What Is the Format?
The GED test is comprised of four sections: Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA); Social Studies; Science; and Mathematical Reasoning. The RLA test has three parts, including a 45-minute essay that requires you to write a well-developed essay about a general topic. The Mathematical Reasoning test has two parts, Part I of the Mathematics portion of the GED allows you to use a calculator (provided by the testing center) to answer the questions, but on Part II you are not allowed to use a calculator. All test responses are hot spot, multiple choice, drag and drop, fill in the blank, short answer or extended response.
How Is the GED Scored and What Happens if I Don't Pass?
Individual sections of the GED are graded in a range between the lowest score (100) and the highest score (200). You need to score at least 150 on each test and a total of 600 points to pass. Contact your nearest testing center (explained below) about their retesting policies.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible, according to the Delaware Department of Education website, if you meet the following set of general eligibility requirements:
- You are at least 16 years old
- You have been officially withdrawn from school
- Are a resident of Delaware
Bear in mind, these are the most general of requirements. You can best determine your eligibility by contacting your nearest testing center (explained below).
How Do I Register for the GED and What Will it Cost?
You must register at the GED website (www.ged.com). The Delaware Department of Education website provides a listing of the official testing centers in Delaware.
Fill out an application at any adult education office or official GED registration site. When you go to the test site, bring the following items:
- A current government-issued ID as proof of your identity
- Payment for the registration fee if you are not a veteran or under 21 years of age
- Age waiver forms from department of education website if under 18
How Do I Prepare?
There are several options when choosing to prepare independently. You can go to your local library and use its study materials. Otherwise, go online to the GED website (www.gedmarketplace.com) that offers free GED lessons and free practice tests, or purchase the GED study materials at your local bookstore or off the Internet.
You can register to take a GED preparation class by calling a hotline number found on the department of education website. In addition, talk to your nearest testing center about preparation classes they might offer. Typically, preparation classes are offered for free or at very low cost.
