TASC- What's On The Test Assessing Secondary Completion

June 19, 2019 0 Comments

The Test Assessing Secondary Completion, abbreviated as the TASC, is one form of a national high school equivalency exam. Persons in search of post-secondary education or employment options certainly understand the importance of holding a high school diploma. However, many candidates do not hold one. Although an exam or certificate cannot replace a traditional education, completing a high school equivalency program and exam is the first big step in opening doors for a brighter future.

The TASC is offered in a variety of states as it must be designed to comply with individual state guidelines and regulations for education. An individual may take the TASC if they have not yet received a high school equivalency diploma, a high school diploma, and are not enrolled in high school. As an individual test taker, it is a candidate’s responsibility to verify their eligibility for the test and check if it meets necessary requirements for their ideal educational program or employment. After evaluating requirements and deciding that the TASC is the best option for your future, it is most important to understand the test breakdown.

Like most other high school equivalency tests, the TASC will test a candidate in four main subject areas critical to a traditional education: language arts, math, science, and social studies. Similar to other exams, the TASC also divides the language arts component into two official sections: one for reading and one for writing. The math section is divided into two sections to designate questions which a candidate can and cannot use a calculator. A formula sheet is provided.

The chart below provides an overview for the TASC breakdown.


Subject Area

Content

Time

Question Count

Reading Literacy

Comprehension, analysis, application and synthesis of Literary texts & informational texts

85 minutes

48-49 Multiple choice, 1 constructed response or technology enhanced item

Writing

Language usage and conventions

110 minutes total

*45 minutes allotted for essay

50-51 multiple choice, 1 constructed response or technology enhanced item, 1 writing prompt

Mathematics

Numbers and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, probability & statistics

55 minutes (with calculator)

50 minutes (without calculator)

42 or 43 multiple choice, 11 gridded responses, 1 constructed response or technology enhanced item

Social Studies

US History, World History, Civics & Government, Geography, Economics

75 minutes

48-49 multiple choice, 1 constructed response or technology enhanced item, 8 stimuli

Science

Physical science, life science, earth & space science

75 minutes

48-49 multiple choice, 1 constructed response or technology enhanced item, 8 stimuli


Each section contains approximately 50 items for assessment. The number of items will be determined by which format a test take has opted for. It is important to note that the time allotted for each section does not vary for English or Spanish test takers. While the TASC offers a variety of accommodations such as a language option, paper-pencil or computer-based testing, and a Braille, audio, or large print option, it is a candidate’s responsibility to know their options and provide proof of disability as necessary for educational requirements.

Test makers generally reserve the right to incorporate unscored questions used for survey purposes. And while the number of items and time allotted may shift in slight variances, the content the TASC will test for will be based on the same material. Each subject area is designed to test for the knowledge and understanding of the content that is essential in demonstrating the applications of a high school education.

To assist with your goals, Smart Edition Media has created a study guide that provides essential lesson material as seen on the TASC. Complete with lesson quizzes and simulated exams, the guide will give hands-on practice for any student. Each guidebook provides access to convenient online resources and exams for extra educational diagnostics.

Click here to view the study guide or view additional information at the official TASC site.