Getting your GED is an important step in professional and personal development. There were over 20,000 adults who took all or part of the GED test in 2012. The GED is not a test that can be sneezed at; it is a very difficult test. In fact, out of more than 22,000 test takers in 2012, just under 13,000 completed all tests with passing scores.
What is the Format?
As of 2014, the GED exam will test you on four high school subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical reasoning. Questions can be in the form of multiple choice, fill in the blank, drag and drop, hot spot, and short and extended answer. The sections will be completed over the course of about 7.5 hours.
How is the Exam Scored and What if I Don't Pass?
GED test scores are reported on a standard score scale. You must score at least 150 in each section for a total of 600 to pass the exam. Scores of 170 or over is considered passing with Honors. If you do not pass, there is no waiting period in Washington for re-taking the exam.
Who is Eligible?
You can take the GED if the following is true:
- You are an active member of the military, National Guard, or reserves
- You are directed by the court order
- You are 19-years-old or older and have not graduated from high school and are not enrolled in a high school program
If you are between 16 and 18-years-old, see the following requirements:
- You have not graduated from high school, are not enrolled in a regular high school program, and you have been adjudged by a school district to have a substantial and warranted reason for leaving the regular high school program
- You have completed a program of home study as certified by the parent(s) or guardian(s) who provided you the home school program
- You have completed an individual student program from a certified Educational Clinic
How do I Register and What Does it Cost?
When registering, use the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Web site, www.sbctc.ctc.edu/ged/TestCenters.asp, to find the nearest testing center. The testing fee is $120 for the entire exam ($30 for each module) for your first time. If you have to take the test again, check with your testing center for re-testing fees. In Washington, there is a discounted re-take program.
How do I Prepare for the GED?
You have two main options when preparing to take the GED: take a preparation class or study independently. Your local community college or testing center offers preparation classes and your local library and the internet will have GED testing materials. Also consider taking several practice tests.
