ACT's COMPASS® program is on the U.S. Department of Education’s most recent list of approved ATB tests and passing scores.
Postsecondary college applicants who have not earned a high school diploma or GED must achieve passing scores on an approved test to qualify for federal aid as Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) students.
Students may qualify by using either of two sets of COMPASS tests:
Minimum COMPASS Score Achievement Requirements for ATB Students
(effective for students tested June 19, 2002, and beyond)
| Test | ATB Minimum Score |
| Writing Skills | 32 |
| Reading | 62 |
| Pre-Algebra/Numerical Skills | 25 |
Note: Students must achieve or exceed these minimum scores in each COMPASS test.
Minimum ATB Qualifying Scores for the ESL Tests in the COMPASS System
(effective for students tested May 19, 2006, and beyond)
| Test | ATB Minimum Score |
| ESL Grammar/Usage | 64 |
| ESL Reading | 70 |
| ESL Listening | 70 |
Note: Students must achieve or exceed these minimum scores in each ESL test.
Note: It is the responsibility of the institution to comply fully with the requirements as specified in the Federal Register. ACT cannot make this judgment for an institution.