GED TEST - Oklahoma High School Equivalency Diploma

What does “GED” stand for?

• General Educational Development

What are the GED Tests?

• The GED Tests include five subject area tests: Language Arts/Writing, Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. The tests were developed by subject matter specialists and adult and secondary educators. The tests correspond to high school curricula. They provide a uniform measure of high school achievement and are used to certify high school-level knowledge and skills. All US States and Canadian Provinces issue their jurisdiction’s high school credential to candidates passing the tests.

Who is eligible to take the GED Tests in Oklahoma?

• To take the GED Tests in Oklahoma, you must be a resident of Oklahoma. Also, you must not have a high school diploma or be enrolled in high school.
• To take the GED Tests, you must be at least 16 years of age. If you are 16 or 17, you must have an approved Test Agreement for 16- or 17-year-olds. This test agreement form is available at the GED Testing Centers, or you can download it here (pdf). The agreement must be signed by a parent or guardian and a school official of the school district where you live.

How can I sign up to take the GED tests?

• To sign up to take the GED Tests, go in person to a GED Testing Center. To find a testing location, please see our list of Oklahoma GED Testing Locations (pdf) or search http://www.acenet.edu/resources/ged/center_locator.cfm for a location near you.
• At the testing center, you will need to fill out an application, show proof of age, and show proof that you are a resident of Oklahoma. Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

How much does it cost to take the GED Tests?

• Each Oklahoma GED Testing Center establishes its own fees and testing schedules. Contact the GED Testing Center at which you plan to take the tests to determine the exact cost. For a list of GED testing centers in Oklahoma, click here (pdf).

How many tests do I have to take to get my GED?

• The GED Tests consist of five subtests: Language Arts/Writing, Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.
• The Language Arts/Writing test consists of 2 parts: a multiple choice section and an essay.
• The mathematics test consists of 2 parts: a part where a calculator may be used and a part where use of a calculator is not allowed.

What subjects are included on the GED Tests?

• The GED Tests measure communication, information-processing, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in five content areas: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. The writing test includes a multiple choice section, and an essay on assigned topic.  

How long are the GED Tests?

• The full test battery takes approximately 7 ½ hours to complete. Most testing centers give the tests over a period of two days, so you do not have to take all five GED Tests in one day.
• The specific times allowed for each subtest are as follows:

• You do not have to take the five subtests that make up the GED all at one time. However, you must take all five subtests at least once before you are permitted to retake any subtest.

Can I use a calculator?

• The mathematics subtest includes two parts. Use of a calculator is not allowed during part one. A calculator will be provided during part two.
• The only calculator that can be used on the GED Test is the Casio fx-260 Solar. Calculators will be provided at the GED Testing Center for the actual test. Do not bring a calculator to the testing center.
• If you wish, you may take part two of the math test without a calculator. However, this is not recommended. If you are able to use a calculator successfully, you will probably complete more questions on the math section than you could without the use of a calculator.
• Brief instructions on how to use the calculator will be provided at the testing time. However, you should learn how calculators work before attempting the math portion of the GED Test.

What scores are needed to pass?

• To pass the GED Tests, you need a minimum of 410 on each of the five tests AND an average score of 450 (2,250 total points). When you pass, you will receive a State High School Diploma, suitable for framing, along with your scores.

What if I don’t pass the first time?

• Retesting on all tests, or selected tests, is allowed an unlimited number of times. However, only three test forms are available each year. Therefore, you may test only three times in each subject area per calendar year (January 1 to December 31).
• When you retest, the highest scaled score in each subject area will be retained. The average score will be recalculated according to your highest scaled scores in each subject area.
• You do not have to retest in all five subject areas. You can choose to retest only in the subject area(s) you did not pass and/or in areas you feel you can improve to increase your average scaled score.
• Scores from previous versions of the GED Tests cannot be combined with scores from the 2002 Series. Any candidate who did not successfully complete all five tests prior to release of the 2002 GED Series will have to retest in all five subject areas on the 2002 Series GED Tests.
• If you’re having difficulty passing the tests, see our section on preparing to take the GED Tests.

