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What
are the
GED Tests?
The GED Tests are five tests in the areas of
writing, social
studies, science, reading, and mathematics. Each test
requires you to use general knowledge and thinking skills.
Few questions ask you to recall facts, details, or meanings of
terms. The GED Tests are designed to measure knowledge and
skills that are usually learned in high school classes, but
which you have learned through observation, experiences, and
informal discussion.
The GED Tests demand achievement.
To earn a GED credential, candidates must pass a seven-hour,
five-minute set of tests. The tests not only cover each subject
area (writing, social studies, science, reading, and
mathematics) but also test a person's skills at communicating,
processing information, problem solving, and critical thinking.
The GED Tests reflect current high school curriculum standards
while including content related to the workplace and community.
The tests are also designed so that those who pass them
must meet or exceed the performance of the top 60 percent of
traditional graduating high school seniors.
How are the GED Tests
scored?
Each GED Test is scored on
a scale ranging from 200 to 800. To receive a GED
credential (Arkansas High School Diploma) in
Arkansas, a candidate must earn an average score across the five
tests of at least 450, with no individual test score below 410.
These score requirements ensure that GED candidates are able to
read, compute, interpret information, and express themselves in
writing at the same level as the top 60 percent of graduating
high school seniors. In other words, four out of 10
graduating high school seniors could not pass the GED Tests the
first time they take them.
How do I study for the GED Tests?
Many
Arkansas adult education programs sponsored by local
school districts, colleges, or community organizations
provide instruction in preparing for the GED Tests. Teachers at these sites can help you decide whether you just
need to brush up on your skills or whether you need to have more
intensive instruction. Many GED examinees need no formal
instruction to prepare for the tests; however, study materials
can be found in libraries, bookstores, and computer software
stores.
Am I eligible
to take
the GED Tests?
You are eligible to take
the GED Tests if you are not enrolled in and have not graduated from
high school and you meet the requirements
set by Arkansas regarding age and residency. You must have an
Arkansas driver's license or official Arkansas state picture
identification card to take the GED Test or other government ID with
proof of Arkansas residency.
What should I do
next?
Contact the nearest GED Testing Center in your area.
How
much does it cost to take the GED tests?
At the present time, there is no charge to take the tests in
Arkansas.
What
if I don't pass the test?
You may take the tests again. There may be special
requirements regarding time and preparation that may
apply. A candidate may
take the tests up to three times in each area in a calendar year.
How
can I get another copy of my GED transcript?
You will need to send the state GED office a
request for a
transcript or diploma in writing. In your request,
include your name at time of testing, date of birth, Social
Security number, where/when you took the tests, specific address
of where to send the scores, and your signature. Mail
to GED Testing, Three Capitol Mall, Room 305, Little Rock,
AR 72201 or fax to (501) 682-1982.
What accommodations are available for people with disabilities who
want to take the tests?
Test accommodations are available for GED candidates with
documented physical, mental, emotional, attention deficit, or specific learning
disabilities.
What do the subject areas cover?
The GED Tests certify high school-level
knowledge and skills in the core academic areas of reading, writing, social
studies, science, and mathematics.
The Language Arts, Writing Test includes
multiple-choice questions and an essay on an assigned topic.
The Social Studies Test covers history, geography,
civics, government, and economics.
The Science Test includes earth and space science,
chemistry, life science, and physics.
The Language Arts, Reading Test contains
multiple-choice questions that measure your ability to comprehend and
interpret workplace and academic reading selections.
The Mathematics Test includes algebra, geometry,
number relations, statistics, measurement, and data analysis.
Prove yourself
Take the GED Tests |
