TASC^®

The TASC™ test is a five-subject high school equivalency exam that measures levels of academic achievement relative to that of high school graduates, and assesses career and college readiness. The exam can be taken at a testing center on a computer or as a paper test, and covers five subject areas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Learn more about the TASC™ test here.

*Many people need to take classes before they are ready to take the GED, HiSET, or TASC tests. To find classes near you, search the National Literacy Directory. Practice tests, such as this one, are available online to help too.

Why Take the TASC™ Test

When asking why you should finish your diploma, the answer might simply be that without it you could have difficulty finding a job. Depending on where you live, your state may offer the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™) test as the main high school equivalency test. Millions of adults in the U.S. did not graduate from high school and are eligible to take the TASC™ test.

The TASC™ test first became available in 2014, and it is now offered in a number of states across the U.S. The format for the exam is designed to measure knowledge of Mathematics, Writing, Reading, Science, and Social Studies, and to determine how the test-taker compares with graduates of a high school program.

Individuals preparing to take the TASC™ test range in age from late teens to senior citizens, and they span a wide variety of backgrounds. Many participants learn English as a second language.

The TASC™ test may be relatively new, but many forms of testing assistance are available, from local adult education centers to printed resources that should be available at your library. In some cases, financial assistance can be made available. In most cases, two free retakes are offered if you do not pass the first time.

Your local adult education center can help you with the process and is the best place to get started with the TASC™ test. To get started, use the Directory to find a center near you.

How to Study for the TASC™ Test

In preparing to study for the high school equivalency test, you are taking a giant step forward to open the door for new opportunities. Depending on which state you live in, the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™) test may be the primary option in your state.

The TASC™ test assesses an individual's performance in five academic areas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The TASC™ test is designed to measure level of achievement relative to graduating high school seniors in that state.

It can be tough to get started on studying for the TASC™ test, especially if it has been a long time since you were in school. Here are five tips to help study for the TASC™ test:

1. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to studying. This can be in the evenings after work or early in the morning — whatever works best for you.

1. Divide your study time into 15-minute sections: some for reading the practice material, some for reviewing the material once you've read it, and another period for taking practice tests.

1. Don't try to cram the studying into one extended session. Studies show that a person's ability to focus lessens after 45 minutes, so it's important to break up study periods into manageable sections.

1. Try to visualize real-world examples of the lessons in your studies. For example: If you are trying to remember a math equation and you have worked in retail or as a cashier in the past, think of a time when that equation would have applied to your position.

1. Establish a support network of family and friends who are positive and support your success. Surrounding yourself with positive energy and cheerleaders is key to reaching your goal.

To get started, use the Directory to find a local adult education center — they'll help you every step of the way!

Interpreting the Test Results

Good job taking the TASC™ test! Let's talk about what your score means.

The TASC™ test is broken up into five sections: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing.

To pass the TASC™ test, you have to score at least 500 on each subject as well as at least 2 out of 8 on the Writing section. Students must pass all five of the subject areas to pass the TASC™ test.

The TASC™ test is designed to determine whether one's knowledge and skill meets or surpasses at least 60 percent of graduating high school seniors, meaning a successful pass puts the test-taker in the top 40 percent of their peer group.