TABE Testing Information

The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE®) measures skills and aptitudes in reading, math, and language, as you will apply them in the workforce or classroom. The chart below lists the TABE® basic skills requirements for career certificate programs of 450 hours or more. You will also find test preparation information and details about possible TABE® exemptions.

Students may schedule an appointment to take the TABE through the online registration system, RegisterBlast, at any of the four campuses. All test-takers must present a valid photo ID. Lockers are available to store personal items including all electronic devices, watches, wallets, purses, backpacks, water bottles, etc.

Appointments must be scheduled 24 hours ahead of the scheduled test session. The TABE test publisher requires 3 months or 30 hours of instruction between TABE retesting attempts. In order to make a TABE test appointment, students will need their EFSC ID number, Titans student email, telephone number, and the academic program for which they need the TABE test. View more details about the RegisterBlast system.

Make a TABE Appointment by Campus

Why the TABE Matters

Although there's no such thing as passing or failing the TABE test, your score can play a role in your eligibility for several career programs, and you will need to achieve a state-required basic skill level, as measured by the TABE, in order for you to graduate from many career programs, unless you qualify for an exemption.

EFSC uses the current form of TABE Level A for certain Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) programs and for admissions points to some limited access programs.

TABE ® is aligned with College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards and complies with today's rigorous Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) regulations. In accordance with State Administrative Code, students enrolled in Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) programs that require TABE must complete testing within the first six weeks after beginning classes in the program. This mandate allows sufficient time for remediation and retesting before graduation for students who do not meet the basic skill levels outlined in the score chart.

Preparing for the TABE and Score Requirements

The TABE® measures literacy in these three key types: Foundational Skills, Literary Texts, and Informational Texts. Scores are expressed as scaled scores (the value of the actual number correct out of the possible total). Scores are valid for two years from the test date until the date a student enters a program of study and remains valid with continuous enrollment. We also have answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the TABE®.

Minimum basic skill levels in math, language and reading are defined in each program description and listed on the score chart. Note: Please note the score update for students who start a program after January 1, 2026.

TABE 13/14 Level A is the version currently in use, at EFSC. Scores from TABE 11/12 will continue to be accepted through June 30, 2026, after which the TABE 11/12 will sunset.

TABE BASIC SKILLS GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

Exit from Career & Technical Certificate (CTC) Programs: Based on a student's Term Start Date

PROGRAM	CODE	TABE TEST
		Scaled Score (Beginning on/after Jan. 2026)				Scaled Score (Beginning 2025 or Earlier)
		MATH	COMMUNICATIONS			MATH	COMMUNICATIONS
		MATH	LANG	or	READING	MATH	LANG	or	READING
Aviation Airframe Mechanics	ACAM	577	560	or	550	627	584	or	576
Aviation Powerplant Mechanics	APPM	577	560	or	550	627	584	or	576
Cosmetology	COS2	537	547	or	536	577	572	or	563
Fire Fighter I/II	FRI2	577	573	or	563	627	608	or	597
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration HVAC	AIR3	577	560	or	550	627	584	or	576
Mental Health Technician	MHTC	557	560	or	550	596	584	or	576
Practical Nursing	LPN2	596	584	or	576	657	631	or	617
Welding Technology	WEL2	557	560	or	550	596	584	or	576

Students enrolled in programs of 450 hours or more that require a state, national, or industry licensure exam for employment must be initially tested within the first six weeks of entering the program, unless exempt. To be awarded a program certificate, students must meet required scale scores in Math and Communication. The Communication requirement may be satisfied through Language or Reading (not both). If a student completes the program and provides documentation of program certification or licensure within six months of completion, the basic skills exit requirement can be waived. See licensure list here.

NOTE: Non-exempt students must attain benchmark scores in Mathematics and Communications to be awarded a Certificate. Beginning with program starts during the 2022-23 academic year, the Communications requirement may be satisfied with attaining the grade level benchmark in either the Language or Reading subtest. 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 a student completes the program and provides documentation of program certification or licensure within six months of completion, the basic skills exit requirement can be waived.