Register to take the GED if you are at least 16 and a resident of one of three state institutions: State Training Schools at Eldora and Mitchellville, and the Iowa Juvenile Home at Toledo. You must show you have successfully completed a structured high school program or passed GED practice tests. According to state of Iowa GED guidelines, you can also take the exam if institution personnel think you have enough knowledge to pass the test. You have to be referred in writing by one of the institutions' administrators to an official GED testing center before you are allowed to take the exam.
Register to take the GED if you are at least 16 and under the supervision of a probation officer. Taking the GED must be part of a written probation requirement, or the probation officer can write an "Informal Adjustment Agreement" agreeing you are being supervised by the probation office. Before you can take the test, you need to pass a high school completion program or bring the results of a passing GED practice test.
Register to take the GED if you are a 16-year-old home-school student and can prove you did not attend a public/private elementary or secondary educational institution (K-12). You will need to prove you are ready to take the exam. You also need to provide proof from the local school administrators that you are not enrolled in any academic, dual-credit, extra-curricular activities.
Prepare for the test by enrolling in a GED class or study on your own. Take as many practice tests as you can before your testing date. Register for a date and time to take the test.
Bring proof you are ready to take the exam. Proof can be Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) Level "C" or Level "D" with a standard score range of 236-250 for reading and mathematics and a writing assessment score of 4 or 5, according to state of Iowa GED guidelines You can also use the official GED practice test series with a range score of 460-500.
Bring your identification and any paperwork you need for the test. Students do not have to take all five tests at the same time. You have two years to complete the test once you start taking them.