General Education Development (GED)

Are you an adult learner without a high school diploma? The GED may make a world of difference in your life — a promotion, a better job, more money, and a higher standard of living to name a few — even a $500 HOPE GED voucher to continue your education.

If you think getting your GED is hard, you're wrong. There are several preparatory options for GED candidates. Each official testing center in the state offers free GED preparatory classes.

If you prefer an e-learning environment to the traditional classroom setting, you can enroll in the GED Prep Online Program. For more information, locate your local Service Delivery Area (SDA).

General Educational Development Diploma (GED) Overview

The General Educational Development (GED) Tests, administered through testing services throughout the country, is a nationally accredited exam that is recognized by over ninety-five percent of employers, and ninety percent of colleges and universities. Thousands of Georgia's adult learners have obtained their GED Diploma and are reaping the benefits that the diploma offers. The GED Tests help many of Georgia's adult learners to transition into higher education and/or increase their earning potential and employability. Many examinees report their reason for testing is for college admission or employment stability, while others report having taken the test simply for personal satisfaction. Regardless of the reason, GED recipients are finding that bettering themselves educationally is by far the best reward.

The following information provides an overview of the GED test and some key information that you need to know. For more information on Georgia's GED Testing Program log on to www.dtae.org/Adultlit/ged.html, or dial (404) 679-1645.

Who is eligible to take the GED tests?

The GED tests can be administered only to persons who:

• have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma;
• are not currently enrolled in a regular high school;
• are at least 16 years of age.*

* Applicants must receive special needs approval. Contact the local GED Testing Center for more information.

How do I apply to take THE GED tests?

You may complete an official application form, as prescribed by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education Office of Adult Literacy at your local GED Testing Center.

Residency: You do not need to be a resident of Georgia to be eligible to take the GED tests. You must, however, be a resident of Georgia to receive the $500 HOPE voucher.

Identification: When you take the GED tests, official photo identification is required for admission.

What is the new scoring system?

Tests will now be scored from 200 to 800 points.

A minimum standard score of 410 is necessary to pass each individual exam, and an average standard score of 450 is required to pass the full battery.

What are the new requirements for retesting?

If the average standard score is 430 or better, the applicant may retake the test at any time, but remedial study is recommended.

If the average standard score is 400-429, a wait of three months or evidence of remedial study is necessary before retesting.

If the applicant's average standard score falls below 400, a wait of six months, or evidence of remedial study is necessary before retesting.

If you retest at a center other than your original testing site, you must obtain a release from the original Chief Examiner.

What fees will I be charged?

You will be charged a standard fee for taking the GED tests. Other fees are charged for retests.

The original GED Diploma and a copy of the test scores will be provided to successful examinees by the Department of Technical and Adult Education Office of Adult Literacy. A copy of test scores will also be provided to examinees who attempt one or more sections of the GED and to those examinees who are unsuccessful on the GED. A fee will be charged for a duplicate or replacement GED Diploma or duplicate copies of test scores.

Contact your local GED Testing Center for fees and schedules.

What are GED tests like?

Five separate tests make up the GED battery of tests. Test questions range in difficulty from easy to hard, and cover a wide range of subjects. All the questions on four of the parts are multiple choice with five possible answers given. Part II of the Writing Skills Tests requires you to write an essay.

The content of these tests are as follows:

Writing Skills, Part I (50 questions, 75 minutes)

• 15% Organization
• 30% Sentence Structure
• 30% Usage
• 25% Mechanics

Writing Skills, Part II (45 minutes)

• Essay

Social Studies (50 questions, 70 minutes)

• 15% History
• 30% Geography
• 30% Civics and Government
• 25% Economics

Science (50 questions, 80 minutes)

• 45% Life Science
• 20% Earth and Space Science
• 35% Physical Sciences

Language Arts, Reading (40 questions, 60 minutes)

• 20% Comprehension
• 15% Application
• 30-35% Analysis
• 30-35% Synthesis

Mathematics (50 questions, 90 minutes)

Official GED Testing Centers in Georgia

View a listing of Official GED Testing Centers including site location, address and telephone number.