The TASC exam is a high school equivalency test that gives examinees a chance to go further in life. Anyone that couldn’t finish high school can apply to the TASC test. When examinees pass the test, many opportunities await them, such as the pursuit of a college degree or a new career.
What’s the TASC test?
TASC stands for Test Assessing Secondary Completion™. Passing the TASC grants the examinee a high school equivalency diploma. It attests that the test taker has the necessary knowledge to go to college or start a career.
It’s an excellent opportunity for those who had a setback and didn’t finish high school. With the TASC exam, examinees are assessed in five core subjects: reading writing, mathematics science, and social studies. It’s an affordable and flexible high school equivalency exam.
When did the TASC exam originate?
In 2014, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) introduced the TASC exam as an alternative to the popular GED and other high school equivalency tests. Since education has changed over the years, DRC saw a need to update the high school equivalency tests, too.
The TASC test can be taken on several states around the U.S. Each state, with DRC’s assistance has its own version of the test, to ensure it assesses examinees based on the state’s standards.
Data Recognition Corporation has been around for decades. Its primary focus has always been education assessment, namely publication, administration, and reporting. DRC has worked with assessments for pre-K, K-12, and adult education worldwide.
To develop the TASC test, DRC partnered with esteemed adult educators and secondary school teachers. Though the TASC exam isn’t necessarily easy, it’s a current representation of the educational expectations. It has gone through multiple revisions to make sure it’s a fair assessment.
“In 2014, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) introduced the TASC exam as an alternative to the popular GED and other high school equivalency tests.”
What are the requirements to take the TASC test?
The TASC exam was created to help those who didn’t finish high school obtain a high school equivalency test. Though each state might have different variations of the requirements test takers need to meet, normally candidates must:
TASC Fees
The TASC test fees vary from one state to the other, but, regardless of the location, it’s specified by the DRC that when test takers purchase the full battery, they receive two free subtest retests, scoring and reporting.
The full TASC test battery entails all different subjects and sections, while a subtest refers to one, specific section, such as science.
On average, the TASC fees are around $90. Since New York is one of the states that has decided to replace GED tests with the TASC exam, they offer it for free. On Colorado, on the other hand, future examinees need to pay $141.50.
TASC Registration
The TASC exam is offered around the U.S. on 15 states at the moment: California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.
The TASC registration process, as well as the scheduling, will differ from one state to the next. Some states allow you to complete your registration online, while others require you to register at a testing center.
You can also set up your TASC account while you’re there.
What topics are covered in the TASC exam?
At first, going through the TASC test extensive content list can be intimidating. What else could we expect? The TASC exam compiles four years of learning into one test. The good news is, the test makers provide a detailed list of content, which helps examinees prepare. There are also online guides and prep tests to get you ready for your TASC exam.
TASC Test – Reading
Within the reading tests, examinees will find a variety of questions, such as:
The questions include literary passages as well as informational copy from nonfiction, history, social studies and so on, in different formats. The reading subtest will assess the examinees’ ability to read, comprehend, and summarize information. Most importantly, the TASC test expects you to analyze the passages, express your opinion effectively and draw inferences.
TASC Test – Mathematics
The mathematics’ subtest presents test takers with algebra, number and quantity, functions, and geometry questions, along with some statistics and probability questions. Examinees will have to interpret charts, graphs, and tables.
This test is divided into two sections. Only in the first section, examinees are allowed to use a calculator. During the exam, examinees will also receive a page of mathematics formulas to consult.
Amongst other subtopics, examinees have to prove their abilities on:
TASC Test – Writing
Similar to the reading subtest, in the writing test, you’ll have to answer multiple-choice, constructed-response and technology-enhanced questions. The questions will prompt you to identify errors, correct sentence structure, and other grammar issues, as well as the mechanics of writing and organization.
Another part of the writing test is writing a text-based essay. Examinees will be assessed on their ability to structure their texts while presenting a clear essay that supports or opposes the main idea of a passage.
TASC Test – Science
The science test is divided into three main disciplines – Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science. Examinees are required to recall and apply knowledge, skills or reasoning. In other words, you’ll be assessed on your comprehension, application, problem-solving skills and much more.
Amongst many topics, make sure you study:
TASC Test – Social Studies
The questions within the social studies subtest focus on history (U.S. and world), economics, geography, civics, and government. During this test, you should demonstrate an understanding of these areas, as well as, the ability to read passages and interpret illustrations, graphs, and charts.
How much time do you get to take the TASC exam?
Since five subtests complete the TASC test, here is a breakdown of each one:
It’s a relatively long test, and it tends to be administered in two days.
What’s a passing score for the exam?
As mentioned above, the TASC test is divided into five subjects. Each one is a subtest. The five subtests, Mathematics, Science, Reading, Writing and Social Studies are scored separately, and so the Essay within the writing topic.
To pass the TASC, examinees need to pass each subtest, regardless of their total of points. The minimum score on each section is 500 from a total of 800 points. As far as the essay goes, test takers must score at least 2 out of 8 to pass the TASC test.
A significant advantage of taking the TASC is that, in most states, if you fail one subtest but pass all the others, you can go back and take just that subtest again. Once you pass all five subtests and the writing, you’ll get your high school equivalency diploma, and it’s time to celebrate.
Other advantages of the TASC exam
Many states already implemented the TASC test because it’s more accessible and affordable than other high school equivalency diplomas. Unlike the GED, for example, the TASC test is available in pen and paper or computer, as well as, in Spanish, large print, braille, and audio format.
Most importantly, the TASC exam is aligned with the Common Core State Standards which increases examinees chances when competing for career or college opportunities.
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