GED deadline approaching

VICTORY TWP. — The current 2002 Series General Educational Development (GED) Test is being replaced with a new series of tests that is entirely computer based in 2014.

The deadline to complete the current GED Test series in paper/pencil version is December 20.  If all five tests from the 2002 Series GED Test are not completed, the entire series will be voided at the end of 2013. The change also affects the Spanish version of the GED Test.

“A GED can open doors to better jobs, college, and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential,” says West Shore Community College Director of Student Success Services Christy Christmas. “We want to be sure that anyone who started the current GED Tests finishes before the end of the year and college staff members are ready to help area residents successfully complete the test.”

The GED test will be administered at the College on Nov. 15, 16 and 22, and on December 13, 14 and 20.

Students new to the GED must register and complete all registration paperwork no later than Nov. 30, in order to test in the month of December. Pre-registration is required.

The new English and Spanish tests respond to changes in education, the workplace, and the world since the 2002 Series GED Test was introduced. The new GED assessments will be based on common core standards and other college and career readiness standards.

Next year, WSCC will continue to administer the English and Spanish versions of the test, which will be offered in a computer-based format only.

Another change to the 2014 Series GED Test is the reduction of tests to four subject areas – literacy, math, science and social studies – from the current five subject areas. The anticipated cost of the 2014 Series GED Test is $150.