The GED test battery consists of a series of five test areas and measures essential academic skills and knowledge in five subject areas: writing, reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Test areas are scored from 200 to 800 points, and in order to pass, a test-taker must earn a minimum score of 410 on a test area and a standard overall score of at least 2,250 on the entire battery. If a test-taker does not pass a test area, he can retake it up to a total of three times per contract year. However, if he passes all test areas but does not earn the minimum overall score, he can retake any of the five test areas to try to raise his total score.
Jointly administered by the General Educational Development Testing Service (GEDTS) of the American Council on Education and the Technical College System of Georgia's Office of Adult Literacy, the test can be taken only by individuals in Georgia who have not yet graduated from an accredited high school, have not earned a high school equivalency certificate or diploma, are not enrolled in a regular high school and are at least 16 years old. You do not have to be a resident of Georgia, though, in order to take the test in Georgia; but you must be a resident in order to be eligible for a $500 HOPE voucher for continuing education. "HOPE" is the acronym for "Helping Outstanding Students Educationally," and the program provides Georgia students with financial assistance to both public and private colleges and universities as well as public technical schools.
In order to take the GED test, you must complete an official application, which is available through the Technical College System of Georgia Office of Adult Literacy at all GED Testing Centers. To locate the center nearest you, visit the website of the Georgia Department of Testing and Adult Education or telephone your local GED Testing Center. However, on the day of your test, you will be asked to provide official photo identification before you will be permitted to enter the exam area.
The battery of tests consists of questions ranging from easy to difficult and covering an array of subjects. Four test areas are composed of multiple-choice questions, each having five possible answers. However, Part II of the Writing Skills Test requires examinees to write an essay in order to demonstrate their use of language and knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Each test area has a set time limit, with the shortest being 45 minutes for reading and the longest being 90 minutes for mathematics.
There is a standard fee of $95, as of 2010, for taking the full battery of five tests, and if you fail any of the test areas, the cost to retake a test is $19 per test area. The standard fee includes the cost of the diploma and a copy of your test scores. If you wish to obtain duplicate diplomas, the cost is currently $8 per copy. If you need copies of your transcripts (test results), for example, for an employer or college admission, the cost is currently $5 per transcript.
Many people are able to pass the test without any special preparation; however, if you think you might need to prepare for the test, classes are offered at various sites around the state, including many high schools and colleges. Plus, select adult literacy programs are offering the GED Online Program, which allows people to study for the test and do so at their own pace. In order to learn more about the online classes, contact your local adult literacy program.