According to Florida state rule 6A-10.040 (View/Download .pdf), all students enrolled in vocational/certificate programs that require 450+ clock hours must complete a basic skills examination within the first six (6) weeks of admission into the program.

The TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) is an assessment that measures your basic skills in Reading, Math, and Language and is meant to point out potential areas of improvement needed for the successful completion and attainment of a diploma/certificate.

The following programs require the TABE:

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

Allied Health Programs:

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

Currently, individuals enrolled in the following programs must take the TABE test within six (6) weeks of admission into the program, unless they qualify for an exemption (see below).

To see if you qualify for an exemption, please review the list below. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, please contact the PSC TABE coordinator, Erin Roush at eroush@pensacolastate.edu.

 Exemptions (per FL state rule 6A-10.040)

You may be exempt from taking the TABE if you meet any of the following criteria:

• A student who has earned an AAS degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• 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.
• A student serving as an active-duty member of the Armed Forces.
• 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.
• A student enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Department of Education in accordance with chapter 446.
• A student who self-identifies a documented learning disability, is registered with the ADA Services & Resources office, and meets their exemption qualifications per rule 6A-1.0943).
• 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/privateschools/.
• 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.
• 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.
• Students who are enrolled in an eligible career education dual enrollment program under Section 1007.271 F.S.

A copy of your scores needs to be sent to studentrecords@pensacolastate.edu. If you did not meet the scoring requirements for your program, you will need to retake it. If you took the TABE more than 2 calendar years ago, you need to retake it.

You can schedule and take the TABE at any of our testing centers. Learn more and schedule your test here: https://testing.pensacolastate.edu/. Please allow yourself enough time to complete the test. Please see below for the maximum amount of time you will have per section of the test.

• Reading Part I: 50 Minutes
• Reading Part II: 50 Minutes
• Math Part I: 45 Minutes
• Math Part II: 15 Minutes
• Language: 50 Minutes

You will need to bring a form of photo identification (drivers license, passport, military ID, or state-issued photograph ID).

If you do not pass the TABE on your first attempt, you will need to meet with Erin Roush to discuss your individual TABE remediation strategy. There must be at least 3 months, or 30 hours of documented remediation review before you can retake the test. If you receive a passing score in one section, but not another, you only need to retake the portion you did not pass. Once you have completed the remediation, a special code will be provided to you to retake the TABE at not cost.

No – you will not be kicked out of your program. The TABE is designed to assess your basic skills in Reading, Math, and Language and is meant to point out potential areas of improvement needed for the successful completion and attainment of your license or certification. You can remain in the program while you work through the remediation process.

Yes, if you have a documented disability or require testing accommodations, please contact the ADA office at 850-484-1637 or ADA-Services@pensacolastate.edu.

The TABE is free for PSC students on their first attempt. If a student does not pass the TABE after their first attempt, they will be enrolled in a free online remediation course. Students will have 3 months to complete this course. Once you complete it, you will receive a voucher code to retake the TABE at no charge.

• If students do not complete the remediation course, each retake costs $10.
• For non-PSC students ALL attempts are $25.

Students will be provided with a copy of their TABE scores immediately after taking the test. The scores you need depend on which program you are enrolled in. Please see the attached document for more information.

Yes! Please see the links below to resources:

TABE Tips (View/Download .pdf)

Preparing for the TABE

TABE Website

Language Practice Test

Reading Practice Test

Math Practice Test

In order to receive your diploma/certificate from PSC, you will need to pass the TABE test but there are options!

• You can take the PERT test – if your scores indicate placement at a college level, we can use those in place of the TABE.
• You can successfully complete an exit level developmental education course
  • • MAT 0028 exempts Math.
    • REA 0017 exempts Reading.
    • ENC 0025 exempts Language.
• You can take the GED exam (if you do not already have it or a high school diploma) and if you receive of 145 or greater on each section of the 2014 (or after) GED, we can use that in place of the TABE.
• You can use your state license or appropriate NCCER certification in place of the TABE. Please see the attached document to find out what license/certification you need for your program.

Please contact Erin Roush at eroush@pensacolastate.edu or (850) 484-1556.