Adult Basic Education Tests

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The purpose of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tests is to determine accurate course placement based on a student's skills, abilities, and language needs in reading, writing, listening, and/or mathematics. These tests are administered as a pre-test prior to ESOL or ABE course enrollment and instruction. They are then administered as a post-test to determine learning gains.

CASAS

The Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) Life and Work Reading and Listening tests are used to pre-test students to determine educational functioning level and post-test for documentation of learning gains of a student enrolled in the adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program per Florida State Board of Education Administrative Rule, Chapter 6A-6.014. Broward College administers the CASAS Life and Work Reading and Listening tests for Broward College BRIDGE Program. The exam is administered on a Computer (CASAS eTests). The CASAS is used for pre and post testing for ESOL programs to measure learning gains. 

Contact the BRIDGE program for more information.

 

Eligibility
  • Broward College students enrolled in the BRIDGE ESOL program

Exam Version

Life and Work Reading 

  • Forms: 81-188
Life and Work Listening
  • Series: 980
    • Forms: 981-986
Subtests
  • Life and Work Reading
  • Life and Work Listening
Score Range
  • Scale Score (SS) Range: 150 - 260
Scores Valid
  • 2 years (from date taken)
Sending Scores to BC
Passing Score

PSAV

ABE

  • Since the ABE program is designed to prepare a student to take the GED, there are no passing or failing scores.
  • Scores are used to align instruction with a students current academic level in each of the 3 content areas.
Time Limit and # of Questions

Appraisel (55 Minutes)

  • Reading:
    • 25 Minutes
    • 25 Questions
  • Listening:
    • 30 Minutes
    • 26 Questions

Reading (60 Minutes)

  • 60 Minutes
  • 24-38 Questions depending on the form
Listening (up to 52 Minutes)
  • 40-52 Minutes depending on the form
  • 38 Questions
Cost
Pre and Post Testing Timing

 

Pre-testing:

  • Must occur within 12 contact hours of starting ESOL or ELCATE program.

Post-testing: 

  • 70 to 100 hours of instruction with a minimum of 40 hours.
    • Exceptions to testing at less than 70 hours of instruction must be
      approved by the BRIDGE program director.
Accommodations

To request ADA testing accommodations, please email DISABILITY-SERVICES@broward.edu  well in advance of your anticipated testing date and request a virtual or phone appointment with an Accessibility Resources Coordinator. 

Guidelines for documentation can be found in Broward College Policy 6Hx2-5.09.
Test Preparation Resources

Listening

Subtest Level A Link Level B Link Level C Link
Test Booklet Link Link Link
Audio Link Link Link

Audio links require you to download a Zip folder containing several MP3 files with the practice items. 

Reading

Subtest Level A Link Level B Link Level C Link Level D Link
Test Booklet Link Link Link Link

 

TABE

The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test is used as the assessment to meet the Basic Skills Requirement for placement for Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) and Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) Students per Florida State Board of Education Administrative Rule, Chapter 6A-10.040. The TABE test is aligned to the National College and Career Readiness Standards for the three core subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, and Language. The current version of the TABE is 11 & 12. Broward College administers the TABE 11 & 12 Level A for all PSAV, ATD, and academic programs.

The TABE is also used for pre and post testing for Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs to measure learning gains. 

Students enrolled in a PSAV or ATD program of 450 clock hours or more or students pursuing an Applied Technology Diploma, shall complete a basic skills examination (TABE test) within the first six weeks after admission into the program.

The Testing and Assessment Centers administer the TABE Forms 11 and 12 with locator for the College's BRIDGE program.

Contact the BRIDGE program for more information. 

The Test of Adult Basic Education, TABE®, is a academic-based, nationwide assessment that provides a valid and reliable measurement of basic skills that adults need to succeed, both on the job and in life. TABE 11 and 12 is the latest edition of the Data Recognition Corporation's assessment for adult learners, aligned with College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards, and complies with today’s rigorous Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) regulations.

The TABE is used for Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs at Broward College

The TABE measures skills in Reading, Mathematics, and Language. 

