Employment Testing

Our version of the Unemployment Office has several other programs that provide a job coach, a worker retraining program, etc. One of the early things they do is Employment Testing aimed at determining whether you can function at least at an eighth grade level. The idea is, you may have a diploma, and you either got pushed out of school or you forgot it all. The test isn't hard, but if you've been out of school for a few decades it may test you on some things you used to know very well, but haven't needed to use regularly and forgot. The following info is what our Unemployment Office uses, other employers or programs probably do something similar.


The following excerpt is from this site: http://www.studyguidezone.com/tabetest.htm

TABE Test

The Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a diagnostic test used to determine a person's skill levels and aptitudes. Many companies use in hiring, promotions, or for selecting employees for training programs for skilled positions. The TABE test is also used by public service agencies who are guiding people into adult education programs, such as getting a GED, or going to trade school, etc.

It tests skills and aptitudes in reading, math, and English, as you'll apply them in the workforce or classroom. Although there's really no such thing as passing or failing the TABE test, your score can determine your eligibility for many programs that can have a positive effect on your life situation, and a huge impact on your future income. It's important to be prepared for the test. You'll make arrangements to take the test through the school or agency that's requiring it. It takes about an hour and a half to complete. In the reading portion, you'll be tested on your vocabulary and reading comprehension. The English portion will test for spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, etc. The math section doesn't involve much complex math-there are some question on pre-algebra, but mostly it's about basic math, and understanding fractions, percentages, and the decimal system. If you're being required to take the TABE, it's probably because you're trying to improve your life in some manner. Doing well on the test can mean the difference between where you are now and a much brighter future.

Our Unemployment Office skips the English Language section on spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, etc Although its not a bad thing to look at for general self improvement reasons or in case someone else decides to test you on this.

This site had the link to the best TABE study guide I found here: http://www.studyguidezone.com/pdfs/tabeteststudyguide.pdf

It also has sample questions here: http://www.testprepreview.com/tabe_practice.htm
And if you need to refresh your memory, here are links to help here: http://www.testprepreview.com/tabelinks.htm

A little preparation can go a long way...