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PROGRAMS
& SERVICES:
ADULT EDUCATION & LITERACY:
GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT THE GED
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For
information about the GED testing process (e.g., eligibility, test preparation, taking
the tests, accommodations, getting your test results) view the following:
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| 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." |
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ELIGIBILITY
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Who
is eligible to take the GED tests? |
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Anyone 16 years or older
may take the GED tests. About one out of every seven people who receives a high school
credential earns it by passing the GED.
In Vermont, young adults 16 or 17 years of age must have parental permission to take
the GED tests. The GED examiner will have the forms at the test site. |
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PREPARATION
FOR TESTING
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What
can I do to prepare to take the GED tests? |
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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. |
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How
will I know when I am ready to take the GED tests? |
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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
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Do
I have to take all five GED subject tests on the same day? |
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There are five GED subject tests that comprise the full battery. The charge for each test is $15.00; a total of $75.00 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
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)
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What
do I have to get on a GED subject test in order to pass? |
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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. |
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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? |
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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. |
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How
many times can I take the tests over? |
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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). |
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What
happens if I take a subject test over and score lower? |
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The higher score will
count. Points will not be lost by retaking a subject test. |
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SPECIAL
ACCOMMODATIONS
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Are
there special accommodations for people with special learning, physical or emotional
needs to take the GED tests? |
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Yes. If you have a disability
you should talk this over with your teacher so that you may apply for special accommodations.
Tests are available in Braille, large print and on audiocassette. |
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English
is my second language. Does the GED come in other languages? |
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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 site to make arrangements. |
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TEST
RESULTS
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After
I take the tests, how long does it take to get the results? |
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You should not expect
to get your scores for at least two weeks from the test date. The tests are scored
in two different ways. The essay is sent to the Oklahoma Scoring Service, which scores
the document and returns it to the Vermont GED Office within two weeks. The other
subject tests are scored centrally here in Vermont.
If you need results by a specific date, make sure to take the tests well in advance. |
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GED
CREDENTIALS
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Who
accepts a GED credential? |
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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, and is "nearly
always accepted as a valid credential by employers and directors of apprenticeship
or training programs" as well as by "almost all college and university
admissions policies."
Approximately two out of every three people who earn their GED enter college or other
higher learning opportunities. |
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GENERAL
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GED?
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If you have general questions about the GED testing, contact Sharon Parker at (802) 828-0077 or sharon.parker@state.vt.us. |
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Registration
& Testing
| Transcripts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Additional Information
Adult Learners | Adult Educators & Staff
Adult
Education & Literacy
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