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ACT Compass® Math Test

Math Placement Test

The Math Placement Test is a multiple-choice test that evaluates students' ability levels in terms of basic skills such as performing a sequence of basic operations, application skills such as applying sequences of basic operations to novel settings or in complex ways, and analysis skills such as demonstrating conceptual understanding of principles and relationships for mathematical operations. The Math Placement Test offers up to five subject areas:

  • Pre-Algebra
  • Algebra
  • College Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry

Students may use calculators that comply with ACT specifications when taking the COMPASS math tests.

Sample Math Test Questions: Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra (PDF; 14 pages, 663KB)

Sample Math Test Questions: College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (PDF; 17 pages, 643KB)

Math Diagnostics Test

This math test evaluates students' skill levels in 15 subareas in Pre-Algebra and Algebra:

  • Pre-Algebra
    • Integers
    • Decimals
    • Exponents, square roots, and scientific notation
    • Fractions
    • Percentages
    • Ratios and proportions
    • Averages (means, medians, and modes)
  • Algebra
    • Substituting values
    • Setting up equations
    • Factoring polynomials
    • Exponents and radicals
    • Basic operations/polynomials
    • Linear equations/one variable
    • Linear equations/two variables
    • Rational expressions