Resources for GED, ABE, WorkKeys: Adult Basic Education

The National Reporting System (NRS) is the accountability system for the Federally funded adult education program, mandated by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The NRS sets the Educational Functioning Levels. EFL measures the primary purpose of the adult basic education program: to improve the basic literacy skills of participants. The NRS divides educational functioning into six levels for ABE. Each of these levels uses different tests to measure: Basic Reading and Writing; and Functional and Workplace Skills. These tests include:

• TABE 9&10 - TABE 9&10 is an adult basic skills assessment that tests basic skills in reading, math, language, language mechanics, vocabulary, and spelling. Learn more about the TABE 9&10 test here.

• CASAS Exam - There are two CASAS employability tests: reading comprehension and math. These tests are used to identify the reading and math skills that are needed to prepare in order to succeed in the workplace.

• Wonderlic GAIN - The GAIN was specifically created to measure Educational Functioning Levels in literacy and math skills.

• MAPT -The MAPT measures basic skills in literacy, reading and math. Learn more about the MAPT today.

The levels for ABE are beginning literacy, beginning basic education, low and high intermediate basic education, and low and high adult secondary education. Each ABE level measures basic reading, writing, numeracy, and functional and workplace skills that can be expected from a person functioning at that level.

The purpose of the GED and GED equivalent tests is to measure basic skills for those who did not earn a high school diploma and to give them the opportunity to gain a higher level of education or a career of their choosing.

GED – The GED is provided by Pearson. It is used as part of a start-to-finish program for adult learners. The GED ensures that an adult’s high school equivalency (HSE) credential signifies he or she has the skills and knowledge necessary to take the next critical steps in their life. There are four test section on the GED: math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts. 

TASC – DTC|CTB designed the TASC to show the same basic knowledge and skills as high school students for those who are college and career ready. There are five test sections on the TASC: reading, math, social studies, and writing.

HiSET – The HiSET was created by ETS, to help those who want to pursue a career or continue their education. The test consists of five test sections: language arts (reading and writing), mathematics, science and social studies. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Test, also called English as a Foreign Language (EFL), is an English language test for nonnative speakers. ESL Tests are used to measure English language proficiency, which tests skills of job applicants, current employees and personnel seeking promotions.

TOEIC - The TOEIC is provided by ETS, assesses English-language speaking and writing skills for the workplace. It consists of two tests: Listening & Reading Test and the Speaking & Writing Test.

IELTS for Work - This is used for those who are going to English speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. It contains four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. 

BEST Plus & BEST Literacy - The BEST tests measure English language skills of adult English language learners. The BEST Plus measures your oral proficiency skills. Where the BEST Literacy test measures reading and writing skills. 

TABE CLAS-E - The TABE CLAS–E measure adult learners' English language proficiency and helps people in their career paths. The test consists of reading, listening, speaking, and writing.