The TASC Test (2024 Guide)

It is believed that each year, more than one million students drop out of high school in the United States.

There may be many reasons why a person may fail to graduate. But the truth remains that those without a high school diploma may suffer long-term consequences, with earning potential significantly lower than high school and college graduates.

For those who may be looking to re-enter the world of academia and improve their employment prospects, the TASC test is a crucial exam.

The Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) assessment is commonly recognized in the following twelve states:

• California
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Although the TASC test was only introduced in New York State in 2014, it is already highly regarded as an indicator of an applicants’ employability or college readiness.

It ensures that knowledge is directly comparable to graduating high school seniors.

The TASC test was developed in a bid to create a more affordable testing program that could be easily revised to meet national education standards.

In many of the states listed (such as New York), the TASC test has directly replaced the GED (General Education Development) certificate.

Who Can Take the TASC Test?

As a high-school equivalency assessment, the TASC exam is open to anyone aged 16 years or more.

The only criteria are that the applicant is not currently enrolled in a high school curriculum and hasn’t received a high school diploma.

What Are the TASC Test Results Used For?

If you pass your TASC test, you will have officially passed a high school equivalency exam. This means that you can apply for college or apply for higher-paid job roles.

What Subjects Are Assessed Within the TASC Test?

The assessment is split into five distinct areas designed to align with the United States core curriculum.

Subtests within the TASC exam include:

• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Social studies
• Writing

Each subsection has its criteria, but you should expect to require a minimum score of 500 on each subtest to pass your assessment, as well as a minimum of 2 out of 8 on the written essay.

Let’s take a look at the breakdown of each subject area:

Math

The TASC math test will confirm your ability to focus on mathematical problems. You will be tested on areas including algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.

You will be allowed to use a calculator for half of the test.

Example Questions

The first thing we are going to look at is geometry.

You may be asked a question about triangles. You will be expected to know the difference between the different types of a triangle (for example, isosceles, acute, scalene) and you will need to know how to calculate the angle of a triangle.

Therefore, you could expect to be shown a picture of a triangle and given multiple-choice answers to say what type of triangle it is.

You could also be asked a question about square roots.

You will be expected to know what a square root is and how to find out the answer.

(Spoiler: a square root is simply a number multiplied by itself).

You will also be expected to recognize when a question is asking you about square roots. Typically, it would be demonstrated through the square root symbol – √

Reading

The TASC reading test will challenge applicants on a mix of informational and literary texts including poems, drama, non-fiction and stories.

Applicants will need to demonstrate an understanding of what they have read. They will need to focus on critical analysis, showing that they understand how to evaluate details in the text.

They will also need to be able to apply different themes and scenarios in different settings and contexts and understand how ideas and themes can lead to larger messages.

Example Question

Within the TASC reading test, you can expect to be provided with a long passage and to answer questions relating to that passage.

Science

Within the science subtest of the TASC assessment, you will be tested in comparison to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

You will be asked to explain your knowledge of life sciences (such as molecules and organisms), earth sciences (human activity and the universe) and space sciences (comprising matter, motion and force).

There are many elements to the science TASC test questions; but broadly speaking, you will be provided with multiple-choice questions.

You may be given a scenario or a topic and the questions will relate to that topic.

Example Question

Let’s look at the subject of energy as this may come up within the space science section of your TASC test.

For example, you may be expected to know the difference between kinetic energy and potential energy.

You may want to know how energy transforms between the two and be able to recognize examples.

Social Studies

The social studies TASC test will quiz you on your knowledge of areas including history, geography and economics.

25% of your score will be based on your knowledge of US history (with a specific focus on colonial times, civil war times, WWI-WWII, the great depression and the post-war period).

You will also need to demonstrate your understanding of US government structure and citizen rights, which will make up a further 25% of your score.

The remaining 50% will be split between economics (20%), geography (15%) and world history (15%).

Although the social studies section of the TASC test is based on general knowledge, there are many areas of comprehension and critical analysis that may come into play.

By developing unique skills in interpreting information, you can use these skills across a broad range of subject areas where you may be asked to share your knowledge.

A common example of this is being able to determine if you’ve read a fact or opinion.

This is a good skill to learn; it helps you to read information and check your interpretation. It also allows you to check your reading comprehension skills and that you can remember the information that you have learned.

Example Questions

This is a good example of a question which checks your comprehension and interpretation skills.

Throughout the TASC test, you may be provided with a statement about a moment in history. You will need to decipher whether that statement is historically accurate (and can be proven as a fact) or whether it’s the perception of the author (in which case, it’s an opinion).

By understanding how to interpret the information provided to you, you can show your critical thinking skills.

Writing

The TASC writing test is comparable to the skills learned in Grades 7 to 12.

It requires you to showcase how you express yourself through sentence structure, use of paragraphs, understanding of grammar and use of correct tenses.

The test will comprise of 50 multiple-choice questions as well as an essay prompt which will ask you to write a compelling argument, demonstrating your understanding of writing technicalities.

A lot of the questions asked within the writing TASC test will be based on the ‘rules’ that can be found within writing competencies.

This could be checking your ability to spot spelling errors or your understanding of grammatical devices.

Example Question

What to Expect When Taking the TASC Test in 2024

Hopefully, you should now be a little clearer on what questions to expect on your TASC test.

But here are some of the fundamentals that you need to consider for test day:

How Do I Register to Take the TASC Test?

This will depend on your state. Most states will allow you to create an online profile and register for a testing date at a time convenient to you.

Where Will My Local Testing Center Be?

Generally, the TASC tests take place in community colleges, adult education centers and local school boards.

Your state will be able to confirm your nearest test center.

What Language Is the TASC Test Available In?

You can complete the TASC test in English or Spanish. Copies are also available in Braille if required.

How Long Does the TASC Test Take?

The TASC test should take up to nine hours, split across two days. There are clear time limits for each section of the assessment:

• Reading – 75 minutes
• Writing – 105 minutes
• Math – 105 minutes
• Science – 75 minutes
• Social Studies – 75 minutes

How Many Times Can I Take the TASC Test?

You can take the entire test up to three times in any calendar year.

If you pass certain subtests, you can retain those scores and only retake the sections you failed.

If you’ve previously participated in the GED, your previous pass marks can be carried across to your TASC test score.

What Do I Need to Bring With Me?

Some people may choose to participate in an online version of the test. Others may prefer a paper option.

Your test center will supply you with a calculator for your math test to ensure standardization among applicants.

How Is the Test Scored?

You will be expected to pass each subset of the assessment.

Your TASC test score will require a minimum of 500 points per subtest as well as a minimum of 2 out of 8 for the written essay.

If you haven’t received the required score for one area, you can retake that test until you have passed the whole exam.

When it comes to passing your TASC test, it’s important to undertake as much preparation as possible.

Those who spend time studying for each component of the TASC test will find themselves at an advantage.

A great score can significantly boost your employment opportunities so there is no better motivation to prepare.

Here are some of our top tips for making the most of your TASC test study:

Final Thoughts

We hope that this article has helped you to understand what you can do to improve your test scores.

Your potential success will come down to the preparation that you do.

We know that if you have not graduated high school, you may need additional support when it comes to passing your TASC test. However, there are plenty of resources available to use for free online.

We would also recommend making the most of our helpful community forum. If you have a question about any of the areas involved in the exam, or you are unsure of how to figure out an answer, our community is full of helpful hints and tricks to improve your study.