How Easy is the G.E.D. Test?

When you enroll for GED classes, your instructors will help you prepare for the exam. Before taking the official exam, you must first pass a set of practice tests. If your scores are sufficient, you may sign up for the official exam. While you do not have to take the entire test in one sitting, you must complete all parts of the exam within 90 days.

GED Exam # questions Time limit
Language Arts, Writing, Part I 50 75 min.
Language Arts, Writing, Part II, Essay 1 essay 45 min.
Social Studies 50 70 min.
Science 50 80 min.
Language Arts, Reading 40 65 min.
Mathematics 50 90 min.

Steps to preparation
Our program helps you prepare for the GED Exam in many ways. We start out with small tests which reveal the areas in which you most need to concentrate. After brushing up on basic skills such as reading, writing, and math, you will move on to the practice tests. (Think of these as mini versions of the GED.) By taking the practice tests and scoring at a certain level, you can be sure you are really ready to take the GED Exam. Once you have passed the practice tests, your instructor will help you sign up for the actual GED Exam.

The learning environment
You and your instructor will plan lessons to help you achieve your goals. Typical goals for students include gaining better reading, math, and writing skills, which will help to prepare them for passing the GED Exam. In addition to academic goals, learners in this program receive training in job-search, workplace, and technology skills.

Your learning will include group activities and mini-courses, as well as individualized work. A daily session may include class projects and discussions, the use of computer applications and specialized software, and other more traditional forms of learning.

Flexible schedule
The GED Prep Program is open for morning, afternoon, and evening classes every Monday through Friday, allowing you to pick the best time to attend. The center asks learners to commit to 15 hours of study each week. To help you accomplish this, we have divided our days into 3-hour time slots. All you need to do is pick the best slot and attend during that time: 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1-4 p.m. or 5:30-8:30 p.m. There is often a waiting list filled with adults who want to enroll. Learners who do not maintain consistent attendance will lose their spots to waiting students.

The ABE program typically runs year round, except for the month of June. The year is divided into six-week sessions. To sign up for the next available session, please contact Cooper at 284-6230 or email the instructors by checking out the Contact us page.

FastTrack session for ready learners
If your basic skills are at the GED level, you will be invited to join the FastTrack class, which concentrates solely on preparing for the Official Practice Tests and GED Exam. The FastTrack class is held every Monday-Friday between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. If you are a newcomer to GED classes, your instructor will talk to you about this program option following completion of your orientation.

Testing fees
To earn your GED you must pass the Official Practice Tests (a half-size version of the GED) as well as the GED Exam. If you are enrolled in the Cooper GED program, the Official Practice Tests are free of charge. This is one of the many benefits of taking classes.

The actual GED Exam is taken at our regional testing center, located at Hutchinson Community College's Newton site at 414 N. Main St. (the train station). You will pay a $68 fee for the official exam. The $68 cost covers all five sections of the GED exam. When you are ready for GED testing, your instructor will help you contact the testing center and take care of all the necessary arrangements.

Disabilities
Cooper Education Center and The Learning Center do not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to their programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals with disabilities, or in any aspect of their operations. If you have a disability, please let us know. It's the first step in helping us to help you.

Receiving your diploma
After completing the GED Exam at the regional testing center, you will receive your scores from the testing center. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to receive your GED diploma and transcript in the mail.

If you ever need an official copy of your GED transcript, you may contact the Kansas Board of Regents at 785-296-3191. For more details or to fill out the request form, see the Kansas Board of Regents duplicate diploma/transcript information.

Looking for GED programs in Kansas?
There are GED classrooms and testing centers located across the state of Kansas. If our location doesn't permit you to attend classes here in Newton, check out the Kansas Board of Regents list of adult education programs.

Graduation celebration
Each May the adult programs sponsor a graduation celebration for learners who have earned their diplomas, GED, or progressed in their English Literacy classes. The annual graduation ceremony―complete with caps, gowns, tassels, student speakers and other great features―has drawn as many as 65 graduates and 400-plus guests in years past. The center continues the celebration by hosting a reception with cake, punch, a professional photographer, and plenty of:

"Congratulations!"

The GED Mathematics test is two parts. Part one allows you to use a calculator. Part two does not. The GED Math test will test your knowledge on number operations, number sense, basic algebra functions, algebra patterns, basic geometry, measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability.

