WATC uses ACT™ COMPASS™, a computerized adaptive testing program, to place students into appropriate academic courses and for admittance to all programs except Practical Nurse which requires ATI™ TEAS V®. Since the COMPASS test is adaptive, the number of questions will vary depending on skill level. The test is not timed, but generally takes 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours to complete all three parts (about 35–40 minutes per subject). A scientific calculator may be used on the COMPASS math test.  See Program Placement Guidelines to verify entrance assessment requirements for your program of interest.

Some students may have all or part of the assessment testing for course placement waived by providing documentation of appropriate ACT scores or prerequisite course completed from another institution. For more information on ACT cut scores or other assessment information,  see the Mandatory Assessment and Placement Policy.

WATC offers courses to students with a variety of skill levels. The WATC Course Placement for General Education table lists the mathematics, reading and English courses students will take based on their assessment scores.

Students generally score higher on the placement test if they review a study guide before testing. Study guides are available from several different Web sites. See Study Guides below for more information.

Students have the opportunity to retest two times for a fee if they feel their initial assessment results do not adequately reflect their ability. Review assistance is available at minimal cost prior to retesting through the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) and Southside Education Center  Academic Success Centers.

Contact us:

• National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT)
  4004 N Webb Road
  Wichita, KS 67226
  
  Phone: 316.677.9400
  Fax: 316.677.9555 (fax requested documents)

National Center for Aviation Training
Summer Hours (June 1, 2010 – July 30, 2010)
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.–5 p.m.
(The last test will start no later than 3:45 p.m.)

Friday 9 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
(The last test will start no later than 3:45 p.m.)


Southside Education Center
Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.
(The last test will start no later than 5:45 p.m.)

Friday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
(The last test will start no later than 11:45 a.m.)

Saturday 9 a.m.–noon
(The last test will start no later than 10:45 a.m.)

Please allow one hour per test.

• Bring paid receipt and a photo ID, such as a driver's license, high school yearbook or other type of photo ID. A photo ID must be provided in order to test
• Calculators, pencils and paper are provided at no cost. 
• Cell phones, pages, alarm or calculator watches and other electronic devices are not allowed in the testing rooms, even if they are turned off. Please leave these items at home or locked in your car.

• Test results are immediate for all admission assessments. 
• Test results are valid for five years. Results are not shared over the phone or shared with anyone other than the tester. 
• Test preparatory classes are available through the Academic Success Center, National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT), 316.677.9400. For information about re-testing and remediation, contact a Academic Success Center representative.

Students generally score higher on the placement test if they review a study guide before testing. The information below provides links to specific test information and guides.

• If the ACT™ COMPASS™ is the required test, the COMPASS/ESL study guide is an excellent resource. Calculators, including scientific calculators, are allowed for COMPASS math tests.
• If the ATI™ TEAS® is the required test, a study manual and practice test may be purchased online from the ATI Testing Web site. Calculators are not allowed on the TEAS test.

• ACT™ COMPASS™ — Retest two times per test section per calendar year, $5 per test.
• ATI™ TEAS V® — Retest two times per test section per calendar year, $40 per test session. There is a 30 day waiting period for TEAS retesting.
• Valpar — Retest two times per calendar year, $50 per test.