Tips for Taking TABE

• Be positive and do your best.
• Relax, it’s normal to be somewhat nervous before taking a test. Don’t worry!
• Be sure you can hear the instructions and understand them.
• Listen to and read the directions for each test section carefully. Ask for an explanation of the directions if you do not understand them.
• Plan your time well. Each test section is timed. Do not spend too much time on any one test question. If it takes too long to answer a question, skip it and return to it later, if time permits. First respond to all questions of which you are certain of the answer.
• Before answering a question, be sure you know what is being asked. For example, a test question might say, “Which of these is not an even number?” If you read the question too quickly, you may miss the word not and answer incorrectly.
• Do not read into a question something that is not there. There are no trick questions in TABE.
• When marking your answers on a separate answer sheet, make sure you mark the circle that goes with the answer you choose. Be sure to fill in the answer circles neatly and completely; carelessness can cause you to get a low score. If you realize you have been marking your answers in the wrong place, let the proctor or examiner know immediately.
• Trust your instincts. If you know a lot about a subject (reading, mathematics or language), the first answer you select probably will be the best. When rechecking, change an answer only when you are sure that your first answer choice was wrong.
• If you are not sure how to answer a question, rule out answer choices that you know are incorrect. Then mark your best guess.
• Remember that the score you will receive on TABE is only one way to measure your skills. TABE will show you the skills you have now and those you need to learn. You cannot fail TABE.