COMPASS/ESOL, ASSET, and THEA
State law requires that all students be assessed before enrolling in college. Students must meet with an Advisor in the Learning Commons to get approval to take a placement test.
Lone Star College–CyFair offers the COMPASS test which is a computer based, multiple choice exam consisting of reading, writing, and math. There is also an essay section. The COMPASS test is not timed but you should allow yourself 3-4 hours to complete the entire exam.
The College also offers the ASSET test which is a paper-based, multiple choice exam which covers reading, writing, and math, and includes an essay. Each multiple choice section is 25 minutes, and 75 minutes is allowed for the essay portion. The ASSET exam is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, Saturdays at 10:00 am, and on Sundays at 1:00 pm. Students should arrive 15 minutes early.
The COMPASS and ASSET serve as initial placement tests and can be used as re-takes. The fee for a complete COMPASS or ASSET test is $29. Students who need to take partial exams will be charged $10 per section. All fees are non- refundable.
The THEA test is offered at various colleges within Lone Star College System. However, we do not offer THEA at the CyFair Barker Cypress site. for more information about THEA, please visit the THEA website.
The COMPASS/ESOL exam is administered to place students in ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages). There is no fee for COMPASS/ESOL but students must get approval from an Advisor in the Learning Commons prior to testing.
Test Preparation and Resources
Language Placement Testing
Students with previous language experience must complete a placement exam prior to enrolling in language courses at LSC-CyFair. Fill out the appropriate Referral Request Form below, and you will soon be contacted with the necessary steps to take in order to be placed into the correct level. Students interested in language courses at other Lone Star College System campuses are encouraged to inquire at the campus at which they intend to enroll.