The TABE is a diagnostic tool that is administered much as a physician administers a physical exam - to have a picture of a person's needs and strengths and to measure a person's progress. The TABE is given when a student enters the program so that the instructor may know what needs the student has. The survey form of the TABE is given quarterly to measure the student's progress. If the student has been absent from the program for more than six months, the full TABE should be re-administered.