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PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
ADULT EDUCATION & LITERACY:
GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT THE GED

   
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL GED TEST EXAMINEES

This notice is to let you know that a new series of GED Tests will be implemented in January of 2014. This means, you will need to earn your GED certificate by December 31, 2013. If you do not complete by December 31, 2013, any test you have successfully passed will be invalidated and you will have to start testing again with the new series of GED Tests in 2014. If you need additional information, please contact the GED staff in your local adult education center or visit http://gedtestingservice.com/finishtheged/

   

For information about the GED testing process (e.g., eligibility, test preparation, taking the tests, accommodations, getting your test results) view the following:

   
For specific information about each of the five tests of the GED (e.g., test subjects, length of test, number of questions, etc.), see "Additional Information."
   
ELIGIBILITY
   

Who is eligible to take the GED tests?
   
  Anyone 16 years or older that is not enrolled in a high school may take the GED tests.

In Vermont, young adults 16 or 17 years of age must have parental permission to take the GED tests. The Vermont application form for testing is available here.
 

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PREPARATION FOR TESTING
   
What can I do to prepare to take the GED tests?
   
 

Students are encouraged to take the GED pre-tests, which are offered at no charge at adult education and literacy centers throughout Vermont. Students are encouraged to use the results to assess their readiness to test and/or need for further study and tutoring assistance.

Study and tutoring assistance is available without charge from
adult education and literacy centers, as well as at some youth service programs, homeless shelters, community refugee programs and community correctional centers.

Another option is to visit http://gedtestingservice.com/shop/ to purchase prep materials.

   
How will I know when I am ready to take the GED tests?

 

 

 

Consult with your tutor and/or teacher and review the practice tests results for the particular subject tests. The practice tests results will probably be within three to five points of the actual score.

You are encouraged to study the subjects until you score in the high 400s on the practice tests. If you score a 470, 480 or 490 on each of the practice tests, you will probably score at least a 450 on the actual subject tests.
 

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TAKING THE TESTS
   
Do I have to take all five GED subject tests on the same day?

 

 

 

There are five GED subject tests that comprise the full battery. The charge for each paper-based test is $17.00; a total of $85.00 for the full battery. The computer-based test is $24.00 or $120.00 for the full battery. You do not have to take all five subject tests on the same day. You may take one at a time or take two or three during one test day. You should contact the GED examiner in your local arear to find out the testing times and discuss which of the tests you want to take. All together, the GED subject tests take a little more than seven hours to complete:

  • Language Arts (65 minutes)
  • Writing (120 minutes)
  • Mathematics (90 minutes)
  • Science (80 minutes)
  • Social Studies (70 minutes)
   
What do I have to get on a GED subject test in order to pass?

 

 

 

The minimum passing score for each of the five subject tests is 410. To successfully pass the GED as a whole, you must accumulate a minimum of 2,250 total points and an average score of 450.
 

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What happens if I take all five subject tests and don't earn at least 2,250 total points, or if I don't score at least a 410 on all of the subject tests?

 

 

 

You don't pass. You do not have to take all five subject tests over, but you do have to raise the scores of as many tests as it takes to accumulate a total 2,250 points and a minimum score of 410 per subject test and an average score of 450.
   
How many times can I take the tests over?
   
  You are entitled to retake each test. You may take the same subject test over again three times in any one year. There is no set time between when you took one subject test and when you may take it over again; however it is always best to get additional study and preparation time to be better prepared. It is probably more productive to take the pre-tests as a diagnostic to guide your studies. When you take a subject test over, you must pay an individual test fee each time. Check with the test site where you plan to retake the test(s).
   
What happens if I take a subject test over and score lower?

 

 

 

The higher score will count. Points will not be lost by retaking a subject test.
 

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SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
   
Are there special accommodations for people with special learning, physical or emotional needs to take the GED tests?

 

 

 

Yes. If you have a disability you should talk this over with your teacher or GED chief examiner so that you may apply for special accommodations. Tests are available in Braille, large print and on audiocassette. More information can be found on the GED Testing Service website.
   
English is my second language. Does the GED come in other languages?

 

 

 

Yes. You may take the GED tests in French or Spanish, as well as English. If you choose a language, you will have to take all five subject tests in that language. These tests are not only in the language specified but are also designed to reflect the cultural differences of non-English speaking people. Practice tests are also available in Spanish and French. Please contact the nearest GED test center to make arrangements.
 

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TEST RESULTS
   
After I take the tests, how long does it take to get the results?

 

 

 

You should not expect to get your scores for at least two weeks from the test date. Tests are sent to Oklahoma Scoring Service, which scores the tests and returns them to the Vermont GED Office within two weeks.

If you need results by a specific date, make sure to take the tests well in advance.
 

GED CREDENTIALS
   
Who accepts a GED credential?

 

 

 

Since 1942, when the GED was first developed, millions of people have taken and earned their GED credentials. The GED is recognized throughout the United States and Canada.
 

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CONTACT INFORMATION
   
  For general questions about GED Testing, contact aoe.gedinfo@state.vt.us or call the GED message line at (802) 828-0644.
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