The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

The TABE is an English, math and reading assessment exam that is divided into three sections and used to determine a student's skills in these areas. Depending on your course of study, the TABE helps SCC decide:

• If you can enter a non-credit program without reserve.
• At what level in a program you should be placed (beginner, intermediate or advanced).
• If you need to use SCC's support services at the STAR Center. 
• If you need to temporarily delay beginning a program while you acquire skills in one or more of these areas.

The TABE is a placement exam. If you do not do well on part of the TABE, it does not mean you cannot enter the program. It simply tells SCC what your strengths and weaknesses are, so we can help you complete your program.

Why Is the TABE Important?

By taking the TABE, you meet state entry requirements for:

• Non-college-credit career programs.
• Adult basic education programs.
• The GED preparation program.
• Adult high school.

What Happens If I Do Not Meet My Program Requirements in One of the Three TABE Sections?

Florida law requires that you pass all three sections of the TABE to be:

• "Admitted without reserve" to the program of your choice.*
• Awarded a diploma or certificate of completion.

* "Admitted without reserve" means being admitted without conditions. If you do not meet the requirements of your program, it does not mean you will not be allowed to enter the program. You may be able to begin the program under certain conditions.

In most cases, you can enter a non-credit program if you agree to use SCC's support services. You may have to attend a set number of hours per week in the STAR Center. The STAR Center staff:

• Uses materials from your course of study to help you gain English, math and reading skills.
• Helps you succeed in your course of study.
• Prepares you to pass the TABE.

There are exceptions to this rule. Check with your SCC counselor or the Assessment and Testing Center for more information.

If you are unsuccessful in one part of the TABE, you are only required to retake that part of the exam. For example, if you pass English and reading but are not successful in math, you only have to retake the math portion.

Note: You must meet your program's required scores in all three section of the TABE by the time you complete your program to earn a diploma or degree.

What If I Haven't Taken the TABE?

If you haven't taken the TABE, you can take it at SCC. Contact the Assessment and Testing Center at 407.708.2020 for more information.

How Can I Get More Information about the TABE?

For more information about the TABE:

• Speak with your SCC counselor.
• Contact the Assessment and Testing Center at 407.708.2020. 
• Review the online TABE study guide.
• Request for TABE exemption for career programs that require acceptable TABE scores.

Is There a Fee to Take the TABE?

• TABE Survey Form: $25
• Complete Test Battery (non-SCC students): $40
• TABE Retakes (non-SCC students): $25

Did you know?

First time college students entering a college-credit program are required to take the ACT, SAT or CPT exams.