- What is it?
The GED (General Educational Development) test series is a 5-part national exam for high school equivalency. The tests, which cover English, math, and social studies are taken individually through the Learning Center on the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus.
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- Who is Eligible?
The tests may be taken by any adult over 18 who is not currently enrolled in a high school program. Persons between 16 and 18 may take the test series but must present WRITTEN documentation:
1) that they have withdrawn from school. (withdrawal slip, transcript, or letter from counselor).
2) that they have a parent or guardian's permission to take the test series. (letter from parent OR proof of independent living such as marriage license/wage receipts/rent receipts/ military papers, etc.)
Persons under 16 years of age CANNOT take the GED test series and must be enrolled in some type of approved school program. (Alaska Statute)
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- Where is it given?
GED tests are given in The Learning Center, upstairs, UAS Sitka Campus building on Japonski Island. Go over the bridge, turn right at the UAS sign, keep right until you reach the white UAS building. Go straight ahead at the head of the stairs, clear to the end of the long hallway. Turn left. Or take the back stairs from the lab classrooms. The Learning Center is at the top of that staircase.
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- When is it given?
GED tests are given several times each week at set times. Both day and evening testing times are available. Each test takes approximately two hours. You can complete the test series in one week or you can spread the tests out over several months. Call 747-7785 for current hours.
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- What does it cost?
There is a $25 fee for the GED test series. This fee covers all tests and retests. The fee is paid at the front counter (downstairs). Be sure to keep the receipt and turn it in with your application.
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- How do you sign up?
Before taking the first test, you must pay the $25 fee and complete an application. You may be asked to verify your age or to present additional documents if you are under age 18. You may pay your fee and complete your application at any time--not just on test days. In fact, it is helpful to have this done in advance. You may complete your application in The Learning Center or in the upstairs Administration Office (left at the top of the stairs.) You may then take the GED test series during regular test times. Appointments are not necessary, but it is helpful if you let us know when you are planning to come.
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- Retests
There are two retests available for each test. If you need additional retests, you must wait until a new test series is purchased. Then you are allowed three additional retests. You should work with the Adult Basic Education Program staff to prepare for any retests.
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- Test Conditions
You may use a calculator on Part 1 of the math test. You may not use any reference materials in the test room. You may not start a test and finish it at a later date. If you need to leave the test room before the test is completed, that test will be invalid and you will need to start again with another test version. You may take the tests in any order.
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- Grading
GED tests will be sent to Oklahoma to be graded by a specially trained staff. This is to ensure that all tests are graded consistently. It takes about two weeks to get the scores.
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- Passing You will pass the GED test series if two conditions are met:
1) The total of all tests must be at least 225 points
2) No individual test score can be below 40.
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- Scores
The score you receive on the test is not a percentage of correct answers, it is a standard score. The number you get correct is converted to a standard score so that no matter what version of the test is used, the score is correctly weighted. A score of 45 is average and a score of 50 or higher is above average.
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- Special Needs
French, Spanish, and Braille versions of the test are available by special request. Students with verifiable learning disabilities may request special assistance to complete the tests.
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- Test Preparation Help Available
The Learning Center will provide FREE tutoring and materials to help you prepare for the GED test. Sample tests, pretests, and study books are also available at no charge. Program hours are posted on the door of Room 203. Daytime and evening hours are usually available throughout the year.
- Find out more about Test Preparation and some interactive ways you can study alone or with fellow students.
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- Certificates
A transcript of your scores is submitted to the Alaska Department of Education, who verifies the scores and issues the diploma certificate. The certificate is returned to the Adult Learning Center Office. UAS makes a photocopy of the certificate and a copy of your transcript for their permanent files and the original certificate is mailed to the student.If you need an unofficial copy in the future, Adult Basic Ed will be happy to send one to you at no charge. If you need another copy of the ORIGINAL certificate, you may request one from the Department of Education in Juneau for a $10 fee. Allow 2-3 weeks for the final certificate to arrive.
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- Graduation
Each May, UAS has a graduation ceremony to recognize persons who have completed programs on campus. If you would like to participate in this graduation ceremony, please let us know. You will receive invitations to send to family and friends to attend the ceremony and the reception afterwards.
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