CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems)
What can you tell me about CASAS?
CASAS is the most widely used competency-based testing system in the United States and continues to focus on its original mission — serving adult learners.
The foundation of the CASAS system rests on more than 360 competencies that identify the skills and abilities that adults and out-of-school youth need for success in the workforce, in their communities, and their lives.
Our tests measure basic skills and academic achievement in reading, listening, math, writing, and related areas. We support adult educators and workforce development professionals in transitioning older youth and adults into postsecondary education, training, and the workforce.
CASAS assessments are approved by the US Department of Education and the US Department of Labor. We are a not-for-profit organization.
Our Assessments
What assessments do you recommend for English language learners?
English language programs should use the new ESL Listening STEPS series and the new ESL Reading STEPS series. The choice between these two areas depends on the primary focus of instruction. However, most programs choose to test English language students in both modalities.
What assessments do you recommend for ABE or ASE learners?
The ABE/ASE Reading GOALS series and the new ABE/ASE Math GOALS 2 series are two particularly useful test series for ABE and ASE programs. Both series offer an Appraisal (placement) test or an online Locator test as well as pre- and post-tests to monitor learning gains.
Which tests should we use to assess reading ability?
The ESL Reading STEPS series aligns with the English Language Proficiency Standards for Adult Education. Tests reflect content for preparing English Language Learners for success In college, technical training, work, and citizenship.
The ABE/ASE Reading GOALS 2 series aligns with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education. These standards reflect content most relevant to preparing for success in college, technical training, work, and citizenship.
For information about additional CASAS tests, visit Product Overviews.
How do I begin testing? What test do I give first?
CASAS eTests (online) offers a Locator test that seamlessly moves students into the correct pretest. This should occur before instruction begins. With paper test booklets, you will also administer an Appraisal before instruction begins. The Appraisal score indicates the pretest a student will need to take.
(Please note that an Appraisal or a Locator is never appropriate for pre- and post-testing.)
What follows a Locator or Appraisal?
The choice of pre- and post-test depends on the focus of instruction, e.g., reading, math, listening. After 70 to 100 hours of instruction, students should take a post-test in the same test series as the pretest to determine progress.
What tests do you recommend for those functioning at a high school level of proficiency?
These students should take the D or E-level tests in the Reading GOALS 2 series and/or the Math GOALS 2 series.
What tests do you have for students with low-level literacy skills?
The Beginning Literacy Reading Assessment Forms 27 and 28 assess low-level reading skills and are appropriate for those learning to read print. POWER standardized performance assessment and Adult Life Skills color photo tests measure basic skills of adults who have developmental disabilities.
Are the tests timed and may students have extra time to finish a test?
CASAS adheres to a policy of pre- and post-tests not being so strictly timed that test administrators must issue a “pencils down” call. Most tests require 60 or 75 minutes to complete. Please note that everyone may have a few extra minutes to finish the question they are working on.
Low-end scores on scale score charts often showed an asterisk (*) but not a scale score. Has that changed?
Test takers no longer receive an asterisk (*) for an inaccurate score on Level A tests. This now provides a scale score and NRS Level 1 designation for students who score at the lowest end of the Level A scale. These changes are retroactive to July 1, 2024. All future CASAS NRS-approved assessments will have this same feature of no inaccurate scores at Level A. Students who receive an asterisk (*) and not a scale score on their pretest at Levels B, C, D, or E should take the next lower test form to obtain a scale score and an NRS level.
For more information about updated score conversion table changes, contact info@casas.org.
High-end scores on your scale score charts show a diamond (♦). What do we do about those scores?
Pretest: Those who score at the high conservative estimate/diamond range on a pretest form should retest at the next highest test level.
Post-test: Those who score in this range on a post-test should retest at the next highest test level. If it is not possible to administer another post-test because the semester is over or the student is unavailable, programs may use the post-test score, even if it falls within the conservative estimate/diamond range.
What is the recommended time between pretesting and post-testing?
CASAS recommends 70 to 100 hours of instruction between pretest and post-test. Research shows that the more instruction between pre- and post-testing, the higher the probability of increased learning gains.
Data from decades of progress testing in the CASAS system show an average gain of approximately five points for every 100 hours of instruction.
