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.technicalcollegesystemofgeorgia.org/ged.php, 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 must complete an official registration form at your local GED Testing Center. Contact your local GED Testing Center for more information about registration times. Official photo identification is required when you register for the GED Tests and for admission to the testing session(s).

You do not need to be a resident of Georgia to take the GED Tests in Georgia. You must, however, be a resident of Georgia to receive the $500 HOPE GED Voucher, which can be used toward postsecondary education in Georgia.

What is the new scoring system?

Tests are scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points. A minimum standard score of 410 is necessary to pass each individual test, and an average standard score of 450 is required to pass the full battery. Therefore, you must earn higher than 410 on one or more tests in the battery to achieve the average standard score of 450 on the full battery.

What are the new requirements for retesting?

You must complete all 5 tests before you will be allowed to retest in a particular subject. If your average standard score is 430 or better, you may retake the test at any time, but remedial study is recommended. If your average standard score is 400-429, you must wait three months or provide evidence of remedial study from a state-approved adult education program. If your average standard score falls below 400, you must wait six months or provide evidence of remedial study from a state-approved adult education program.

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. Most questions are multiple choice, and you will be required to write an essay. The content of the 5 tests are as follows:

Language Arts, Writing Test

• 120 minutes long and includes 50 questions and an essay. This test is divided into two parts.

Language Arts, Reading Test

• 65 minutes long and includes 40 questions.

Social Studies Test

• 70 minutes long and includes 50 questions.

Science Test

• 80 minutes long and includes 50 questions.

Mathematics Test

• 90 minutes long and includes 50 questions. This test is divided into two parts. Part I allows the use of calculator, which is provided by the GED Testing Center.

Official GED Testing Centers in Georgia

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