TABE Information

 

WHAT IS TABE?

 

Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is an academic-based, nationwide assessment that provides a measurement of adult basic education skills. TABE is aligned with College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards and complies with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) policies.

 

There are no "passing" or "failing" scores for TABE assessments. Rather, your score ranges will be used to place you into appropriate levels of courses and programs. While these assessments are required and you are encouraged to do your best, you should not stress over your performance or score.

WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE TABE ASSESSMENTS?

 

It is a WIOA requirement that, during intake, a Customer’s interests, skills, and needs are assessed. Part of this assessment process for workNet DuPage Customers is completing the TABE Reading and Math tests.

 

You can learn more about this policy here.

TESTING PROCEDURES

 

Testing will occur at the workNet DuPage Career Center.

2525 Cabot Drive

Suite 302

Lisle, IL 60154

 

  • If you need to reschedule, you must reach out to the staff member that assisted you with scheduling.

  • Please arrive on-time for your scheduled testing session(s). Customers that arrive after the scheduled start time must wait until the proctor is available for a one-on-one introduction and testing procedure discussion. Only then can you enter the Computer Lab and begin testing.

  • While 3 hours is allotted for each test (math and reading), the average tester is able to complete the assessments much quicker. Please ensure that you block off the full amount of time on your calendar, but be aware that you likely will not need the full amount of time.

 

Customers completing TABE assessments must agree to follow the policies and procedures outlined below.

  • Valid photo ID(s) are required for all testing.

  • Children are not permitted in the Computer Lab.

  • Food and gum are not permitted in the Computer Lab. Drinks are permitted, but must be in a container with a lid.

  • Cell phones must be silenced or turned off.

  • Personal calculators, rulers, protractors, pens, pencils, and scratch paper are not allowed. Materials required for testing will be provided to you by the test proctor.

  • No personal items may be stored on the desks.

  • No earbuds or Bluetooth headsets are allowed while testing.

  • Talking is not allowed in the Computer Lab unless to direct a question to the proctor.

PRACTICE ITEMS

 

You may view examples of the types of questions that are on TABE assessments at the links below:

 

TABE 11 & 12 Sample Practice Items

 

You may view the testing interface here:

 

TABE Online Testing

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

 

The testing platform (DRC Insight) has certain integrated accommodation options that can be used by any tester. These include:

  • Test background color, contrasting color, and reverse contrast options

  • Line guide

  • Magnifier (x1.5 or x2.0)

You can explore these features via the link below:

TABE Online Testing (drcedirect.com)

 

Other testing accommodations, such as additional time, an audible version of the test(s), or a private testing room, should have been discussed when you scheduled your assessment(s).

TIPS FOR TESTING

 

  • Get a good night's sleep before your scheduled assessment date.

  • Don't skip breakfast.

  • Bring a drink (our facility is not equipped with a water fountain.) Drinks must be stored in containers with lids.

  • Be positive and do your best.

  • Relax, it’s normal to be nervous before taking a test. Don’t worry!

  • Be sure you can hear the instructions and understand them.

  • Listen to and read the directions for each test section carefully. Ask for an explanation of the directions if you do not understand them.

  • Plan your time well. Each test section is timed. Do not spend too much time on any one test question. If it takes too long to answer a question, skip it and return to it later, if time permits. First respond to all questions of which you are certain of the answer.

  • Before answering a question, be sure you know what is being asked. For example, a test question might say, “Which of these is not an even number?” If you read the question too quickly, you may miss the word not and answer incorrectly.

  • Do not read into a question something that is not there. There are no trick questions in TABE.

  • Trust your instincts. If you know a lot about a subject, the first answer you select probably will be the best.

  • If you are not sure how to answer a question, rule out answer choices that you know are incorrect. Then mark your best guess.

  • Remember that the score you will receive on TABE is only one way to measure your skills. TABE will show you the skills you have now and those you need to learn. You cannot fail TABE.

NEXT STEPS

 

After completing the required TABE assessments, your scores will be emailed to your Career Counselor. Your Career Counselor will then contact you directly to discuss your next steps with workNet DuPage. Please allow 3-5 business days for this process to unfold.

SEE YOU SOON!