What kind of credit or diploma will I receive in Oklahoma?

• When you pass the GED Tests, you will receive a State High School Diploma. This diploma, issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, certifies that you have demonstrated general educational development equivalent to a high school education, as shown by your scores on the GED Tests.
• The GED high school credential is accepted by more than 95 percent of U.S. employers, colleges, and universities. If you are planning to attend postsecondary education after earning your GED credential, check with the specific college or university you plan to attend to determine their specific entrance requirements.

When will I receive my scores?

• You will receive your scores in the mail about three weeks after you have taken the GED Tests. Upon passing, you will receive a State High School Diploma, suitable for framing, along with your scores.

I started my GED Testing but never finished. Are my scores still good?

• The GED Testing Service released the 2002 GED Series January 1, 2002. Any candidate that did not successfully complete all five tests prior to December 31, 2001, will have to retest on the 2002 GED Series. Test scores since the release of the 2002 test version are still valid.

Can I take the GED Tests in another language?

• Spanish GED Testing is available at some testing centers. Contact the centers in your area to schedule a time.

Are there accommodations available for GED testing?

• If you believe you may have a disability that could keep you from taking the GED Tests in the usual way, you may be able to receive reasonable testing accommodations. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, GED Testing Centers provide reasonable accommodations to GED candidates with documented needs. The passing score requirements are the same for all candidates.
• If you feel you may need accommodations, the testing center will assist you in filling out the required forms and gathering the necessary documentation. The testing center will then forward the form and records to the State GED Administrator for a screening review. Accommodation decisions will be made by either the State GED Administrator or the GED Testing Service (GEDTS), depending upon the type of request and the nature of the accommodation. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal. For additional information on requesting accommodations for GED testing, click here.

How can I obtain a copy of my GED Test records?

• All GED records for the State of Oklahoma are maintained by the Lifelong Learning Section of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. If you took the GED Tests in Oklahoma, you can obtain a duplicate copy of your GED records from the Lifelong Learning office.
• There are two different GED documents available. A duplicate GED High School Diploma, with a transcript of scores attached, is $10.00. For a GED transcript only, the charge is $5.00. Test scores are shown on the GED transcript.
• You can obtain a duplicate copy of your GED records in two ways.
  • Come in person to the Lifelong Learning Department, located in room 115 of the Oliver Hodge Memorial Building (address below). Our office can be contacted toll free at 800-405-0355 or at 405-521-3321. You will need to bring exact change or a money order payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
  • Mail the Request for Duplicate GED Documents (pdf), along with exact change or a money order payable to the Oklahoma State Department of Education to:
    
    • Dr. Stephanie Curtis, Executive Director
      Lifelong Learning Section
      Oklahoma State Department of Education
      2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Room 115
      Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4599
• If you did not take the GED Test in Oklahoma, click here for information on obtaining other GED test records.

How do I prepare to take the GED Tests?

• See our section on preparing to take the GED Tests.

I saw an ad about earning my high school diploma online or through correspondence courses. Is this legitimate?

• There is no online testing for the official GED Tests. They can only be taken at an official GED test site. There are some online and correspondence courses that can help a person prepare to take the GED Tests. However, there are no online or correspondence testing programs recognized by GED Testing Service (GEDTS) or the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
• Beware of “official looking” GED Web sites offering the opportunity to take the GED Tests online and receive a diploma. There are many diploma mills that operate without supervision of a state or professional agency. They grant diplomas which are either fraudulent or lack proper standards, and you will receive nothing of real value in return for your money.
• There are legitimate high school diploma programs online. However, you will not just pay a fee and get a diploma. You must first take distance learning courses.
  • For additional information on diploma mills, visit the U.S. Department of Education at:
    http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/diplomamills/diploma-mills.html
    
    Contact
    Lifelong Learning Section, Oklahoma State Department of Education
    2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Room 115, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4599 Toll Free  (800) 405-0355 or local, (405) 521-3321