GED Testing at South

GED Testing at South

• What is the GED?
• Who can take the GED tests?
• How do I test for the GED at South?
• The five tests for GED.
• How can I prepare for the GED tests?
• Frequently Asked Questions about GED Testing.
• How do I get my GED records?

What is the GED?

Since 1942, the GED (General Educational Development) tests provide persons who did not complete a formal high school program the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills.

• Since 1943, over 17 million people have earned a GED credential. (GED Testing Fact Sheet, American Council on Education, 2010)
• 98% of colleges and universities that require a high school diploma accept the GED credential (Annual Survey of Colleges 2007.  Copyright ®2007.  The College Board)
• 96% of companies accept applicants with a GED credential for jobs requiring a high school degree (Society for Human Resource Management, 2002).
• The tests are field-tested and normed on graduating high school seniors before becoming final test forms. 
• Only 60% of graduating high school seniors would pass the GED tests on their first attempt. (GED Testing Fact Sheet, American Council on Education, 2010)
• The GED tests are NOT available to be taken online; the current 2002 series are paper tests which must be taken at an official GED test site.
• We are currently using the fourth (2002) series of GED tests.
• To complete the GED certificate, a candidate must earn a minimum total standard score of 2250 on all 5 tests (Writing, Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) and a minimum standard score of 410 on each test.
• Tests may be retaken to a total of three times in a calendar year (each test).
• Get accurate information at the American Council on Education
• Practice questions
• Videos of calculator use and “alternate format" math answers (non-multiple choice answers)
• Facebook and YouTube GED connections
• Reliable  and current information!

Who can take the GED tests?

You may test for the GED at SSCC if:

• You are at least 16 years old.
• If you are under 19, you will need to have the “Request for Approval to Test”  (PDF)  form completed by your last high school or school district office.  This releases you from the district to take your GED tests.
• If you are under 19 and you were home schooled, you will need to complete and have notarized the “Notarized Statement/Letter for Home School Students” (PDF) .

• You have NOT received a high school diploma.

• You are NOT currently enrolled in a regular high school.

• You reside in the state of Washington.

• You have current, government issued (WA drivers’ license, passport, WA state ID), photo Identification.   You may use out-of-state government-issued identification only if you can supply paperwork showing that you now reside in Washington (utility bill, earnings statement, etc. with your current address).

• You are able to test on Wednesdays, check-in starting at 11:00 am.

How do I test for the GED at South?

• You may wish to enroll in a GED (day or evening) Preparation class at SSCC.  Call the Basic & Transitional Studies Office at 206-934-5363 for information.  These classes fill quickly; register on the first available day and attend the Orientation to enroll.  The fee is $25.00 per quarter. 
• Similar GED Preparation classes are offered at our New Holly site (day only).
• Or, you may prepare on your own and come when you are ready for each test.
• If you have special needs, talk to GED staff, Robert Smith Building, Room 76, for information and accommodations forms to be completed.  Allow 3 weeks for approval.

Before GED Testing:

Complete ALL paperwork and bring to Student Assessment Services, Robert Smith Building 76, at least one week before you plan to start testing:

• Everyone must complete the GED Application form for Washington State.  This form is not available online.  Come to our office or call 206-934-6767 to have one mailed to you.
• If you are 16-18 years old:  you must complete either the “Request for Approval to Test” form, or, if you have been home-schooled, the “Notarized Statement/Letter for Home School Students”. 
• If you do not already have one, obtain an SSCC Student Identification Number from the Registration desk.  You will need this for the Cashier to process your test fee payment.
• We administer GED tests only at 12:00 noon (11:00 am check-in time) on most Wednesdays of the quarter. Seating is first come first serve. There is no GED testing at South in the month of September. Check the current Testing Schedule for dates. If you cannot come on Wednesday afternoons, contact an alternate GED testing center for other days/times.
• Pay the testing fee ($15.00 per test or retest).  You may pay $75.00 for all tests or $15.00 per test as you take them.
• At least one week after submitting your application, arrive by 11:00 am test day at Robert Smith Building, Room 72, with your photo ID and receipt from the SSCC Cashier showing payment of the test fee.

The five tests for GED.

To complete your GED, you will need to receive a minimum score of 410 on each of the five tests and achieve a total score of 2250.