Having taught GED preparation for ten years, I have found that the majority of GED candidates find GED math the most challenging of all the five GED tests. Most GED candidates will need to review fractions, decimals, percents, basic algebra, and basic geometry. Some prefer to take a class, others prefer to study from the comfort of their home.The free GED worksheets are in a PDF format.

Who can enroll?

You are eligible for admission if you are

· A high school graduate or GED recipient.

· A transfer student from an accredited college or university.

· A student currently attending another higher education institution.

· A non-high school graduate who is at least 16 and can benefit from instruction.

· A current high school student who has received permission from your school and parents or legal guardians.

Some programs have limited admission and may have additional requirements for those students under the age of 16. Call the Admissions Office at (520) 383-8401 for details. All students have the opportunity to prepare themselves to meet requirements for entry into any program they choose. For more information, see an advisor or counselor.

HOW TO ENROLL

Applying for admission is easy and can be done year-round. There is no application fee.

Any applicant who wishes to be considered for admissions must submit the following documents:

G.E.D. Application for Admission
Official high school transcript or G.E.D.
Certificate or Ability to Benefit Document (if required)
Certificate of Documented Indian Blood or Tribal enrollment card
Social Security Card
In addition, any students who are members of the Tohono O’odham Nation and who reside outside of the boundaries of the Tohono O’odham Nation will be subject to standard G.E.D. admissions policy.

APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED

· In person at the College

· By fax at (520) 383-8403

· By mail to Tohono O’odham Community College

P.O. Box 3129

Sells, Arizona, 85634

REQUIRED USE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENT ID NUMBER

G.E.D. is required to collect the Social Security Numbers of ALL students who are U.S. citizens, resident aliens or non-citizens (who have been issued a Social Security Number) on the Application for Admission, all local state or federal student financial aid applications and forms, or any forms required for college employment. Students are not required to use their Social Security Number as their Student Identification Number.

All new students admitted to G.E.D. will be automatically issued and ASSIGNED a Student Identification Number. New students may use their Social Security Number as their assigned student identification number by submitting a written request with photo ID at any PCC campus or at G.E.D. admissions.

Continuing and returning students who are using their Social Security Number as their Identification Number may request an Assigned Student Identification Number by using the procedure on the next page:

REQUESTING AN ASSIGNED STUDENT ID NUMBER

You may request a student ID number that is not your social security number. Bring your photo ID or include a copy of it if mailing or faxing a request


Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Tohono O’odham Community College ( G.E.D.) offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes to help individuals upgrade their skills to qualify for better jobs or for a college degree program. Classes are offered free of cost.

ABE and GED classes cover the subjects needed as a foundation for career and educational advancement: language arts, reading, science, social studies, and mathematics. The General Equivalency Diploma is awarded to students who pass the GED test. This credential is accepted across the United States as the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Admission to ABE and GED

ABE and GED classes are offered on a continuous basis, and they are open entry/open exit. An individual may apply and enroll in the classes any time during the year when the College is open. A student will be allowed to take the GED test when he or she and the instructor agree that the student is prepared.

Anyone 18 years of age or older may apply to enter the ABE or GED classes. To enroll, applicants must do the following:

1. Submit a completed ABE/GED application to G.E.D.’s Occupational Programs Office at the West Campus.

2. With the application, submit a copy of birth certificate, Social Security card, and Tribal Enrollment card.

3. Attend an orientation for new students in the Occupational Programs. The orientations include an overview of the ABE and GED classes and expectations. Orientations are provided by Occupational Programs staff and are scheduled monthly.

4. Complete the Test of Adult Basic Education (the TABE Test) for placement in ABE or GED.

Fees for Classes
There are no fees to enroll in GED/ABE classes. The GED/ABE courses are offered as a service to the Tohono O’odham Nation to assist members of the Tohono O’odham Nation to earn a GED and to possess a GED for employment and for continued educational and training opportunities. However, students will need to be prepared to

1. Provide their own basic school supplies;

2. Purchase textbooks required for study and class work; and

3. Pay for GED testing (see below).

Program Schedule
ABE and GED classes are offered for free year round at three locations:

1. G.E.D.’s Main Campus in Sells on Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM;

2. Santa Rosa Boarding School on Monday through Wednesday, 4:30 to 7:30 PM;

3. The Learning Center in Pisinemo on Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

GED Testing
The Official GED test consists of five sections: language arts, reading, science, social studies, and mathematics. Official GED testing is conducted at Tohono O’odham Community College, with priority for testing given to G.E.D.’s GED students. The Occupational Programs Office maintains an official test list, and a student’s name must be on the list in order for her or him to take the test. The test is administered monthly at the Main Campus.

