Grays Harbor College

GED Testing Information

Welcome to Grays Harbor College GED program

We are here to assist you as you work towards your GED certificate.

The GED (General Educational Development) tests are designed to measure the academic outcomes normally acquired by completing a typical high school program of study.  The GED is a nationally recognized series of tests that measures equivalent educational background and earns the individual a GED certificate.  In order to pass the GED test, the GED candidate needs to demonstrate a level of skill that meets or surpasses that of the top 67% of graduating high school seniors.

The GED Test series includes 5 separate tests: Mathematics, Language Arts/Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts/Reading. (Specific information on each test is listed below.) You must score a minimum of 410 in order to pass a single test, but an average of 450 per test is required in order to score a total of the 2250 points needed to earn the GED certificate.

FREE GED Pre-testing is available through the Grays Harbor College Campus ABE/GED office in Room 2218  or at the Whiteside Education Center.

Prior to taking your first test you must have the following:

· Social Security number.

· Photo ID (Current WA Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, etc.)

· Payment or receipt of payment from the cashier’s office (GED 5 test battery is $75.00.  Each retake is $15.00).

· If you are 18 or under and have attended a public school, you must have a signed Request for Approval to Test for Certification of Educational Competence form. This form must be signed by your parent or guardian and the school district.  Forms are available through your high school, at the Grays Harbor College GED office, or at Whiteside.

· If you are 18 or under and have completed a program of home based instruction, you must have a signed Notarized Letter for Home School Students.  This form is available at the Grays Harbor College GED office.

To schedule a test, please call the Counseling Center at 538-4049. 

Please provide the following information when you call:

· Your name.

· A phone number where you can be reached if testing has to be cancelled.

· Which test(s) you want to take and day(s) you want to take the test(s).

· Whether this is your first test or not.

Please note: Testing may be cancelled due to an insufficient number of GED appointments for that testing session.

On the day of your first test:

· Report to the GHC Counseling Center in the college 100 building for pre-registration at least one hour before testing begins. (On subsequent testing sessions arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes early.

· Bring photo ID to each testing session.

· Social Security Number to each testing session.

· A permission to test form (if applicable).

· Arrive early.

After taking a GED test:

· An unofficial score results sheet will be mailed to you or your designated instructor in approximately 3-5 business days.

· The Language Arts/Writing Skills test score may take up to 4 weeks.

If you do not pass a test, or need more points in order to complete your GED, you may retake a test.

Test retake information:

· The retake fee is $15.00 per test.

· You may retake the same test no more than twice in the same calendar year.

· You must take all 5 tests before you can retake any test.

Upon successful completion of the GED you should receive an official score report in 3-5 business days.  Your GED Certificate will be issued by the State of Washington and will be mailed to your designated address.  You should receive it 4-6 weeks after completing the GED. Make sure that the college has your correct address or score results may be delayed.  

For appointments, general information, copies of tests taken, obtaining copies of GED certificates, change of address, etc. call: (360) 538-4049. 

Language Arts/Writing:            Part 1    50 questions                1 hour 15 minutes

                                                            Part 2    essay                           45 minutes

This test has two parts.  The first part is a series of questions that requires the tester to identify and correct errors in sentence structure, usage, mechanics, and organization.

The second part requires a written essay by the GED candidate on a given topic.  Both parts of the test must be taken at the same testing time and both must be passed to complete the writing test.

Social Studies:                              50 questions                             1 hour 10 minutes

The Social Studies test contains material drawn from history, geography, civics and government, and economics within contexts familiar to and relevant to adults.  The test measures four of the general critical thinking skills: comprehension, application, analysis, and evaluation.

Science:                                           50 questions                             1 hour 20 minutes

The Science test contains material from the areas of physical science, life science, earth and space science, chemistry, and physics.  The test also measures the general critical thinking skills: comprehension, application, analysis, and evaluation.

Language Arts/Reading:          40 questions                             1 hour 5 minutes

The Reading test requires the tester to read and interpret fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry, and drama from a variety of cultures and time periods.  The test measures the general critical thinking skills: comprehension, application, analysis, and evaluation.

Mathematics:                                Part 1    25 questions                45 minutes

                                                            Part 2    25 questions                45 minutes

 The Mathematics test questions cover arithmetic, measurement, algebra, geometry, number relations, data analysis, and statistics.  This test has two parts.  A calculator is allowed on the first part and not on the second part.  Both parts of the test must be taken at the same testing time and both must be passed to complete the math test.