Students should be pre-tested as soon as is feasible upon entry into the program or before any substantial instructional intervention has occurred. CASAS standardized tests in reading, math, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension may be used. Students should be assessed in the areas that are the focus of instruction. Refer back to the "Type of CASAS Tests" page for examples or visit the CASAS website for the most up-to-date list of assessments.

Pre-Testing Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can learners have extra time to finish tests?

CASAS adheres to a policy of pre- and post-tests not being so strictly timed that test administrators must issue a call of “pencils down.” Most tests require 60 or 75 minutes to complete. Please note that all students may have a few extra minutes to finish the question they are working on.

2. Learner scored too high/low on their test?

Low-end scores on your scale score charts show an asterisk (*) but not a scale score.
Those who score in the inaccurate range do not receive a scale score because they have not answered enough questions to do so. Those who score in the low-end range of 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. If a student scores at the low-end range on a Level A test, we recommend additional instruction prior to retesting that student on a Level A test.

High-end scores on your scale score charts show a diamond (♦).
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 at this range on a post-test also 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.

3. What is the recommended time between pretesting and post-testing?

CASAS recommends 70 to 100 hours of instruction between pretest and post-test. Research indicates that the more time allowed for instruction and learning between pre- and post-testing, the higher the probability of increased learning gains and other learning outcomes.

Data from more than four decades of progress testing in the CASAS system show an average gain of approximately five points for every 100 hours of instruction.

4. 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. Similarly, the most recent assessment results for “stop outs” returning to class may be used, provided the last test administered does not exceed four months. This policy reduces unnecessary testing.

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 the absence or summer recess a significant learning intervention occurred that could invalidate previous test results. In such circumstances, retesting is always an option.

5. 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.

6. 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 the use of a calculator provided by the testing program. Personal calculators are not permissible.

7. Can 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 we 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.

8. Is it permissible for an agency to laminate CASAS test booklets because of COVID-19?

We recommend that agencies continue to use paper test booklets by implementing rotation procedures. Agencies can safely use booklets by setting used ones aside for three or more days when they will be safe to reuse. For several reasons, we cannot allow agencies to laminate test booklets. We cannot guarantee that laminated booklets can be cleaned well enough. In addition, there is no guarantee that laminated test booklets are put together correctly in a binder – and that the binder ring holes will not cut off any part of a test question.