All tests are timed, multiple-choice, paper and pencil.  The Writing test also includes the writing of an essay.

Language Arts – Reading

• 40 questions
• Excerpts from fiction and non fiction
• 65 minute time limit
• Results:  24 hours
• Sample questions:  www.gedreading.com

Language Arts – Writing

• 50 questions and an essay written from the provided prompt
• 75 minute time limit for multiple choice
• 45 minutes for the essay
• Results:   at least one week
• Sample questions:  www.gedwriting.com

Science

• 50 questions
• 80 minute time limit
• General concepts, short readings that may include a graph or chart
• Results:   24 hours
• Sample questions:  www.gedscience.com

Social Studies

• 50 questions
• 70 minute time limit
• History, economics, geography, civics, government
• Results:   24 hours
• Sample questions:  www.gedsocialstudies.com

Mathematics

• Part One:  45 minutes, 25 questions, with the use of a calculator (CASIO fx-260)
• Part Two:  45 minutes, 25 questions, without calculator.
• Number operations, geometry, statistics, algebra
• Results:   24 hours
• Sample questions:  www.gedmath.com

How do I prepare?

• Explore the Official GED website, www.gedtest.org, for current and accurate information.  This site has a complete explanation of the five tests and has been updated with extensive sample questions, videos, You Tube, and Facebook resources. 
• Buy test prep books at bookstores.
• Borrow test prep books at public libraries.
• There are thousands of websites offering sample questions and practice tests.  Many are fee-bearing.  The GED prep instructors at SSCC have recommended these sites for taking a practice test (free and individual for each test):
  
  www.gedmath.com 
  www.gedwriting.com
  www.gedreading.com
  www.gedscience.com
  www.gedsocialstudies.com

