GED TESTING INFORMATION
What is it?
The GED test series is a 5-part national exam for high school equivalency. The tests,
which cover English, math, and social studies are taken individually through the
Learning Center on the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus.
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Who is Eligible?
The tests may be taken by any adult over 18 who is not currently enrolled in a high
school program. Persons between 16 and 18 may take the test series but must present
WRITTEN documentation:
1) that they have withdrawn from school. (withdrawal slip, transcript, or
letter from counselor).
2) that they have a parent or guardian's permission to take the test series. (letter from
parent OR proof of independent living such as marriage license/wage receipts/rent receipts/
military papers, etc.)
Persons under 16 years of age CANNOT take the GED test series and must be enrolled
in some type of approved school program. (Alaska Law)
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Where is it given?
GED tests are given in Room 203, upstairs, UAS Sitka Campus building on Japonski
Island. Go over the bridge, turn right at the UAS sign, keep right until you reach the
white UAS building. Turn right at the head of the stairs. It's the first room in that
hallway.
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When is it given?
GED tests are given several times each week at set times. Both day
and evening testing times are available. Each test takes approximately
two hours. You can complete the test series in one week or you can spread
the tests out over several months. The current hours are: Tuesdays
& Thursdays from 10am-4pm and 6pam-8pm
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What does it cost?
There is a $25 fee for the GED test series. This fee covers all tests and retests.
The fee is paid at the front counter (downstairs). Be sure to keep the receipt and
turn it in with your application.
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How do you sign up?
Before taking the first test, you must pay the $25 fee and complete an application.
You may be asked to verify your age or to present additional documents if you are under
age 18. You may pay your fee and complete your application at any time--not just on test
days. In fact, it is helpful to have this done in advance. You may complete your
application in Room 203 or in the upstairs Administration Office (left at the top of the
stairs.) You may then take the GED test series during regular test times. Appointments
are not necessary, but it is helpful if you let us know when you are planning to come.
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Retests
There are two retests available for each test. If you need additional retests, you
must wait until a new test series is purchased. Then you are allowed three additional
retests. You should work with the Adult Basic Education Program staff to prepare for any
retests.
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Test Conditions
You may not use a calculator or any reference materials in the test room. You may
not start a test and finish it at a later date. If you need to leave the test room before
the test is completed, that test will be invalid and you will need to start again with
another test version. You may take the tests in any order.
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Grading
GED tests will be graded promptly. The writing test is sent to Oklahoma
to be graded by a specially trained staff. This is to ensure that all
essays are graded consistently. It takes about two weeks to get the
scores.
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Passing
You will pass the GED test series if two conditions are met:
1) The total of all tests must be at least 225 points
2) No individual test score can be below 40.
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Scores
The score you receive on the test is not a percentage of correct answers, it is a standard score.
The number you get correct is converted to a standard score so that no matter what
version of the test is used, the score is correctly weighted. A score of 45 is average
and a score of 50 or higher is above average.
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Special Needs
French, Spanish, and Braille versions of the test are available by special request.
Students with verifiable learning disabilities may request special assistance to complete
the tests.
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Test Preparation Help Available
The ABE Learning Center will provide FREE tutoring and materials to
help you prepare for the GED test. Sample tests, pretests, and study
books are also available at no charge. Program hours are posted on the
door of Room 203. Daytime and evening hours are usually available throughout
the year.
- Find out more about Test Preparation
and some interactive ways you can study alone or with fellow students.
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Certificates
A transcript of your scores is submitted to the Alaska Department of Education, who
verifies the scores and issues the diploma certificate. The certificate is returned to
the Adult Learning Center Office. UAS makes a photocopy of the certificate and a copy of
your transcript for their permanent files and the original certificate is mailed to the
student.If you need an unofficial copy in the future, Adult Basic Ed will be happy to
send one to you at no charge. If you need another copy of the ORIGINAL certificate, you may
request one from the Department of Education in Juneau for a $10 fee. Allow 2-3 weeks for
the final certificate to arrive.
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Graduation
Each May, UAS has a graduation ceremony to recognize persons who have completed
programs on campus. If you would like to participate in this graduation ceremony, please
let us know. You will receive invitations to send to family and friends to attend the ceremony
and the reception afterwards.
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