Ability to Benefit (ATB)
About the ATB Test
Please Note: Effective July 1, 2012, students will no longer be able to utilize the Ability to Benefit Exam to meet the eligibility requirements for Federal student aid. Students enrolling in a program of study on or after July 1, 2012, must obtain a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid.
Students who have not graduated from high school or have not received a GED certificate must complete an approved Ability to Benefit (ATB) test and meet or exceed a minimum set of scores on that test, in order to be eligible for access to Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs.
The COMPASS placement test (Writing Skills, Reading, and Prealgebra) is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Ability to Benefit (ATB) testing.
Harper College is approved to administer the COMPASS ATB Test to satisfy this requirement. There is no charge for this test; however, written permission from the Office of Student Financial Assistance is required in order to take this exam.
Please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 847.925.6248 for more information or to request a referral to test.
Appointments are required to take the ATB test. Please contact the Testing Center at 847-925-6541 to schedule an appointment after receiving your referral form from the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
*TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a documented physical disability, or mental disability, you may be eligible for testing accommodations for the ATB test. Students requesting Testing Accommodations must notify the Office of Access and Disability Services and have an Accommodations Request Form approved.
Both the referral form and a photo ID must be presented at the time of testing. Students may meet the ATB requirement with the following:
COMPASS Ability to Benefit test:
This test consists of three sub-tests: reading, writing, and numerical skills/pre-algebra. This multiple-choice test is administered on the computer and is not timed. A calculator will be provided for the math portion. All three sub-tests must be completed in one sitting. Students should allow approximately 3 hours for the testing session. Students should allow approximately 3 hours for the testing session.
*If student does not pass the exam on the first attempt, they may be eligible to retest. Further information will be provided by the Assessment and Testing center.
COMPASS ATB Passing Scores:
Pre-Algebra/Numerical: 25
Reading: 62
Writing: 32
Sample Questions
Sample questions may be found at www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
Please Note: Meeting the COMPASS ATB passing scores does not guarantee you will receive financial aid. The amount of financial aid, if any, is determined through your completion of the FAFSA and in coordination with the Office of Student Financial Assistance..