Eligibility:

  • Broward College students in:
    • a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) program
    • the BRIDGE program

Exemptions:

  • Attainment of a college degree at the associate in applied science level or higher.
  • Achieve college readiness in each core subject area (reading, writing, and math) using one of the placment methods listed 6A-10.0315.
  • Achieve passing scores on the Reasoning through Language Arts and Mathematical Reasoning subtests of the GED 2014.
  • Attainment of a state, national, or industry certification or licensure examination that is identified in the most recent list 20XX-20XX Basic Skills Licensure Exemption List.
  • No student is exempt because of language deficiencies. Limited English Proficient students must achieve the minimum grade level/scale score or higher on one of the designated tests as required by the Department to be awarded a certificate in a vocational program.

Examinee Type Test Attempt Proctoring Modality Proctoring/ Service Fee (Paid to BC) Total Fee
BC Student All On-Campus $25.00 **$28.50
Remote $55.00 **$58.50
Non-BC Examinee All On-Campus $60.00 **$63.50
***Score Report Transmittal Fee N/A N/A $7.50 $9.00
*Includes $1.50 RegisterBlast online payment convenience fee
**Includes $3.50 RegisterBlast online payment convenience fee
***Scores only sent via email to another institution. Requires the submission of a Test Score Release Form.
Changes to exam fees are effective October 15, 2022 for all registration dates on or after the effective date. 

 

Exam Version

PSAV (Postsecondary Adult Vocational) and Employment Testing

  • Forms: 11 and 12
  • Level: A
ABE (Adult Basic Education)
  • Forms: 11 and 12
  • Level: Based on performance in each subtest area
Subtests
  • Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Language
Score Range
  • Scale Score (SS) Range: 300 - 800
Scores Valid
  • 2 years (from date taken)
Sending Scores to BC
# of Questions
  • Approximately 40 questions per subtest
Passing Score

PSAV

ABE

  • Since the ABE program is designed to prepare a student to take the GED, there are no passing or failing scores.
  • Scores are used to align instruction with a students current academic level in each of the 3 content areas.
Time Limit

Locator (65 Minutes)

  • Reading: 35 Minutes
  • Language: 20 Minutes
  • Mathematics: 20 Minutes

Reading (100 Minutes)

  • Part 1: 50 Minutes
  • Part 2: 50 Minutes
Mathematics (65 Minutes)
  • Part 1: 30 Minutes
  • Part 2: 35 Minutes
Language (55 Minutes)
  • Part 1: 55 Minutes
Cost
Availability
  • Currently only available for the BRIDGE program at Broward College.
Testing (Pre-Testing) and Retesting (Post-Testing) Policy

PSAV Programs

The TABE retesting policy adheres to FLDOE rules. TABE retesting involves two components; time and test form. All test takers taking the TABE at Broward College for an academic program must adhere to the following retesting policy. The only exception to this policy is individuals taking the TABE for employment purposes.

Test Attempt

Min. Waiting Period

(in days)

Test Form

(example)

First

 None TABE 11

Second

 30 Days TABE 12

Third

 90 Days TABE 11

Fourth or Higher

 90 Days TABE 12

*Official proof of remediation from the ASC may reduce waiting period.

**Test form given on first attempt is random and determined by the test proctor at the time of testing.

ABE Programs

Pre-testing:

  • Must occur within 12 contact hours of starting ABE program.

Post-testing: 

  • If testing with an alternate form (i.e., 11 to 12), 50 to 60 hours of instruction is recommended.
  • If testing with the same form (i.e., 12 to 12), 60-80 hours of instruction is recommended. 
Availability
  • Currently only available for the BRIDGE program
Accommodations

To request ADA testing accommodations, please email DISABILITY-SERVICES@broward.edu  well in advance of your anticipated testing date and request a virtual or phone appointment with an Accessibility Resources Coordinator. 

Guidelines for documentation can be found in Broward College Policy 6Hx2-5.09.
Test Preparation Resources

PSAV or ABE

Online TABE Practice Tests

Subtest Level E Link Level M Link Level D Link Level A Link
Reading Link Link Link Link
Language Link Link Link Link
Mathematics Link Link Link Link

*Use the generic username and password provided on the practice test webpage to login.

Paper TABE Practice Items

Subtest Level E Link Level M Link Level D Link Level A Link
Reading Link Link Link Link
Language Link Link Link Link
Mathematics Link Link Link Link