What is the TABE?
May 16, 2023
The Test for Adult Basic Education, also known as TABE, is a comprehensive assessment of adult education to find your strengths by measuring basic skills that are used in the workplace and in life.
The three major areas of TABE are:
- Reading
- Language
- Math
The test is formatted using multiple-choice questions with no short answers or writing questions. The purpose of TABE is to show your current skill level and the skills that need to be improved on. You are not graded on the test, and you can’t fail.
Why should I take the TABE?
The exam is often used by workforce and education partners while putting together a training plan for their customers (aka individuals). TABE results help determine the best starting point for training.
How do I prepare for the TABE?
It is easy to worry about what kinds of questions will be on any test. Thankfully, you can find several practice tests, study guides, and sample questions online for the TABE. It is a good idea to look at several TABE resources before taking the test.
Here are some links to get you started:
- TABE Practice Test
- Khan Academy offers training videos to prepare for Math, such as:
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Integers (Negative Numbers)
- Percentages
- Order of Operations
- Algebra
Tips for taking the TABE:
When the time comes to take the TABE, keep these tips in mind:
- Relax, be positive, and do your best.
- Carefully read the directions for each section. Ask for an explanation if you don’t understand.
- Be sure to manage your time.
- Carefully read each question, and remember: there are no trick questions.
- Make sure to completely fill in each answer circle.
- Trust your instincts. Change answers only if you are sure your first choice is wrong.
- Use the process of elimination for a question that you don’t know how to answer.