To make arrangements to take the GED Test, call the Occupational Programs Office at tel. (520) 383-8401.

Fees for GED Testing
The cost to take the test is $75. This fee may be paid

§ In person at the G.E.D. Finance Office, Main Campus, Room 202, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

§ By mail to G.E.D. Finance Office, P.O. Box 3129, Sells, AZ 85634.

The $75, which covers all five test sections, should be paid separately in two portions, as follows:

§ $50 money order payable to Pima Community College (no personal checks); AND

§ $25 money order payable to G.E.D. or cash

Retaking the Test
Each of the five sections of the test may be re-taken at $10 per section. Payment for the retake must be paid in the form of a money order payable to Pima Community College.

Apprenticeships

The Apprenticeship program has provided workforce development to the Tohono O’odham Nation since 1980. The mission of the program is to train and certify Tohono O’odham people who seek a vocation in the skilled trades. Classes are offered free of cost.

The program is guided by Apprenticeship Standards approved by the Tohono O’odham Community College, the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, the Arizona Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, and the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training within the U.S. Department of Labor. The Tohono O’odham Nation’s Apprenticeship Advisory Committee is a member of statewide and federal apprenticeship agencies. Tohono O’odham Community College provides facilities and cooperates with the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Apprenticeship Advisory Committee.

Apprenticeships are competency-based training programs designed to provide trainees with the learning experiences that will equip them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for success in their chosen occupations. For each trade, classroom instruction, referred to as Apprentice-related Training (or simply “related training”), is combined with on-the-job training (OJT) under the supervision of a certified journeyman who has mastered the trade. Trainees gain further experience through community projects supervised by instructors.

G.E.D.’s Apprenticeship program requires a high degree of responsibility and commitment. Attaining journeyperson status usually takes 2-4 years, with several thousand hours of training along the way.

Admission to the Apprenticeship Program
Anyone 18 years of age or older possessing a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate may apply to enter the Apprenticeship program. Applicants are required to take the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Apprenticeship application form to G.E.D.’s Occupational Programs Office.

2. With the application, submit a copy of birth certificate, Social Security card, Tribal Enrollment card, and income verification for the past six months.

3. An interview with the instructor for the student’s program will be scheduled at the time the application is submitted.

4. Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE Test). Test results will be shared with the instructor to give him or her information about the student’s level of basic skills.

5. Complete the interview with the appropriate instructor. Applicants must arrive promptly for the interview.

6. Attend an orientation session provided by Occupational Programs staff of G.E.D.. Orientation sessions, which include an overview of the ABE and GED classes, are scheduled monthly.

Requirements
Applicants to the Apprenticeship program must meet these requirements:

1. Be physically fit; a physical examination and/or drug testing may be required.

2. Have a driver’s license and a safe driving record.

3. Meet all trade-related requirements for training and possible employment during training.

Financial Information
The apprenticeship program is free to enrolled students. Students do not pay tuition for the college courses nor for related training. Textbooks are paid for by the program.

Scholarships are not available at this time, but steps are being taken to develop scholarships for the future.

Apprentices on OJT are paid wages by the contractor; wages are a percentage of journeyman wages. The percentage is dependent upon the status of the apprentice with the program, and it ranges from 55% to 95%.

G.E.D. can help apprentices individually by providing assistance to attain federal student financial aid. Since the apprenticeship program operates out of a certified Work Skills Center, apprentices are eligible for the same financial assistance as other students.

Program Schedule
Classes are held at G.E.D.’s West Campus (formerly the Career Center), while OJT is performed in the field or on community projects. The program is year round when the College is open. Generally, the hours of operation are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. When apprentices are on OJT, they work with the contractors’ schedules.

For More Information
See pp. 119-125 for a description of the Building and Construction Technologies (BCT) apprenticeships. See p. 159 for the Management Information Systems (MIS) apprenticeship. To learn more, contact Mr. George Miguel, Department Chair of Occupational Programs, at tel. (520) 383-0013 or 383-8401.