What is the TABE
The TABE® (Test for Adult Basic Education) is a diagnostic test that employers and educational institutions are using to determine an adult’s skill and knowledge level and employment aptitudes.
Schools are using the TABE for proper placement in GED preparatory classes or in technical and/or vocational academic programs. Employers may use the TABE when hiring staff or selecting their employees for promotions or for professional training programs.
TABE subject tests
The TABE test assesses an adult’s level of proficiency in three academic fields: Reading, Math, and Language. You have up to three and a half hours to deal with the three subtests depending on what TABE level you take. The TABE tests won’t penalize you for wrong answers if you guess so that’s okay.
TABE testing levels
There are 5 levels of testing on the TABE, L, E, M, D, and A:
- L is Literacy level
- E is Easy level
- M is Medium level
- D is Difficult level
- A is Advanced level
Usually, you’ll have to take a locator test first, to make sure you’re given the proper level for testing. The locator pretest is a good indicator of what level is optimal for you. The TABE can be taken in a computer-based format or on paper. Only the Advanced (A) level is exclusively available on a computer.
TABE scoring
On the TABE test, there are no passing and/or failing scores. The test assesses individual performance levels to help educational institutions and employers determine where applicants stand academically. Students should be aware, however, that though the TABE doesn’t come with a formal scoring system, getting properly prepared for the three subject tests is key to attain a good score. Scoring high on the TABE will definitely increase their chances of getting accepted to their preferred school or study program.
Prepare well – tips for passing the TABE
Becoming optimally prepared is key to be successful on the TABE. But there’s more. Having a positive mindset will absolutely help. Don’t worry if you’re a bit nervous, that’s quite normal, just relax! Make sure you can hear and understand the instructions and read the directions and instructions for each TABE section carefully. If you don’t quite understand them, simply ask for an explanation!
Because the TABE sections are timed subtests, you’ve got to plan your time well! So try not to spend too much of your precious time on just one question. If you need too much time to come up with an answer, just skip that question and return later if you have some time left. Make sure you first answer all of the questions of which you are sure you’ve got the answer correct.
Make sure you know what’s being asked! Now, this may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to overlook some simple words. The question might be “Which of the following are not uneven numbers?” When you read that question too hastily, you might very well miss the words “not an uneven” and come up with the wrong answer (you should indicate the even numbers, right?)
The TABE test contains no trick questions so don’t try to read something that’s not there. Fill in your answers carefully and neatly as carelessness can result in a pretty low score. When you’ve marked any answers wrong, you should inform the examiner or proctor immediately. Usually, your first and instinctive answer is your best option.
When you review or check your answers, change only those answers of which you are sure your first answer option was wrong. When you’re not sure about a question, first eliminate the options of which that you know that they are definitely incorrect, and then, mark the option that’s your best guess.
Disclaimer: MyCareerTools is not endorsed by or affiliated with McGraw Hill or Data Recognition Corporation. TABE is a registered trademark belonging to Data Recognition Corporation. Here, it is used solely for identification and reference purposes.