Readiness for the Exam

Performance at Level C or higher is required to pass the TASC (see How the Exam is Scored). The following is a description of the level of sign communication proficiency a person who achieves a Level C on the TASC is generally expected to demonstrate. 

A candidate who achieves a Level C or higher: 

• Communicates as a partner in a selected sign system/language in a clearly participatory manner.
• Initiates, sustains, and brings to closure a wide variety of communicative competencies, including description, instructions, hypothetical situations, problem solving, and supported opinion.
• Demonstrates comprehension skills in general, understanding most of the interviewer's signing.
• Demonstrates fluency in the sign system/language by appropriately using signs and grammar in an understandable fashion at a pace that does not impede meaning.
• Demonstrates an adequate signed vocabulary for familiar topics and enough for unfamiliar topics to communicate with the interviewer.
• Uses nonlinguistic cues and facial expressions appropriately in communicating with the interviewer.
• Uses sign space appropriately, establishing referents in space and using verb directionality. 

Level of Signing Required to Achieve a Passing Score

A Level C signing proficiency—generally a partner in expressive and receptive communication—is required to pass the TASC.  Review the Level C description in the Holistic Rating Scale as well as the description of the performance features demonstrated by a speaker at Level C in the Analytic Feedback Scale . 

Learn about the Exam

The best way to learn about the TASC is by carefully reading the information on this website and on the TASC exam information page. 

Enhance Your Signed Communication Ability by Practicing

Even if you feel you are proficient in the signed communication system/language in which you have chosen to take the test, you should spend some time practicing by communicating with others who know the system or taking a class in which only the signed communication system/language will be used. 

Become Familiar with the Five Communication Competencies

Review the description of the communication competencies that are included on the exam. 

Conduct a Practice Filmed Interview to Become More Comfortable with the Exam Format

Ask your preparation program (or a friend with a camera) to film you, if possible, in a signed conversation with a teacher or friend. You may want to ask the person interviewing you to ask you questions involving the communication competencies you will be asked to perform on the exam interview. Watch the filmed interview, paying close attention to how well you are communicating your ideas. Also evaluate how well you are signing (are your signs "technically" correct and clear?). This self-analysis and practice should help you become more at ease during the actual exam.