GED
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Description of the GED tests |
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The GED tests measure the educational achievement of adults who are not high school graduates and compares their competency with that of high school graduates. For sample questions, click here. 
If you started taking the GED tests prior to January 1, 2002, but did not pass, your scores cannot be carried forward to complete your GED. You will need to take the entire test on the 2002 version administered at all GED test centers.
The Language Arts--Writing tests measure the ability to use standard English clearly and effectively.
Part I covers organization (15%) sentence structure (30%), usage (30%), and mechanics (25%--spelling, punctuation, capitalization).
Part II, the essay, measures the ability to demonstrate logic, organization, and effective use of Edited American English.
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Parts I and II must be taken together.
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Part I (multiple choice) consists of 50 items/75-minute time limit.
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Part II (essay on assigned topic) consists of 45-minute time limit
The Language Arts--Reading test contains questions based on written passages from five areas -- poetry; drama; prose fiction before 1920, between 1920-1960 (75%); and Nonfiction Prose (25%). One or more questions follow each passage. Test consists of 40 items/65-minute time limit.
The Social Studies test focuses on national history (25%), world history (15%), economics (20%), civics and government (25%) and geography (15%). No single form of the test includes all of the elements of any of these subjects. Test consists of 50 items/70-minute time limit.
The Science test covers subjects in the areas of life science (45%); earth and space science (20%); and physical science (35%--chemistry and physics). No single examination covers all of the topics. Test consists of 50 items/80-minute time limit.
The Mathematics test emphasizes number operations and number sense (25%); measurement and geometry (25%); data analysis, statistics and probability (25%); and algebra, functions and patterns (25%).
Part I consists of 25 items/45-minute time limit. Use of a calculator IS ALLOWED and will be provided by the testing center.
Part II consists of 25 items/45-minute time limit. Use of a calculator IS NOT ALLOWED.
The Mathematics test contains 10 alternate format problems.
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Who can take the GED? |
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GED tests shall be administered to any Kentucky resident who is certified as test ready and meets one of the following criteria:
General Eligibility Requirements:
1. The applicant has a Kentucky address and is nineteen years of age.
2. The applicant has a Kentucky address, is sixteen years of age and:
a. Has been officially withdrawn from public or private school for 90 days as certified by the local school district ** or
b. Is officially withdrawn from public or private school and receives a superintendent’s waiver of the 90 days for a postsecondary enrollment deadline, a condition of employment, medical reason or family circumstances.
**Student must present proof of withdrawal on school form or letterhead at time of testing.
Exemptions:
An applicant at least sixteen years of age with a Kentucky address is eligible to take the GED if the applicant is:
1. committed or placed in a state correctional facility
2. enrolled in a Job Corps program of instruction
3. considered a state agency child
4. detained in a juvenile detention or juvenile holding facility and:
· is at least one year behind academically
· has a minimum stay in detention of thirty days
· and is approved for the GED by the local school superintendent
5. enrolled in a KDE approved GED Secondary Program and approved for the GED by the superintendent..
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Required testing application form |
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Applicants must complete the KYAE 6--GED Testing Application form and take the GED Steck-Vaughn Official Practice Test administered by a Kentucky adult education center.
Applicants may need the signature of the proper authority on the KYAE-6 form. Please Note: If you do not know the NCES Code for the last school attended, please visit the NCES Search for Public Schools Website and type in the appropriate information.
Applications are available from local adult education providers, local school districts, local GED testing centers or the Kentucky Adult Education GED office.
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GED costs |
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All testing centers charge $40 for the complete test battery or $10 per sub test (Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies) if the examinee does not take the full battery or is retesting.
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Testing accommodations |
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Testing accommodations are available to applicants with documented disabilities. Applicants with disabilities should contact their county adult education center for information about available accommodations and submitting a request.
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Testing locations |
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The GED test is administered through 41 public access test centers in 76 counties at 82 sites. Contact your county adult education center and they will provide a list of the GED Testing Center Sites nearest you.
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GED scores |
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Test results are expressed as standard scores ranging from 200 to 800.
A successful applicant must achieve a minimum average standard score of 450 (2250 total points) for the combined five tests with no score on any one test less than 410. An explanation of results is printed on the back of the transcripts. High school equivalency diplomas are issued directly to examinees passing the tests.
EXAMPLE 1
Writing - 440
Social Studies - 420
Science - 450
Reading - 430
Math - 410
Total = 2150
Results - Non Passing
This person had at least 410 on each test but did not have a total of 2250 points.
EXAMPLE 2
Writing - 460
Social Studies - 430
Science - 520
Reading - 470
Math - 440
Total = 2320
Results - Passing
This person had at least 410 on each test and a total of over 2250 points.
EXAMPLE 3
Writing - 500
Social Studies - 620
Science - 520
Reading - 480
Math - 400
Total = 2420
Results - Non Passing
This person had the required 2250 total points, but did not have a minimum of 410 on each test.
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GED results |
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You should expect to receive your tests results in the mail from the GED office in approximately 15 working days from the day you test. If you do not have your results within this time period, please contact the testing center.
If you have questions about your results, please call your testing center or county adult education center. Because of confidentiality concerns, Kentucky Adult Education cannot give scores or pass/fail information by telephone, fax or e-mail.
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