Frequently Asked Questions about GED Testing

• I passed some of the tests in 2000.  Are they still valid?
  No.  A new version of the GED tests was introduced on January 1, 2002.  Anyone who was testing but had not completed the GED certificate by that date now needs to take this series of tests.
• How long are my scores “valid”?
  Presently, GED test developers are planning a test change for 2013..  If you have been testing  since 2002, you should plan on completing by December 31, 2012.
• When do I get my scores?  How do I get them?
  Scores for math, reading, science and social studies are available the next business day  at 12:00 noon.  You can pick them up in our office, Robert Smith Building, Room 76.  Writing results take at least one week for scores to be available.  Have your photo ID with you when claiming scores.  In accordance with federal privacy/confidentiality law, results can NOT be given over the phone.  By request only, we will mail your scores to you; tell the examiner as you check-out on test day.  If you are in a GED Prep class here at SSCC, your scores will be given to your instructors.
• When do I get my certificate?
  We will mail the official GED Score Report to the address you provided on your application, within two weeks of your completion.  This is the important document as it lists all your highest attained scores and certifies that you have completed the GED.  A “suitable for framing” certificate is also included.
• What if my address has changed?
  Please keep your address updated with our office so that we can mail your final Score Report and Certificate to you.
• I do not want my scores or certificate mailed to my home address.  What can I do?
  By request, we will hold your score reports and certificate in our office for you to pick up.  Be sure you make this request clear as it is not our usual process.
• Do I have to take a GED preparation class?
  No.  You can prepare on your own with products from the public libraries, bookstores, GED websites (use caution as many are fee-bearing and others offer inaccurate information), tutors, textbooks.  The official GED website is:  www.gedtest.org. Be sure that any materials you use are for the 2002 edition of the tests.   You could also prepare on your own for most of the tests and attend a prep class for the subject in which you feel you need class instruction.
• I passed two tests in another state.  Can they “count” here in Washington?
  Yes.  First, come to Student Assessment Services to complete a GED application for Washington.  Then complete a GED test score request for the state where you tested. Do an internet search, “ (state name) GED record request form”.  Usually, a fee is involved.  Follow the directions for that state (mail or fax) and request that they send your score report to:  South Seattle Community College, Student Assessment Services, 6000 16th Ave SW, RSB 76, Seattle WA 98106-1499.  When the official score report is received, we will add those scores to the Washington GED database.  They will show as “Out of State” under the Test Location information on your report.
• I recently moved here from Texas.  Can I use my Texas driver’s license as ID?
  Yes, but you will also need to prove that you currently reside in Washington state.  Bring a current earnings report or utility bill, address included, when you come to test.  Of course, it’s best to visit the DMV here for a new license.
• I’m 16 years old and not yet driving.  What can I use as photo ID?
  You cannot test without government-issued, photo ID.  Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a Washington State ID card. See the locations and paperwork requirements at the Washington State Department of Licensing. 
• Can Student Assessment Services access my scores taken at another test site?
  Yes, if they were taken in Washington state.  Please let us know if you have tested at another site when you first make contact with us.
• I’m under 19 but don’t want to visit my old high school to have the “Permission to Test” form completed.  What can I do?
  The Seattle school district prefers that you visit the Enrollment Center at the John Stanford district headquarters office.  For Highline and Tukwila districts, you will need to visit the high school.  For others, call the high school to inquire if they, or a district office, can complete the form.  Of course, you can always wait until you turn 19 to begin testing.
• I’m 17 years old and living here in Seattle with my grandmother.  I was last in high school in California.  How can the “Permission to Test” form be completed?
  Contact the enrollment or main office of the school district in which you now live.  They may have to enroll you in the district in order to then release you.  Have patience with this process and allow time to complete this paperwork before testing.
• I have “passed” all other tests with at least 410 but my average is below 450.  What can I do?
  You can take (up to a total of 3 times in a calendar year) any of the 5 tests again.  Study in your most confident subject and retake tests until you reach the 450 average.  If studying on your own isn’t helping you to raise your scores, enroll in GED prep classes or look for tutoring.
• I have passed all tests with high scores but am “lost” when it comes to math.  What can I do?
  This situation happens most frequently with math and writing.  Don’t give up!  And don’t quit if you have “failed” a test!  You can study and pass, but you may need guidance and structured practice.    Consider GED Prep classes at SSCC or elsewhere.
• I have taken some of the tests and “failed”.  What can I do?
  You can take any of the five tests up to three times in any calendar year.  Study and prepare before retaking.  Perhaps you would learn best in a classroom setting; consider the GED Prep classes at SSCC or elsewhere.
• I completed the GED but need higher scores for an apprenticeship program.  Can I redo the GED?
  Yes.  In that situation, you can retake the tests.  If you previously tested before 2002, you will need to take and pass the entire battery of 5 tests.  If you previously tested during or after 2002, you may retake as many of the tests as you need to raise your scores.
• If I start testing at SSCC, can I go to another testing center to complete?
  Yes.  Any official GED testing site in Washington will be able to access your scores earned at SSCC.  Be sure to tell them that you are “in the state database” and have a testing history.  Be aware that you may have to attend an orientation at another test site before you can test there.  Contact that office for complete instructions.
• Why do you not test on EVERY Wednesday?
  We at Student Assessment Services have only one testing lab and limited staff.  We cannot GED test during the 3 weeks before a quarter begins, or the first week of a quarter, as that is a high demand time for our placement testing services.  While we are closed you can continue testing at other test sites (see previous answer).
• I completed high school in Mexico but have no documentation of my completion.  Can I take the GED here?
  Yes.  The same paperwork and other requirements apply.
• Is the GED offered in any other languages?
  Yes, there are French and Spanish versions; however, only the English version is given at SSCC. Check Highline Community College testing center for the Spanish version.
• How many tests can I take in one day?
  Since we only have an afternoon session (12:00-3:30) at our site, it is nearly impossible to take all 5 tests in one afternoon.  If the allowed time was used for each test, it would be 7 hours of testing!   At our test sessions, you may take as many tests as you have paid for, and that there is time for in the session. It is reasonable to plan on taking two tests, but never a good plan to speed through tests in order to complete more in one day.  
• I have been professionally diagnosed with Dyslexia.  Can I get accommodations when taking the GED?
  If you have any professionally diagnosed emotional, cognitive, or physical disability, you may apply for accommodations for GED Testing.  Visit our office at the Robert Smith Building, Room 76, for the appropriate forms and instructions.  Allow 3 weeks after submitting for approval to be granted.  If you need guidance in finding a professional diagnostician, contact our Special Student Services, 206-934-5137.