| What
is the GED? |
|
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people earn their General Educational
Development (GED) certificate. People like you. Maybe you had to
leave high school to help take care of your family. Maybe you just
didn't like school, or didn't think a high school diploma would
mean anything - and now you know what it means not to have it.
It's
not too late. The GED program provides an opportunity to earn your
high school credential outside of school. It could be one of the
best things you ever do for yourself.
In
1995, more than 829,900 people took the test. Over the years, the
GED test has provided personal, professional and academic satisfaction
for millions of adults who were unable to complete their formal
high school studies.
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| What are the benefits of earning a GED?
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- Continue
your education. A GED certificate is accepted at most
colleges and universities across the country as proof that you
have completed your high school education. Some colleges even
have special scholarship programs for GED graduates.
- Feel
better about yourself.
By earning their certificate, many GED graduates experience
a remarkable improvement in how they feel about themselves and
their lives. It makes a difference!
- Increase
your income.
Incomes increase with your level of education. A better job
usually means better pay.
-
Invest in the future.
Educated parents have better educated children. Earning a GED
certificate is not only an investment in yourself; it is also
an investment in the future of your children.
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| Who
can take the GED test? |
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The GED test is for adults who are 19 years old or older who have
not graduated from high school.
If
you are 16 to 18 years old and wish to take the GED test, you must
provide written approval from the school district in which you live.
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| What do I need to do to take the GED test? |
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To begin the process of obtaining a GED all participants must attend
a GED orientation. The GED orientation provides participants with
information about the GED tests, allows time for required paperwork
and scheduling of exam times. The orientation typically requires
45 minutes.
All
applicants must bring an official government issued picture identification
to the GED Orientation and to each testing appointment. The only
approved forms of identification are:
State
issued drivers' license or state issued identification card with
a photograph, United States passport, Certificate of Naturalization,
Certificate of United States Citizenship, Current foreign passport,
Alien registration card with photograph, Court approved identification,
United States Armed Forces ID.
Registration
for testing can be done in person or by phone. Plan to arrive fifteen
minutes prior to the testing start time. Late arrivals will not
be allowed to test.
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| What subjects does the GED cover? |
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The GED Test is made up of five tests, each measuring the major
skills considered to be the result of a high school education. The
tests focus on general skills and important concepts rather than
on the ability to recall specific facts in a given area. Many of
the test questions measure the general abilities to evaluate, analyze,
and draw conclusions.
- Test
1: Language Arts, Writing. 50 questions and an essay
- Test
2: Social
Studies. 50 questions, 70 minutes.
- Test
3: Science. 50 questions, 80 minutes.
- Test
4:
Language Arts, Reading. 40 questions, 65 minutes.
- Test
5: Mathematics
Part I. 25 questions, calculator use allowed*, 45 minutes.
Mathematics
Part II. 25 questions, no calculator allowed, 45 minutes
*Will be provided
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| What scores must I earn to pass?
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The GED test is graded in a special way: The score is not the same
as percent correct. In order to pass the GED test your standard
score on each test must be at least 410 and your average standard
score for all five tests must be at least 450. If this average is
not reached after the first attempt, examinees can retest up to
three times each year in each subject. (see How Much Does It Cost?)
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| How much does it cost? |
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Effective June 1, 2008, a fee of $75.00 must be paid at the time
of orientation before the applicant may begin testing.
Personal checks are not accepted.
The test fee is not refundable.
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If any one test is under the standard score of 410, then only that
test must be retaken. If the average of the five tests is not 450,
then any test may be retaken to increase your average. There is
a $15.00 charge for each test that is retaken.
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| What
if I need accommodations due to a disability? |
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Individuals with disabilities can request accommodations, such
as extended time, sign language interpreting services, or a reader,
for the GED test. Contact the Disability
Support Services Office at Clark College with any
questions and to request accommodation.
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| How
do I prepare to take the GED test? |
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Study materials are available to help prepare for the GED test.
These materials may be found at local bookstores, the library or on web sites.
Web sites
containing practice questions and other test taking information
are:
Clark College also offers GED Preparation courses at the Town Plaza Center in Vancouver.
The tuition fee is $25.00 per quarter for one or more classes.
More information on these classes can be found here, or by calling 360-992-2741.
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