TABE Frequently Asked Questions

According to state law, "non-exempt students who are enrolled in certain vocational certificate programs shall complete a basic skills examination within the first six (6) weeks after admission into the program."

EFSC uses the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) to meet this state requirement for programs over 450 clock hours, excluding Law Enforcement.

The test consists of three subtests: Reading (parts 1 and 2), Math (parts 1 and 2), and Language. The maximum time allotments in each section. Each subject includes approximately 40 questions.
In addition to multiple choice, TABE subtests contain the following types of questions:

• Gridded-response items (Math only)
• Technology-enhanced items, such as drag & drop, select text, etc.
• Multiple-select items
• Evidence-based selected response items
• Two-part items (selected-response or multiple-select items)

The test consists of three subtests: Reading (Part 1 & Part 2), Language, and Math (Part 1 & Part 2). By using the Online Version of the TABE, a student may progress through the subtests at their own pace, up to the maximum time allotments in each section. Each subject includes approximately 40 questions and time allotments are:

• Reading Part 1: 50 Minutes
• Reading Part 2: 50 Minutes
• Language: 50 Minutes
• Math Part 1: 45 Minutes
• Math Part 2: 15 Minutes

Check out the resources below or search the internet for other study materials! EFSC strongly recommends students review the TABE Online Tools for each subtest since the question types are different for each subject. Each tutorial can contain subject specific navigation tools not found in one of the other tutorials.
For the Math section, review the calculator reference sheet as it can be used during the exam.

TABE Online Tools
TABE Practice Items
DESMOS Calculator Reference Sheet

TABE testing is done by appointment only at the EFSC Assessment Centers. In order to make a TABE test appointment, students will need their EFSC ID number, Titans student email address, telephone number and the name of the academic program for which they need the TABE test. View more details about registering for TABE via the RegisterBlast system.

All test administrations require photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID, or state-issued photograph ID). A scientific calculator is embedded in the Math Part II section. Scratch paper and pencils are provided at each test center.

Yes, TABE can be retaken, and students who do not meet the required scores will not be denied access to the program. Before any retesting, students should plan on 90 days of remediation effort focusing on one subject area at a time. Students who need remediation may contact the Testing and Assessment Center to request enrollment in the TABE Academy, an online program that provides personalized study plans, focusing on math and reading to help build skills and work toward benchmark scores. TABE Academy is aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards. 

There must be a wait time of at least 3 months between test dates in which time the student should be actively focusing on skill development or the student must perform 30 hours of documented subject review; whichever comes first.

Students who still fail to meet the minimum basic skills levels after the first retest attempt should meet with an Academic Support staff member to reassess their personal remediation strategy. The test publisher requires specific time intervals between TABE test form administrations. It is critical that the student dedicate sufficient effort to improve academic skills, as the time constraints of Test form usage cannot be waived.

The number of hours needed varies based on the student’s skill level and commitment. The test publisher requires a 90-day or 30 hours of focused, documented study time, before retesting.

TABE testing may be waived under certain situations. Carefully review the TABE exemptions web page and work closely with your program advisor or other EFSC staff as needed to ensure all exemption requirements are met.

The Testing Staff will send a PDF copy of the score report to the student’s Titan email account. The College will not release scores over the phone or through personal e-mail.

Minimum basic skill levels in math, language and reading are defined in each vocational program description and listed in the chart on the TABE testing page.

NOTE: Students enrolled in programs of 450 hours or more that require a state, national, or industry licensure exam for employment must be initially tested (unless one of the approved exemptions is met). If upon program completion, the student documents passage of the licensure exam within six months of program completion, the basic skills exit requirement is waived.

If you have a documented Learning Disability or require a testing accommodation, you must be registered with the Student Access for Improved Learning (SAIL) office at EFSC in order to receive your accommodations. Please contact the SAIL office near you to confirm that you are registered, to determine your accommodations, if any, and to schedule your initial TABE. Students wishing to test with approved accommodations, need to inform the Assessment staff when the test appointment is scheduled.