Strengthen Workforce Skills

Testing Center

ESL TABE Clas-E Assessments

College & 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 sign up for testing during advising information sessions. Current students will receive an email when it is time to schedule a post-test 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)
Pre-test reservations at Beltline Education Center
Pre-test reservations at Western Wake Campus
Post-test reservations at Beltline Education Center
Post-test reservations at Western Wake Campus

NOTE: New post-test dates are released on the 20th of each month.

For more information, email [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Wake Tech offers only in-person testing options.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment and have some form of photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport.
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.