Testing Services
University Testing Services provides a variety of testing services to Boise State students and the community. We are also a repository of testing information for the university, so please contact us if you have questions that are not directly answered by this web site.
University Testing Services Location: 1464 University Drive, Technical Services Building, Room 115. For a map, please click here
Telephone Number: 208.426.2762 - Fax Number: (208) 426-1320
Emai address - TestingServices@boisestate.edu
COMPASS test
COMPASS is a comprehensive computerized adaptive testing system from ACT that helps place students into appropriate courses and maximizes the information needed to ensure student success.
COMPASS takes advantage of the revolutionary adaptive testing technology to measure students’ mathematics, reading, and writing skills on demand and to report results immediately, which can be a real benefit in placement and advising situations.
Tests in three subject areas – mathematics, reading, and writing skills – provide valuable information for making general placement decisions. The placement scores can help more accurately place students into course that are appropriate for their skills levels.
Appointments are not needed for COMPASS testing. COMPASS testing is done on a walk-in basis.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 8:30 am - 6 pm | 8:30 am - 4 pm | 8:30 am - 6 pm | 8:30 am - 4 pm | 8:30 am - 4 pm |
Fees and Instructions
- Each test is $5 - Cash, money order, Visa or MasterCard.
- You must present a valid photo ID.
- Student will be provided a pencil, scratch paper and a basic four-function calculator. Students may not bring their own calculator
- No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed in the testing room.
- Scores are available immediately following the completion of the exam and will provide you with recommendations for courses you should take.
- Writing scores are valid for three years. Math scores are valid for the semester following placement exam.
- Compass testing is not timed. The average amount of time needed for each exam is about 30 – 45 minutes.
- This test is designed to place you in the most appropriate course. We do not encourage preparation.
Interpreting your scores
CLEP test
These requirements vary based on the program or degree you are pursuing. Please see your college catalog or academic advisor to determine which CLEP exam is right for your specific degree requirements. Our staff cannot advise regarding which tests to take, or what will meet the specific degree requirements. For more information, please click here.(PDF)
| Monday | Wednesday | Friday |
| 9 am, 1 pm, 5 pm | 9 am, 1 pm, 5 pm | 9 am , 1:30 pm |
Fees and Instructions
- There are two fees with this test and we need two payments: The College Board fee is $72. We will accept credit cards (preferred), personal check or money order payable to College Board. We cannot accept cash for this fee.
- The BSU Administration fee is $25. We will accept cash, credit card, or debit card. We cannot accept personal checks for the BSU fee. Both fees are non-refundable.
- Two forms of ID are required, one of which must be a driver's license, state issued ID, military ID or passport.
- Unofficial results will be available immediately upon completion of your test.
- If you are planning on taking the CLEP to get credit for prerequisites courses or credits needed for graduation, please plan ahead. It takes approximately four to six weeks for the official score reports to be sent from CLEP to the Registrar’s office.
- If you do not pass the exam the first time, you have to wait 6 months before you can re-take the exam and you will have to pay the full testing fee.
- All exams are 90 minutes.
Residual ACT
You must be a prospective Boise State student who cannot take the ACT on the National Tests Dates. The scores will only be reported to Boise State University.
Fees and Instructions
- $51 payable at the door, we will accept cash, money order, and personal checks. Credit/debit cards are not accepted.
- Scores will be mailed out within 2 weeks of testing.
- The test takes about 4½ hours to complete. No one will be dismissed from the testing room until all materials are collected.
- Bring a current photo ID, #2 pencils with erasers and appropriate test fee(s) as listed above.
- You must pre-register for this exam. To register for the exam please click on this link: http://admissions.boisestate.edu/special_act.shtml.
Test Proctoring Services
Taking a Boise State course via distance education? Need to find a proctor in another region of the state, or in another state? The Testing Services office is a member of NCTA (National College Testing Association) and has information regarding proctoring services at colleges and universities across the country. Go to the Consortium of College Testing Centers website, http://www.ncta-testing.org/cctc/, to look up locations near your home. If there are no sites near you, contact us at TestingServices@boisestate.edu and we will try to help you locate a proctor.
Taking courses from another institution, college or university? Need a certification exam proctored?
Fees and Instructions
- Eligibility varies with each individual exam. Speak with your instructor if you have questions or concerns.
- The fee for test proctoring is $25. Personal checks are not accepted.
- You will need to make an appointment for these tests. Please contact University Testing Services at 208-426-2762 to make an appointment. Appointments are available Monday – Friday.
- Scoring varies with each test, please check with your instructor or sponsoring institution.
- Please bring a photo ID and all test fees. We will contact you if any additional supplies are needed.
Michigan Test
The Michigan English placement exam is for BSU students for whom English is a second language. It can also be used to meet the English Language Competency requirement for International Student Admissions
Fees and Instructions
- The test if offered by appointment only. Please contact University Testing Services at 208-426-2762 for a list of test dates and to make an appointment
- Please plan approximately 3 hours to complete the test.
- A $10 fee and photo ID are required to take the test
Modern Language Placement
This test is for students who wish to place into higher Spanish, French, or German classes, or who wish to challenge specific Spanish, French or German courses.
Fees and Instructions
- A fee of $5 (payable by cash or Visa/MasterCard) and a photo ID is required to take the test.
- Please plan approximately 2 hours to complete the test.
- Students make take the test once a semester and the scores are valid for one year.
Miller Analogy Test
This test is used for graduate school admission for some graduate programs. The test is made up entirely of analogies, involving analytical reasoning as well as content knowledge.
Fees and Instructions
- The test costs $70 and a valid photo ID is required.
- The test is offered by appointment only. Please call University Testing Services at 208-426-2762 to schedule an appointment
- Please plan approximately 1 hour to complete the test