GED Test Information
Who can take the GED Test?
Applicants can
take the GED test if they are:
-
19 years old or older
-
Not enrolled in or
graduated from a high school
-
Resident of Minnesota
-
Pre-registered
-
Finished filling out the
paperwork at their local Adult Basic Ed. Center at least 3 days prior to
the first test or at 8:30 a.m. at the GED Test Center the day of the first
test.
What
do you need to bring with you?
Bring the
following:
-
Government issued photo ID
(ex. MN driver’s license). If your ID is not from MN, bring proof of MN
residency.
-
The Testing Fee: $50.00
for the battery of 5 tests. All checks must be made payable to Minnesota
West. If paying with cash, please bring the exact amount.
How can I get an Age Waiver?
Applicants
16-18 years old may be administered the GED tests provided they have an
approved age waiver signed by Pat Rupp, State GED Administrator, which
states that they have met one of the following criteria:
A.
They have been
out of formal classroom situation for at least one year.
B. Their
high school class which they were a member of has graduated.
C. An
Adult Basic Ed. Agency has indicated that the applicant has attained a
standard score of 500 on at least three of the GED tests.
Age waiver forms are
available at your local Adult Basic Ed. Center or from the GED Test Center.
Approval or disapproval of the application for age waiver will be returned
to the originating agency in approximately seven days.
What is the GED Testing Program?
A Minnesota GED graduate can earn a State of Minnesota
General Educational Development (GED) Diploma. The diploma is recognized as
a key to new employment opportunities, career advancement, post-secondary
education, personal satisfaction and financial rewards. The diploma is
issued by the GED Testing Administrator, Department of Children, Families,
and Learning, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville MN 55113-4266 phone
651-582-8445.
How should I prepare for the GED Tests?
GED
refresher courses are offered to adults who need assistance in the basic
skills of writing, reading, science, social studies, and math. Practice
tests are also available. For more information about when and where classes
are being held, contact Karla Roisen, ABE Program Manager, at 320-564-4511.
What are the GED Tests like?
The GED
Test consists of five individual tests: Language Arts Writing, Social
Studies, Science, Language Arts Reading, and Math. The questions in each
test require you to use general knowledge and thinking skills. A few
questions ask about facts, details, or definitions. The questions range in
difficulty from easy to hard, and cover a wide range of subjects.
What are the five tests?
Test 1 Language Arts,
Writing (50 questions, 75 minutes)
Part 1
30% Sentence Structure
20% Usage
25% Mechanics (Capitalization, Punctuation)
15% Organization
Part 2 (2 page essay, 45 minutes)
Test 2
Social Studies (50 questions, 70 minutes)
25% National History
15% World History
15% Geography
25% Civics and Government
20% Economics
Test 3
Science (50 questions, 80 minutes)
20% Earth and Space Science
45% Life Science (Biology & Health)
15% Physical Science (Chemistry & Physics)
Test 4
Language Arts, Reading
(40 questions, 65
minutes)
75% Literary
25% Nonfiction
Test 5
Mathematics (50 questions, 70 minutes)
Part 1 - Use the provided calculator (25 questions, 45 min)
Part 2 - No calculator allowed (25 questions, 45 min)
25% Number, Number Sense, & Operations
25% Data, Statistics, & Probability
25% Geometry & Measurement
25% Algebra, Functions, & Patterns
Total Test
Time 7 hours and 5 minutes
Special
Testing Accommodations
Who
can receive special testing?
Any physical or mental
disability that prevents you from being fairly tested under standard
conditions may lead to a modification of standard testing conditions.
What kind of accommodations are allowed?
Special editions of the GED
Tests for people who are visually impaired are available in Braille,
audiocassette, and large print formats. In addition to special editions of
the test, some people simply require additional time; others might need
special adaptive devices or someone to record their answer for them. If you
have special requirements, discuss your needs with the GED Test Examiner who
can arrange for special testing. The GED Tests are not yet available on
computer.
What documentation do I need?
Not all adults with
disabilities require or are entitled to special testing. If your disability
interferes with your ability to be tested fairly under standard conditions,
you will need written documentation for a doctor or other professional.
How do I start the process?
Special testing must be
approved by the State GED Testing Service. A special form must be obtained
from the GED Test Examiner at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
and must be approved by the GED Testing Administrator, Department of
Children, Families and Learning.
What scores are needed to pass the tests?
A total of 2250 points
and
a score of 410 or more per subtest are the 2 requirements to receive the
State of Minnesota General Educational Development (GED) Diploma.
How can I retest?
Retesting on one or more
test is allowed two times in a calendar year. The retest is given on
another test form and the cost is $5.00 per test. Additional preparation
may be required before retesting .
