Understanding the TABE
A Diagnostic Test for Adult Learners
The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a diagnostic test developed by McGraw-Hill and administered to adults enrolling in vocational programs or community colleges. The TABE is also used as part of criteria of employment for some civil service jobs. While the TABE is not a pass/fail test, a student’s score will often determine whether he must take remedial classes before beginning his chosen curriculum or if he is eligible for the job he is seeking.
Adults may be nervous about taking the test, especially if they are returning to school after several years or if they had difficulties with academics and test taking while in high school. Understanding what skills will be tested and applying some key test-taking strategies can assist adult learners in boosting their scores.
Format of the TABE
The TABE tests students’ knowledge in three areas: reading, math and language. When students take the TABE, they will first be given a locator test. This is a short sample test that takes about thirty minutes to complete. The results of the locator test will indicate what level of the TABE test should be administered. The levels of the TABE test are E, M, D, and A, which correlate to Easy, Medium, Difficult and Advanced. There is also an L level which is used for adults who cannot read. Generally, most adults enrolling in vocational programs will be expected to achieve a specific score on level D or A.
The TABE can be administered using paper and pencil or via computer. The test is timed and is multiple-choice. Accommodations are available for students with disabilities such as extended time, or Braille or audio versions of the test.
The test is used to determine a student’s mastery of basic educational skills and is appropriate for students ages 14 and up. A student’s score can also be used to indicate readiness to take the GED (General Equivalency Diploma) test.
TABE Reading
The Reading portion tests students’ knowledge in the areas of vocabulary and reading comprehension. The areas that are tested in the Reading section are:
- Interpreting Graphic Information – using charts, graphs, maps, reference materials and other data to extract information
- Words in Context – using multiple meaning words correctly and determining the meaning of an unfamiliar word based on its usage in a sentence or passage
- Recall Information – recalling basic details from a reading passage such as who, what, where, when, why and how
- Construct Meaning – identifying main idea and supporting details, summarizing and paraphrasing a passage, identifying fact and opinion
- Evaluate and Extend Meaning – identifying author’s purpose, making generalizations, predicting outcomes, identifying persuasive techniques used
TABE Language
The Language part of the test measures knowledge in the following areas of English language and grammar:
- Usage
- Sentence Formation
- Paragraph Development
- Capitalization
- Punctuation
- Writing Conventions
TABE Mathematics
The Mathematics portion is divided into two separate batteries, Computation and Applied Mathematics. Computation deals with decimals, fractions, integers and percents, order of operations and basic algebra. The Applied Mathematics section includes measurement, estimation, geometry, statistics and more algebra.
Preparing for the TABE
Practice books are available through McGraw-Hill, and some websites, such as StudyGuideZone, have free, downloadable study guides and practice tests. How to Succeed on the TABE: Test-taking Strategies for Adult Learners discusses some useful test-taking tips and strategies.
Adult learners may have anxiety about the TABE, but since its scores will reflect directly on their educational and/or career success, their efforts to be well prepared will pay off in dividends.
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