Dec 29, 2012, 01:44 pm
Last edited Dec 29, 2012, 01:44 pm
update #2
Hi Sammy,
I found this on the TAFE SA website regarding TABS results and selection criteria. All the information you need is in bold.
Course Admission Requirements (CAR)
All award courses at Certificate IV or higher level and all competitive courses of any level require applicants to meet minimum education standards in order to be considered for entry. These standards are called Course Admission Requirements (CAR).
Consider the following example based on a typical set of CAR taken from a sample Certificate IV course:
Any one of:
- Satisfactory completion of SACE Stage 2 (or equivalent)
- Any Certificate III
- Satisfactory achievement in the TAFE SA Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS)
For competitive courses, meeting the CAR does not guarantee entry to a course. All applicants that meet the CAR are ranked according to rules set by course administrators in order to determine final admissions numbers.
Satisfactory achievement in the TAFE SA Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) -For most courses, you can satisfy this CAR criterion by achieving a score of 50% or higher on the Literacy and Numeracy (Part A) sections of the TABS. Some courses will require higher achievement and some courses may require a minimum standard in Numeracy (Part B).
Pat yourself on the back, you got fantastic scores! I'd hazard a guess that you're grades are in the higher range rather than the lower range. Don't sweat it, you will be fine. Are you applying for an entry level nursing qualification or are you taking extra units as an already qualified nurse? I'm not sure of your background, so please disregard the rest of my message if you are already qualified! I noticed that the TAFE site spoke of a course admission requirement, however, they didn't mention the selection process. I'm not sure about admission to TAFE in your state, but at my TAFE in Vic I had to attend an information day that included discussion on the course content and a test similar to the TABS. We applied directly and if successful, were shortlisted and invited back for group interviews with a course tutor and the head of the department. I thought that I would share some advice I'm sure many of my fellow applicants rejected for the Cert IV course I completed would have found useful!
Don't rely on high grades alone to get you accepted.The basic skills assessed in the TABS - numeracy and comprehension of the English language and it's correct delivery are vital skills required by the student to pass the course successfully. However, possessing the personal and professional qualities that are the hallmarks of a good nurse is equally, and possibly more important when placement offers are being finalised. Course interviewers will secretly assess you for these attributes, such as asking you well-crafted questions that can give indications for your suitability for nursing or holding group interviews to gauge your ability to relate to and work with others. Many of my fellow Certificate IV applicants aced the basic skills test yet had their course application rejected. This was most likely due to a lack of interpersonal skills, people skills or lack of passion or enthusiasm for their chosen path of study. Be wary around anyone who could potentially be your tutor one day and remember -you can only make one first impression, so make it count!
If you want any tips for do's and don'ts for the interview and selection process feel free to message me, I have been through the process 3 times in the last 2 years - my cert IV, my diploma of nursing transition program and finally, my enrolled nurse graduate program. I'd be more than happy to help!
GOOD LUCK!!
