Strengthen Basic Skills

Testing Center

ESL TABE Clas-E Assessments

College and Career Readiness uses the computer-based TABE Clas-E Speaking and Writing Assessments to place students in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The assessment is administered to new and returning students as a pre-test. Students will retake the assessment (post-test) to assess mastery of skills in their courses when they accumulate a designated number of classroom instruction hours. Students should plan their testing session to last 2½ hours.

Testing is by appointment only Monday through Thursday. New students will be signed up for testing during advising information sessions. Students will receive an email when it is time for them to schedule an appointment.

For more information, email ESL Testing and Assessment Coordinator Elena Ryzhikova at [email protected].

The lengths of each test are as follows:

  • Locator Part I (reading and writing) – 20 minutes
  • Locator Part II (listening and speaking) – 25 minutes
  • Speaking – 25 minutes
  • Writing – up to 60 minutes (depending on level)

Frequently asked questions

Wake Tech offers only in-person testing options.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment and have some form of photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport.

If you are having any COVID-19 symptoms, you should reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Grades are not awarded, as the assessment is used to place students in the appropriate ESL class level.
Simply wait for an email about your class placement.
Return to class, and your instructor will review your progress.
We will continue to assess your mastery until you are promoted to the next speaking or writing level. This metric is different for every student.