What if students who are “stop outs” took a pre- or post-test, left the class, and then returned? What is a reasonable time for administering a new pretest?
Post-test scores may serve as the pretest for the next semester or reporting period, provided the interim does not exceed four months. Program personnel may wish to retest “stop outs” or students returning the following semester or reporting period if they have reason to believe that during an absence a significant learning intervention occurred that could invalidate previous test results. In such circumstances, retesting is always an option.
May I translate if a student does not understand something?
No. You may not translate a test item. Translation is permissible before the test begins to explain instructions and to collect demographic data.
Does CASAS allow the use of calculators on its math tests?
The new Math GOALS 2 test series and the Math GOALS test series allow a calculator provided by the testing program. Personal calculators are not permissible.
May I copy the audio files for listening tests onto my computer hard drive, flash drive, another CD, or another device to assess students?
No. CASAS tests are copyrighted intellectual property, and CASAS cannot permit duplication of any sort. We want to ensure all test-takers use listening testing materials guaranteed by CASAS. You may use CASAS eTests to administer listening tests by computer. You will need to provide speakers or headphones.
Training and Implementation
Why does CASAS require completion of a training workshop?
Accurate test results are possible only if test administration procedures are standardized and followed carefully. Participation in a training workshop helps ensure test results are accurate and your program, instructors, and students derive maximum benefits from CASAS.
Who should enroll in a training workshop?
At least one staff member from each agency or school must complete training. Program coordinators and staff who administer tests and interpret results should complete a training workshop. Others may participate to learn more about CASAS.
What training workshop is right for my staff and for me?
CASAS Implementation Training provides a well-rounded understanding of CASAS. Four modules are available online at no charge. Module 1 is mandatory. Programs must choose one additional module. Completion of training allows users to order and administer most tests. Technology training is available for CASAS eTests and TOPSpro Enterprise accountability software. Email CASAS at training@casas.org if you are not sure which training workshop.
What will I learn in a training workshop?
You’ll learn how to administer and score tests, interpret test results, and understand our system more fully. You’ll learn about our resources and technology options.
How do I arrange for the training I need?
Many training workshops are no-cost self-paced courses available online at Online Training. Face-to-face training is available at the CASAS National Summer Institute each June. Visit www.casas.org/si, and check with your state Professional Development Department about local training workshops.
CASAS National Summer Institute
What is the CASAS National Summer Institute?
The annual Institute offers training sessions and workshops geared to adult education and workforce development professionals. Presentations focus on best practices, accountability and testing, standards setting, certification, program evaluation, workforce readiness, and other critical topics.
What are the benefits of attending Summer Institute?
The Institute is for those who want to learn more about CASAS and adult education and workforce development policies. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn more about accountability and testing requirements, program evaluation, and using CASAS in instructional and workforce programs. Visit www.casas.org/si.
Our Website
Why register on the CASAS website?
Registration lets you manage your profile and access resources such as QuickSearch Online (instructional materials database) and the Adult Low-Level Literacy Curriculum Modules (lessons for pre-beginning and beginning readers). You may join peer communities to receive up-to-date information.
I registered but I still cannot log in. What should I do?
When you register, you should receive a confirmation email to verify your email address. Click the email link to activate your account. If you have not received your email, check your spam or junk folder. If you still are unable to locate the email, contact websupport@casas.org.
I forgot my password, or my password does not work. Now what?
On the log-in page, click the Reset Password button. Follow the email instructions you received when you registered. A new password must be seven or more characters with at least one number.
Does CASAS sell or share my information with others?
No. CASAS never shares information with another party. We use your contact information solely for sending news and announcements. View our Privacy Policy.
Purchasing Our Products
Is it best to order online?
Yes. Go to www.casas.org/product-overviews/order. Online ordering is the fastest way to receive your order.
You may complete a “fillable” order form at at https://www.casas.org/docs/default-source/newsroom/order-form.pdf
CASAS cannot accept telephone orders.
Where can I find more information about placing an order with CASAS?
Visit Ordering Terms and Conditions for complete ordering information.
How soon can I expect to receive my order?
You should receive your order within ten working days of placing an online order.
What should I do if I have not received my order?
Please email orders@casas.org or call 1-800-255-1036, option 3.
Where can I find more information about CASAS products?
See the Products Overview section of this website.