Basic Skills Test/Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)

The Basic Skills Test and the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) consist of questions in reading comprehension, language arts (grammar and writing), and mathematics and a constructed-response writing assignment. The Basic Skills Test (prior to April 2012) or the TAP (after April 2012) is required for Advancement to Degree Candidacy. It is strongly recommended that candidates take the test during their freshman year or early in their sophomore year in college. Furthermore, it’s strongly recommended that candidates take measures to prepare for the test in order to maximize their potential for success. Given the high stakes nature of this test and other required certification tests, we urge you to be prepared. Sitting repeatedly for a test will also require paying to take the tests multiple times, which will be costly.

Important Considerations

Effective January 2010, there is a limit on the number of times that an individual can take the Basic Skills test or the TAP. You may take the test up to ten years prior to the issuance of your teaching certificate, but you will only be allowed five attempts to pass each test. The state will allow you to bank subtest scores that you pass beginning September 2010. In other words, if you pass some sections but not others, you may “bank” the passes in those sections and not retake them. Passing scores on sections of the Basic Skills Test can be banked toward the TAP.  Individuals not passing the test should not repeat the test without taking measures to remediate their areas of weakness.

Effective September 2010, the State of Illinois increased the minimum passing scores required on the Basic Skills Test.  In the spring of 2012, the State of Illinois will determine the minimum passing scores for the TAP.    All candidates should take a look at the test framework and other resources to make sure they are prepared for success.

Prepare for Test

Attend Bradley's Test Prep Program Informational Meetings

The Department of Teacher Education will hold an informational meeting at the beginning of each semester to help students get started with their preparation to take the Basic Skills Test or the TAP.  For specific dates and times, see the Sakai website under Teacher Ed - All Majors. 

Review the information on the Illinois Certification Testing System Web site

http://www.icts.nesinc.com/IL_prepare_opener.asp

Review the Test Framework first. The Framework provides information on the content covered on the tests in the areas of Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. The framework is a great starting point for preparing for the test.

Next, take the diagnostic practice test. 

The Basic Skills Diagnostic Practice Test is an interactive computer program that contains a full-length practice test form for the Basic Skills test, including questions for the Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, and Mathematics subareas of the test. In addition, a constructed-response writing assignment, and sample responses to the practice test writing assignment is provided to assist in the preparation for the Writing subarea. The program also includes a tutorial providing instructions on how to use and navigate through the practice test, and scoring of and correct answer explanations for the multiple-choice questions.

The Test of Academic Proficiency full-length Online Practice Test is designed to simulate the actual testing experience. Separate practice tests are available for Reading Comprehension, Language Arts/Writing, and Mathematics, or you may purchase a bundle of all three practice tests. Each practice test includes multiple-choice questions representative of the actual test, and the Language Arts/Writing practice test also includes sample strong and weak responses to a sample written assignment, as well as score scales, to help you assess the quality of your writing.

For the Basic Skills Test Use

Basic Skills Test Preparation Online System  An interactive, web-based curriculum that contains content, examples, and questions for reading comprehension, language arts, and mathematics. It is designed to help you identify your areas of strength and those in which you still need work. The Basic Skills Test Preparation Online System is available at http://www.basicskillsprep.org.

  • Click on Register Student
  • Enter the Institution Passcode: IULKDLUHG3
  • Complete the student information section
  • You will be given a user name and password. Do not lose this.
  • Click on main, which takes you to the login page.
  • Once logged in, you will be asked to change your password.

When you do this, you will begin the preparation part of the Web site

Use the Longsdale ICTS Online Course and Practice Tests  This online course contains instruction and practice tests for the three areas of the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Basic Skills Test: Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics.

It is available at http://www.longsdalepub.com/courses/icts. Instructions for registering for this course and practice test are found on Sakai in the Teacher Ed - All Major course.

Additional Resources for Preparation For Both Tests

  • Use Commercial Guides (Illinois Basic Skills Test and ACT Study Guides) – Many commercial test preparation publishers have developed study guides for the Illinois Basic Skills Test. These study guides can be found at bookstores or on-line through sites such as Amazon. In addition to the Illinois Basic Skills Test Preparation books, many students have found ACT Study Guides a help in preparing for the test. 
  • Review Middle and High School Textbooks available in the Cullom-Davis Library – The Simpson Curriculum Materials Center in the Cullom-Davis Library has numeroustextbooks in Mathematics and English that might assist you in reviewing the concepts covered on the Basic Skills Test.
  • Hire a Tutor(Private or commercial) – Consider seeking assistance from a former teacher, friend or acquaintance with exceptionally strong skills in the given area in which you need help. Some test preparation companies also provide tutoring that may be of assistance in preparing for the Basic Skills Test
  • Utilize WebsitesThe following list of websites may assist you in preparing for the Basic Skills Test.
    • http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/
    • This site contains handouts and online quizzes on a variety of writing topics such as the writing process, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and essay writing.
    • http://www.studygs.net/
    • This site contains information about taking essay tests, multiple-choice tests, and test anxiety.
    • http://www.mathpower.com/
    • This site provides information about basic math, algebra, study skills, math anxiety and learning styles
    • http://www.mathforum.org/
    • This site provides help in all levels of mathematics in a question and answer format.

Register for the Test

Registration information and materials for all Illinois Teacher Certification Tests are available online at http://www.icts.nesinc.com. Please note that you cannot register for the test online if you are requesting alternative testing arrangements. All documents for alternative testing must be mailed and received by the regular registration deadline. The Basic Skills Test is available in paper/pencil format and can be taken through April 14, 2012.  The TAP is available in a computer based testing format (at selected sites, on selected dates). Please watch test registration and score report deadlines carefully. When registering for all tests please be sure to report Bradley University as a score recipient.