please select the appropriate subject area below to view all of your textbook options.
My Math Test
For a limited time only, the Academic Skills Center is piloting the My Math Test online program to assist JJC students with their ACT COMPASS math retest preparation. This free, online, interactive program offers over 4,500 sample questions, animations, and short explanatory videos. The math content ranges from writing whole numbers to advanced trigonometry. Call the ASC at 815-280-2261 to make an appointment and sign up for this free, online program.
Online COMPASS Practice Reading and Writing Exams
Created by Gainesville State College, this site allows students to prepare for the ACT COMPASS reading and writing exams using a format quite similar to the actual COMPASS test. Special thanks to Gainesville for allowing us to link to their site.*
*Special thanks to Matthew Horton at Gainesville State College for granting us permission to link to their site.