Each demonstration is accompanied by an assessor's guideline page. After each completed demonstration, the assessor compares the student's work to performance indicators and success markers listed on the page. This descriptive scale helps the assessor to determine the student's level(s) and competencies. The CABS manual contains 94 demonstrations, with 17 to 19 demonstrations at each of the 5 levels. There have been no studies to establish psychometric measures such as reliability and validity

A total of 71 (18 percent) respondents reported that CABS is one of the tools used for initial assessment. Of the 71 respondents, 26 stated that CABS was the most frequently used tool for initial assessment. The 26 respondents described the strengths and limitations of CABS. It should be noted that 25 of these 26 respondents were from Ontario.

The respondents like CABS because it serves three purposes. First, CABS establishes a student's communications and numeracy levels, based on Ontario's five-level Learning Outcomes Matrix. This information can be used for placement into appropriate classes and for the choice of appropriate materials. Second, "the strength of CABS is its relevance to the reporting we are required to do to our Ministry." CABS meets the accountability demands of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities because it aligns with Ontario's Learning Outcomes Matrix and has been approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU). Third, the test results are portable when the student transfers to a different program because CABS is a provincially recognized tool used by delivery agencies across Ontario.

In terms of its features, respondents stated that CABS is a user-friendly tool that is easy to administer. The respondents appreciate the breadth of demonstrations in the manual, as this allows them to choose activities tailored to the student's goals and interests. The respondents like the demonstrations because they mirror real-life activities. Finally, some of the respondents commented that CABS is a non-threatening instrument because it is "not too formal, not too much like a test, and uses real life examples."