TAP or ACT - Making the Choice
TAP or ACT – Making the Choice
In accordance with state law, all teacher education candidates must pass the Basic Skills/Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or document an ACT Composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT plus Writing taken within 10 years of application to teacher education in order to be admitted to teacher education.
Candidates who have met the ACT composite requirement should refer to the document SUBSTITUTING ACT COMPOSITE SCORE OF 22 (SAT of 1030) FOR TEST OF ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY (TAP) for additional information. This document along with the required forms can be found on the teacher education website http://eiu.edu/ceps/teached.php .
Candidates who are trying to decide which testing options best meets their needs might find the following information useful:
ACT |
TAP |
|
Testing Schedule |
Offered 6 times a year on specific test dates with test results available approximately 8 weeks after the test date. |
Offered Monday thru Saturday throughout the year at select Pearson Vue Test Centers with test results available within 4 weeks. |
Test Registration |
Test registration is required (web registration) approximately 3 weeks prior to the test. To register visit http://www.actstudent.org/regist/ |
Registration is required (web registration) and is based on availability. To register visit http://www.icts.nesinc.com/ |
Testing Format |
Paper and pencil |
Computer based |
Cost |
$50.50 |
$125 |
Test Setting |
Classroom/Auditorium Setting primarily with juniors and seniors in high school |
Computer testing lab generally with other college students and adults |
Content of Test |
English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing |
Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing |
Score Requirement |
Composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT plus Writing. Scores on versions without writing cannot be considered and scores cannot be combined across administrations. |
Each test area (Reading, Language Arts, etc) is scored separately with a score of 240 or higher (approximately 80% of items correct) required to pass. All 4 test areas must be passed to pass the test as a whole. Results can be combined across administrations. |
Retesting |
Limit of 12 attempts on regular ACT test dates. Must take entire test on each administration. |
Limit of 5 attempts. Must wait a minimum of 60 days between test attempts. Need only retake tests previously not passed. |
Other |
Cannot be used if the TAP is failed 5 times |
Cannot take more than 5 times |
Click here to register for the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), and here to register for the ACT.
If you still need help choosing which test best fits your needs or have trouble registering, visit the Center for Teacher Education Assessment and Certification Testing Support at Buzzard 2303, or our Information/Registration page here.
