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Testing Center Services

Related Services

Testing Center

The Testing Center is located in Kirk Library and offers proctored testing services for all ABE, ESL, Correspondence, e-Learning, and other Centralia College academic classes. Testing is offered on a drop-in basis during hours of operation. Please allow for sufficient time since testing cannot be stopped once started.

YOU WILL NEED A CURRENT PICTURE I.D. PRIOR TO ALL TESTING

The Testing Center also offers COMPASS assessment testing and GED testing for students and the community.

Testing Center office hours

Note: Hours will vary during summer months and when campus classes are not in session.
Mon–Tues: 7:30am–7:00pm
Wed–Thurs: 7:30am–6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am–4:00pm
When classes on campus are not in session: 8:00am-5:00pm

Testing fees

Compass: $15–Reading, Writing, Math
Compass: $10–one test
GED: $150–complete series
GED: $30–per test
GED: $30–each re-test

Accommodations

If you have a documented disability and request accommodations, apply for services through the Center for Disability Services, (360) 736-9391, ext. 320.

COMPASS assessment testing

The COMPASS is used to help ensure accurate placement in English, reading, and math courses.

The COMPASS test is a computerized adaptive test. The design of this test selects questions so as to maximize the precision of the exam based on what is known about the examinee from previous questions. For example, if an examinee performs well on an item of intermediate difficulty, he will then be presented with a more difficult question. Or, if he performed poorly, he would be presented with a simpler question. The exam tailors itself to his or her level of ability; therefore different examinees receive quite different tests. To achieve your highest score, the examinee is advised to review basic rules and concepts to advance to a higher level. Spending quality time in preparing for the COMPASS test could result in a higher course placement saving you time and money.

COMPASS is not timed. No appointment is needed, and it is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Allow two hours for testing.

Calculators: A calculator for Compass Testing is provided online. No handheld calculators are allowed.
Fees: Payable at the Cashier's Office, located on the 2nd floor, Student Center Building, 8:00am-Noon or 1:00–4:30pm, or if closed the fee may be paid by check or exact amount at the Testing Center inside the front entrance of the Kirk Library Building.
Sample questions and guides:


GED logo

GED testing at Centralia College

Centralia College is an official GED testing site. The test is offered by appointment twice weekly at our Centralia campus and once quarterly at Centralia College East in Morton. Students ready for GED testing will need to provide a social security number, picture identification showing proof of Washington State residency and date of birth, and provide payment of $30 for each of the 5 tests. If re-testing is necessary the cost will be $30 per test.

GED testing on computer

Pearson logo The Centralia College Testing Center also offers the current version of the GED® test on computer:
   * Register and schedule online 24/7.
   * Type your essay.
   * Finish one section and move on to the next.
   * Get your results immediately (essay results in a few days).

The GED® test must still be taken at an official GED® testing center.
To schedule or reschedule your GED® test:
Go to www.GEDcomputer.com or call Pearson Vue Customer Service: 1-877-392-6433 (1-877-EXAMGED)

About GED and GED testing

The General Education Development (GED) certificate is a nationally recognized series of tests that measure an equivalent educational background in the areas of Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Centralia College is contracted annually by the GED Testing Services to provide this service locally and is the only public access GED testing center for Lewis, County. Note: The GED Test is offered by the State of Washington and is not a Centralia College test.

The GED can be used for eligibility purposes for college entrance requirements, Financial Aid, apprenticeships, the Armed Services, and employment.

The GED Testing Service has announced a new version of the GED test to be available January 2014. Students who do not successfully complete all 5 subject tests of the current version of the GED tests by end of 2013 will need to start the process over again using the new 2014 computer based version of the test. For more information, visit www.gedtestingservice.com.

Eligibility for GED testing

Residents of the State of Washington, 16 and over are eligible to register for GED testing. NOTE: Students aged 16, 17, AND 18 must first request a High School Release for GED Testing from either the last high school attended or the high school in the town you currently reside. If home schooled, a notarized statement of home school completion is required. For more information, see:
www.sbctc.ctc.edu/public/_y_gedtesteligibility.aspx

GED test preparation

Centralia College also provides testing to assess your readiness in taking the GED and can provide course work for preparing for the five subject tests. This testing is provided during the GED Preparation Class Orientation. For testing hours, locations, and any questions that you have, please contact the Phoenix Center in the Kirk Library Building on the campus of Centralia College or call us at 360.736.9391, ext. 216.

GED preparation materials are also available at most local bookstores and public libraries. GED resources and online practice tests can be found at:

Contact Testing Center

Phone: (360) 736-9391, ext. 216
Location: Kirk Library, Centralia College
Address: 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531
Email: testingcenter@centralia.edu