Last Chance to Finish a GED Before New Test in January

By Hans Poschman, CSG West Policy Analyst

For anyone who is in the process of getting their GED, December 31 is a very important date; it is the day that they must complete their GED by or start over from the beginning.  In January, a new version of the GED test will be released. Anyone who has taken portions of the GED and not completed all requirements to receive their GED will have their scores erased and will have to start over at the beginning of the process. It is estimated that 1 million people could be affected by the change.

Many states are taking steps to help people in the process of getting their GED finish before the deadline. In Oklahoma, additional testing days have been added to meet demand and make it more convenient for test takers. In California, letters have gone out to the more than 30,000 people who have completed a portion, but not all of the GED in the last two years. Wyoming has added additional tests that it will be recognized as a high school equivalency exam.

The 2014 update to the GED is the first change since 2001 and shifts the test from pen and paper to electronic.  Additionally, the test is supposed to be more rigorous and cost more. The changes are designed to bring the test closer to the new college and career readiness standards most states have adopted. The updated GED will allow test takers to receive their scores the same day, however all the changes come at a price, and the new test will cost $120 (though it may be subsidized in some states).

To find out more about the GED testing guidelines visit:http://www.gedtestingservice.com/finishtheged/

For more information on the Higher Education Task Force, please contact CSG West staff member Alma Lopez by phone (916) 553-4423 or email: alopez@csg.org