General Education Development
Notice: GED is changing in 2014. If you have begun testing with the current version you need to finish by December 2013 or you will need to start over with the new series.
General Educational Development (GED) Testing
For a printable version of this page, click here.
Many adults who did not complete a high school program of instruction have nevertheless acquired knowledge and skills comparable to those of a high school graduate. The purpose of the GED testing program is to provide these adults the opportunity to have their knowledge evaluated and recognized. The GED tests make it possible for qualified individuals to earn a high school "credential", thus providing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of adults to:
- Pursue higher education
- Obtain jobs or job promotions
- Achieve personal goals
Designed to measure the major academic skills and knowledge in core content areas that are learned the four years of high school, the GED tests are internationally recognized. When an adult passes the GED test battery, the resulting GED credential certifies that he or she has demonstrated mastery of the subject matter associated with high school completion.
The GED test Battery is made up of the following 5 subtests:
1. Language Arts, Writing
50 multiple choice items and 1 essay
120 minutes (75 minutes for MC, 45 minutes for essay)
2. Social Studies
50 multiple choice
70 minutes
3. Science
50 multiple choice
80 minutes
4. Language Arts, Reading
40 multiple choice
65 minutes
5. Mathematics
50 multiple choice (25 with calculator, 25 without)
90 minutes (45 with calculator, 45 without)
For more information about what is on the GED, click here.
Who is eligible to take GED test?
Eligibility requirements vary from state to state and you must meet the eligibility requirements for your state of residence. In Idaho you must meet the following criteria to be eligible to test:
- have not graduated from an accredited high school in the United States or Canada, nor be currently enrolled in high school.
- have not received a high school equivalency certificate/diploma from any state, province, or territory.
- have not previously earned GED scores sufficient to qualify for a high school equivalency certificate/diploma in this state, province, or territory.
- (If you need to earn higher scores to qualify for advanced education or employment, you may, with appropriate verification from the institution or employer, qualify for a retest. Contact the GED Chief Examiner for information how to proceed.)
- be at least 18 years old OR be at least 16 years old, have provided written permission from a parent or legal guardian to take the GED, AND meet at least one of the following:
- be one (1) or more years behind in credits earned, expelled from school, or attending a non-accredited school (you must provide written permission from the school prior to taking any tests)
- be pregnant
- be a parent
- be home schooled
- be entering college, the military or an employment training program such as JTPA or other state or federally-approved program, or enrolled in an Adult Basic Education Program, in the Job Corps, or be incarcerated or involved in the juvenile justice system (You must also provide written request from the institution prior to taking any tests).
Please be advised that the Idaho GED® Certificate can be neither earned nor obtained via the Internet or through correspondence programs. The Tests of General Educational Development (GED Tests)--developed by the General Educational Development Testing Service of the American Council on Education (GED Testing Service)--require extensive preparation and the demonstration of a high level of high school knowledge and academic skills. The GED Tests are administered in Idaho only at Official GED Testing Centers under the direction of the Idaho Department of Education, Office of Adult Education. Any other high school equivalency certificate not issued by the Idaho Department of Education or another jurisdictional GED testing authority may be of dubious value and may not be accepted by employers, colleges and universities, or the military.
When can I take the test?
GED® Testing is offered most Monday afternoons, in 2 separate sessions as outlined below.
| Session # |
Report |
Tests you can take: |
|
1 |
1:00 |
Language Arts Writing or Mathematics (offered on alternate weeks) |
|
2 |
3:00 |
Language Arts Reading, Science or Social Studies |
*If you fail to arrive by the report time, you may be considered a no show, forfeit your
registration/test fee and have to sign up for a later testing time.
So how do I register to take these tests?
Prior to taking any tests, you must complete a demographics answer sheet and verify your eligibility. This takes from 30 to 45 minutes, and needs to be completed prior to the day of testing. Part of this needs to be done in person at our office, but most of it can be done online at www.GED123.org , but you must have a valid e-mail address in order to do it online. Once the on-line form is completed, you will need to printout the verification of registration from, sign it, and bring it with you to your first testing session. Please remember that this registration process must be completed BEFORE the day of your testing appointment.
How much does it cost?The cost for each test is $20.00, payable at the time of registration. This reserves a spot for you for that day/session. This is important as there are currently only 6 seats available per session. If you fail to show up for your test, you forfeit the testing fee. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must do so by 5:00 pm the day before the test.
Additionally there is a $5.00 walk in fee if you are not pre-registered for a testing day or session.
If you fail to pass a test and need to retake it, it will cost you $25.00. Please make sure you are prepared for an exam before you sign up to take it.
Acceptable forms of payment are check or money order made out to Bursar, University of Idaho. We do not accept cash or credit cards.
What should I bring with me to the test?Bring picture ID to the test with you. YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED WITHOUT PROPER ID! Acceptable picture ID includes drivers license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. Social Security cards, credit cards or membership cards (e.g., Costco cards) are not acceptable.
If you registered on-line, bring the Proof of Registration form with you.
If you are a Washington resident and under 19 years of age, you will need to bring in a completed "Request for Approval to Test for Certificate of Educational Competence". This form is available at the school district office and/or puyblic school office.
Where do I Park?You should also go to Parking Services to get a visitors permit on the day of the test. Parking Services is located at 880 W. 3rd St., on the corner of 3rd and Line Streets, (208) 885-6424.