Click here for links below to some practice materials for the CAT in Mathematics.

Here you can find information on all of CUNY’s placement tests.

A Description of the CAT in Mathematics (COMPASS)

The CUNY Assessment Test in Mathematics (also known as the CAT in Mathematics, or the COMPASS Math test) is an untimed, multiple-choice, computer-based test designed to measure students’ knowledge of a number of topics in mathematics. The test draws questions from four sections: numerical skills / pre-algebra,
algebra, college algebra, and trigonometry. Numerical skills / pre-algebra questions range from basic math concepts and skills (integers, fractions, and decimals) to the knowledge and skills that are required in an entry-level algebra course (absolute values, percentages, and exponents). The algebra items are questions from elementary and intermediate algebra (equations, polynomials, formula manipulations, and algebraic expressions). The college algebra section includes questions that measure skills required to perform operations with functions, exponents, matrices, and factorials. The trigonometry section addresses topics such as trigonometric functions and identities, right-triangle trigonometry, and graphs of trigonometric functions. No two tests are the same; questions are assigned randomly from the four sections, adapting to your test-taking experience.

Placement into CUNY’s required basic math courses is based on results of the numerical skills/pre-algebra and algebra sections. The test covers progressively advanced topics with placement into more advanced mathematics or mathematics-related courses based on results of the last three sections of the test.

Students are permitted to use only the Microsoft Windows calculator while taking the test.
CAT in Mathematics Practice Materials

Below are some sample tests and websites containing more samples and information about the CAT in Mathematics and related materials. Special software may be needed to view some of these files; check under our Software section to get them.

ACT sample tests    all subjects    PDF   
Hostos Community College online tutorials and diagnostic tests    pre-algebra, algebra    web-based Flash   
Pearson Education sample test    pre-algebra, algebra    web-based; student ID = “111-11-1111″ and course ID is “compass”   
Kentucky Early Math Testing Program practice exams    pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, trigonometry    web-based   
Georgia Highlands College COMPASS practice tests and slideshow lessons    pre-algebra, algebra     
Bellevue Community College sample problems with percentage breakdowns of problem types    pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, trigonometry    PDF   
Test Prep Review self-assessment modules    pre-algebra, algebra    PDF