What is the ASSET test?
The ASSET program is a series of short placement tests developed by ACT to help you succeed in your educational program. ASSET has three tests of basic skills in writing, reading, and numerical reasoning. The ASSET is not used like a traditional test battery; there is generally no "passing score." Rather, ASSET scores indicate areas in which you are strong and areas in which you may need help. Thus, the ASSET can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt your educational progress, giving you the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses.
Who should take the ASSET test?
The ASSET is administered to all full-time students, part-time students enrolled in six or more credit hours, and transfer students who have not successfully completed a college-level mathematics and English course. Students who have satisfactorily completed English Composition and a college-level math course or students who have received ACT/SAT scores within the past five years may be exempt. Students must submit official copies for the ASSET/COMPASS to be waived.
When is the ASSET administered
Call the Testing Center at 402-844-7281; email firstname.lastname@example.org
; or stop by the Testing Center in the College Welcome Center Room 1252 or Room 1256 to schedule a date and time to test. Testing arrangements should be made in advance of starting your program/major.
Are the tests timed?
The ASSET consists of three tests: writing, reading, and mathematics. Each session is 25 minutes long. The testing process will take approximately 2 hours.
When will students receive test results?
The student will receive their test scores immediately after completion of the test. A college representative will review the ASSET scores with the student and explain how the scores relate to specific courses and programs the student may be considering.
Is it possible to fail the assessment?
The ASSET is not pass/fail tests. ASSET scores will identify the student’s strengths and needs. The test scores are used for initial placement in English, reading, and math courses.
Which skill areas does ASSET evaluate?
Students will be evaluated in the areas of reading, writing, pre-algebra/numerical skills and algebra skills. Following is a list of skills that may be included in each test subject.
- The Writing Skills Test: Measures understanding of appropriate usage in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, writing strategy, and writing style.
- The Reading Skills Test: Measures ability to find specific information in text and to make logic inferences that extend beyond the text information.
- The Numerical Skills Test: Assesses knowledge and skills in the performance of basic math operations using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Also measures pre-algebra knowledge and skills such as your understanding of prime numbers, absolute values, scientific notations, and square roots.
- The Elementary Algebra Test: Measures skills often taught in a first-year high school algebra class, including evaluating and simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, and performing operations with polynomials.
- The Intermediate Algebra Test: Measures skills often taught in a second-year high school algebra class, including factoring, graphing, solving linear inequalities, and calculating slope and distance.
- The College Algebra Test: Measures skills often taught in a first-year college algebra course, including performing operations with complex numbers, exponential functions, factorials, and graphs of polynomials.
What should students bring?
Students must bring a current photo ID and calculator. You will need to provide your social security number.
Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
- Current student ID
- Current driver’s license
- State approved ID
- Current state of federal ID card
- Current passport of passport card
- Tribal ID card
- Naturalization card
Testing Center Guidelines:
- Schedule an appointment for the exam. (Space is limited)
- Tester Must:
Complete a sign-in sheet.
Present a current photo ID
- All personal items will be securely stored
Cell phones, pagers, any other electronic devices, hats, caps, scarves, coats, watches, and jewelry more than ¼ inch
- May not leave the Testing Center without permission of the Testing Staff once testing has begun.
- Food (including gum) and drink are not permitted in the Testing Center and/or testing rooms unless otherwise permitted.
- Students may not access their personal belongings without permission once testing has begun.
If the student takes break during testing, the students may not access their cell phone or any other electronic devices.
- No children allowed in the Testing Center.
- No visitors are allowed in the Testing Center.
How much does it cost?
ASSET is provided free of charge for any student who has applied for admission to Northeast Community College. If you are planning to attend another college or institution, Northeast Community College will assess a $15.00 fee.
- Arrive before your scheduled time.
- Bring your photo ID, Social security number, and a calculator.
- All personal belongings will be securely stored.
- If you have a disability that requires special accommodations, please share this information at the time you make your appointment.
- No visitors are allowed during testing.
- Brush up on your skills by visiting the following Internet websites:
ID required for all testing. Scores are good for 5 years.
No tests currently scheduled.