GED TEST: Start Here

 


GED TEST - Vermont High School Equivalency Diploma

ELIGIBILITY

  • Who is eligible to take the GED tests?
    • Anyone 16 years or older may take the GED tests. About one out of every seven people who receives a high school credential earns it by passing the GED.
    • In Vermont, young adults 16 or 17 years of age must have parental permission to take the GED tests. The GED examiner will have the forms at the test site.

PREPARATION FOR TESTING

  • What can I do to prepare to take the GED tests?
    • Students are encouraged to take the GED pre-tests, which are offered at no charge at adult education and literacy centers throughout Vermont.
    • Students are encouraged to use the results to assess their readiness to test and/or need for further study and tutoring assistance.
    • Study and tutoring assistance is available without charge from adult education and literacy centers, as well as at some youth service programs, homeless shelters, community refugee programs and community correctional centers.

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  • How will I know when I am ready to take the GED tests?
    • Consult with your tutor and/or teacher and review the practice tests results for the particular subject tests. The practice tests results will probably be within three to five points of the actual score.
    • You are encouraged to study the subjects until you score in the high 400s on the practice tests. If you score a 470, 480 or 490 on each of the practice tests, you will probably score at least a 450 on the actual subject tests.

TAKING THE TESTS

  • Do I have to take all five GED subject tests on the same day?
    • No. You may take one at a time or take two or three during one test day. You should contact the GED examiner to find out the testing times and discuss which of the tests you want to take. All together, the GED subject tests take a little more than seven hours to complete:
      • Language Arts (65 minutes)
      • Writing (120 minutes)
      • Mathematics (90 minutes)
      • Science (80 minutes)
      • Social Studies (70 minutes)
  • What do I have to get on a GED subject test in order to pass?
    • The minimum passing score for each of the five subject tests is 410. To successfully pass the GED as a whole, you must accumulate a minimum of 2,250 total points.
  • What happens if I take all five subject tests and don't earn at least 2,250 total points, or if I don't score at least a 410 on all of the subject tests?
    • You don't pass. You do not have to take all five subject tests over, but you do have to raise the scores of as many tests as it takes to accumulate a total 2,250 points and a minimum score of 410 per subject test.
  • How many times can I take the tests over?
    • You are entitled to retake each test. You may take the same subject test over again three times in any one year. There is no set time between when you took one subject test and when you may take it over again; however it is always best to get additional study and preparation time to be better prepared. It is probably more productive to take the pre-tests as a diagnostic to guide your studies. When you take a subject test over, you must pay an individual test fee each time. Check with the test site where you plan to retake the test(s).
  • What happens if I take a subject test over and score lower?
    • The higher score will count. Points will not be lost by retaking a subject test.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Are there special accommodations for people with special learning, physical or emotional needs to take the GED tests?
    • Yes. If you have a disability you should talk this over with your teacher so that you may apply for special accommodations. Tests are available in Braille, large print and on audiocassette.
  • English is my second language. Does the GED come in other languages?
    • Yes. You may take the GED tests in French or Spanish, as well as English. If you choose a language, you will have to take all five subject tests in that language. These tests are not only in the language specified but are also designed to reflect the cultural differences of non-English speaking people. Practice tests are also available in Spanish and French. Please contact the nearest GED test site to make arrangements.

TEST RESULTS

  • After I take the tests, how long does it take to get the results?
    • You should not expect to get your scores for at least two weeks from the test date. The tests are scored in two different ways. The essay is sent to the Oklahoma Scoring Service, which scores the document and returns it to the Vermont GED Office within two weeks. The other subject tests are scored centrally here in Vermont.
    • If you need results by a specific date, make sure to take the tests well in advance.

GED CREDENTIALS

  • Who accepts a GED credential?
    • Since 1942, when the GED was first developed, millions of people have taken and earned their GED credentials. The GED is recognized throughout the United States and Canada, and is "nearly always accepted as a valid credential by employers and directors of apprenticeship or training programs" as well as by "almost all college and university admissions policies."
    • Approximately two out of every three people who earn their GED enter college or other higher learning opportunities.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GED?

  • For general questions about the GED (e.g., testing, transcripts, etc.) contact Bev Willey at (802) 828-5161 (after the greeting, press #2 to leave a message and have your call returned) or bev.willey@state.vt.us.