A Brief Overview of the Test of Adult Basic Education Exam (TABE Exam)
TABE is an acronym that stands for Test of Adult Basic Education. The TABE exam, or TABE test, is generally administered to students who wish to enter adult basic education programs (career training programs, career enhancement programs, vocational school training programs, etc.).
What Skills Does the TABE Exam Asses?
The TABE is a standard exam authored by CTB McGraw Hill, and it is designed to test the basic workforce preparedness skills and knowledge of adult learners. There are four essential skills targeted for assessment on the exam.
- Reading – Employers want to make sure that you can read and understand information related to your job.
- Mathematics – Employers are interested in knowing if you can understand essential math skills in the workplace.
- Spelling – Employers need to be confident that you can effectively communicate the written word.
- Language – Employers want to make sure that you know how to form a correct sentence and understand proper paragraph development.
The advanced level TABE exam tests an adult learner’s knowledge of Science, Social Studies, Algebra & Geometry, and Writing. And, there is a TABE Class E exam that tests a student’s proficiency with the English language, much like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL Exam).
The specific version of the TABE exam you will be given will be based upon the type of program in which you are attempting to enrol. Contact your local adult essential education centre to find out which exam is administered for the specific career-training program or adult education program you are interested in.
How is the TABE Test Administered?
The TABE test is available in three different formats: online, PC based, and good old-fashioned pencil and paper format. The exact method of delivery varies from school to school. To find out exactly how your TABE exam will be administered, you will need to check with your prospective adult education centre.
TABE Test Preparation
Many schools that offer the TABE exam also provide a mini study guide to help you score as high as possible. If the career training school you choose does not provide a study guide, go to the Internet and Google “TABE Test Preparation,” Your results should list several online exam practice sites and study guides.
Alternatively, you go to a retailer that sells exam prep materials, i.e., Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com. But, before you purchase test prep guides, be sure to thoroughly review all of the free study guides on the Internet.
Remember, the TABE exam is only an assessment of your skills. It is not a pass/fail type of test; it only measures how much of a particular skill you have mastered. Therefore, it is entirely possible to study the basic skills at least a couple of weeks before taking the test to achieve a higher score. Good luck to you!