CASAS Reading, Math and Listening

The Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) is a nonprofit organization whose tests measure the basic skills adults use in daily life, at work, and in further education. Adult education agencies use CASAS tests to place learners in the right class and to report their progress under the National Reporting System (NRS) for adult education.

CASAS tests focus on functional, real-world skills: reading forms, schedules, labels, and workplace documents; solving everyday and workplace math problems; and understanding spoken English in common situations. The newest series are also aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards (reading and math) and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ESL).

The CASAS test is widely accepted by educational institutions, employers, and workforce programs across the United States. Here’s why it matters:

CASAS tests are multiple-choice tests given on paper or on a computer (CASAS eTests). Each item has four answer choices (A–D). The current test series are:

• The level you take (A, B, C, D, or E) is chosen from a short Locator or Appraisal test, so each test matches your skill level.
• Times are the maximum allowed for each level; most learners finish sooner. Extra time can be given as an approved accommodation.
• Math GOALS 2 allows a calculator throughout the test (the on-screen calculator on eTests, or a scientific calculator supplied by the program).
• Listening STEPS uses three item types: picture prompts, questions about a conversation or announcement, and next-response questions (choose the best reply).
• The older Reading GOALS, Math GOALS, Life and Work Reading, and Life and Work Listening series have reached the end of their NRS approval and have been replaced by the series above.

CASAS reports results as scale scores, not as a percentage or a pass/fail result. Each test level covers a range of scale scores, and your score places you in an NRS Educational Functioning Level. For ABE/ASE learners the levels are:

• There is no passing score. Your program decides which score you need for a class, a certificate, or a training program, so ask your teacher or counselor.
• ESL learners taking Reading STEPS or Listening STEPS are placed in ESL levels from Beginning ESL Literacy to Advanced ESL using the same kind of scale.
• A score marked with an asterisk (*) is outside the accurate range of that test form; the program retests you on a different level.

• Each test has a maximum time (see the table above). Plan to work steadily; most learners finish early.
• Tests are given by trained staff at adult schools, community colleges, libraries, workforce centers, and other agencies, on paper or as CASAS eTests.
• You do not register with CASAS directly. Your program schedules the test, usually at enrollment (pre-test) and again after a period of instruction (post-test).
• Programs follow CASAS and state rules on how many instructional hours must pass before a post-test and which form you take next.

CASAS tests are not computer-adaptive. Instead, your level is chosen before the main test:

• Measures functional reading, math, and listening skills for life, work, and further study
• Used for class placement and to measure progress in adult education programs
• Multiple choice with four answer choices, on paper or computer, with a time limit for each level
• Reported as scale scores and NRS levels, with no pass/fail score
• Calculator allowed on Math GOALS 2