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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.