About the TABE Test

TABE Testing Fees

PSC students no charge.
  • Non-students, other institutions or re-tests $25.00
  • Retests: $10
Schedule Test

The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) measures your skills and abilities in reading, math, and language as they relate to your classroom and workforce success. Your score on the TABE will not prevent you from entering a program but could prevent you from receiving your diploma/certificate.

Florida Administrative Code 6A-10.040 requires students who enroll in a vocational certificate program with 450 clock hours or more to meet specific grade-level requirement to receive their diploma/certificate. You must achieve program-specific scores set by the state, before you complete your program; otherwise, you will not receive your diploma/certificate.

Students accepted into the following programs must take the TABE test within six (6) weeks of admission into the program, unless they qualify for an exemption. To determine if you are exempt from taking the test, please review the TABE Exemption Options list provided below on this webpage.

Allied Health Programs:

  • Electrocardiograph Technology (EKG)
  • Medical Assisting
  • Practical Nursing (LPN)

Workforce Education Programs:

  • Advanced Esthetics
  • Advanced Welding
  • Aviation Airframe Mechanics
  • Aviation Powerplant Mechanics
  • Carpentry
  • Cosmetology
  • Diesel Maintenance Technician
  • Electricity
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Massage Therapy
  • Plumbing
  • Welding

It is STRONGLY recommended that students schedule the test as soon as their acceptance notification is received.

Taking the TABE Test

The TABE test consists of three sections: Reading, Mathematics, and Language. The test takes approximately four hours to complete all sections. TABE 13&14 includes multiple levels that correspond with National Reporting System (NRS) levels. At PSC, all Workforce Education students will take version D of the test, while all Allied Health students will take version A. All TABE exams are given by appointment only and require 24 hours’ advance notice. Schedule your TABE exam.

Please review the College Testing policy before your exam

Retesting

The TABE assessment is provided at no cost for Pensacola State College students on their first attempt. Students who do not achieve a passing score on the initial attempt will be enrolled in a complimentary online remediation course designed to strengthen their skills. Students have up to three months to complete the course. Upon successful completion, a voucher code will be issued to retake the TABE at no additional charge.

  • Students who choose not to complete the remediation course will be charged a $10 fee for each subsequent retake.
  • For individuals who are not currently PSC students, the fee for each TABE attempt is $25.
TABE Exemption Options

Students who meet one of the follow criteria are exempt from taking the TABE test.  

  1. A student who has earned an AAS degree or higher from an accredited institution.
  2. A student who entered 9th grade in a Florida public school in 2003-2004 or after AND who earned a Florida standard High School Diploma.
  3. A student serving as an active-duty member of the Armed Forces.
  4. A student who passes a state, national or industry certification or licensure examination aligned to their career certificate and is identified in the “Basic Skills Licensure Exemption List,” effective December 2025, located here: http://flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-18877.
  5. A student enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Department of Education in accordance with chapter 446.
  6. A student who self-identifies a documented learning disability, is registered with the ADA Services & Resources office, and meets their exempt qualifications.
  7. A student who received a high school diploma from a private school that is in compliance with section 1002.42, F.S. See more here: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/private-schools/
  8. A student in a home education program or personalized education program who submits a signed affidavit from the student’s parent or legal guardian attesting that the student has completed a home education program following the requirements of Section 2.1002.41, F.S. or personalized education program following the requirements of Section 1002.395, F.S.
  9. A student entering a law enforcement officer basic recruit training program, if he or she is a veteran as defined in Section 1.01(14), F.S., or holds an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  10. Students who are enrolled in an eligible career education dual enrollment program under Section 1007.271 F.S.

TABE Certification Exemption List

Any student who meets one of the below basic skills equivalences will receive credit for all or part of the TABE.

  1. A student whose test scores (ACT/SAT/CPT/PERT) indicate placement at college level.
    • PERT Scores:
      • Reading (106)
      • Writing (103)
      • Math (114)
    • SAT Scores:
      • Reading (24)
      • Writing & Language (25)
      • Math (24)
    • ACT scores:
      • Reading (19)
      • English (17)
      • Math (19)
  2. A student who successfully completed an exit level developmental education course.
      • MAT 0028 exempts Math.
      • REA 0017 exempts Reading.
      • ENC 0025 exempts Language.
  3. A student who scores 145 or greater on each section of the 2014 (or after) GED.

If you believe you qualify for an exemption or have met one of the skills equivalences, please email the TABE Coordinator, Erin Roush, at eroush@pensacolastate.edu or (850) 484-1556.