Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to get my GED?
How will I know when I am ready to test?
Do I have to take the classes before I go test?
How are the classes set up?
What is the TABE? Why do I have to take it?
How long will this take me?
What if I do not pass the tests?
How much does it cost?
What scores do I need to pass the GED test?
Who can take the GED test?
What can I expect if I become a part of the Adult Education program?

How long will it take me to get my GED?

It depends on the background knowledge you are bringing with you. Some students need a brief review (2-4 weeks) while others take longer to get ready to test.

How will I know when I am ready to test?

The adult education program has the Official Practice Test (OPT). It is half the number of questions and half the time limit. If you follow the guidelines, it is a very good indicator of how you will do on the real test. This, along with instructor input, will help you to know when you are ready to test.

Do I have to take the classes before I go test?

If you score below a 10.0 on any of the TABE assessments, you must take GED preparation classes to raise your scores.

How are the classes set up?

The classes are set up so that you will work in large groups, pairs, and/or individually. You will work on the information upon which you need to focus to prepare for the test. When you are ready to test, your instructor will encourage you to go test.

What is the TABE? Why do I have to take it?

The TABE is the Test of Adult Basic Education. It comes in five different levels and tests reading, math, and language skills. Most everyone in Adult Education will take the TABE test because it is recognized at the state and national levels as an approved assessment of basic skills. We use the results to determine where you need to begin your studies so you won’t have to study what you already know.

How long will this take me?

There is no easy answer. It depends on the following questions:

What are your goals?
What are your skills?
How motivated are you?
How much time can you devote to this?
How do you learn?

The only answer we can give you is that it is different for each person.

What if I do not pass the tests?

If you pass some sections and not others, you only have to retake the sections you do not pass! You will need to come back to the center, brush up, and retake the Official Practice Test in the sections you are retaking. We will help you sign up with a test site; each section you retake will cost $25 each, not to exceed $55.

How much does it cost?

Everything we do in the Skills Enhancement Center is FREE! The actual GED test costs $55. If you need to retake a section, the fee is $25 per section, not to exceed $55.

NOTE: The GED Test fee will rise to $60 on July 1, 2011.

What scores do I need to pass the GED test?

The GED test standard scores range from 200 to 800. A passing score is a minimum of 410 on each section with a minimum of a 450 average or a total of 2250 points. However, the better the score is, the more likely you are to earn scholarships for college.

Who can take the GED test?

GED Tests shall be administered to any Kentucky resident who is certified as test ready and meets one of the following criteria:

The applicant has a Kentucky address and is nineteen years of age.
The applicant has a Kentucky address, is sixteen years of age and

Has been officially withdrawn from public or private school for 90 days as certified by the local school district ** OR
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:

Committed or placed in a state correctional facility.
Enrolled in a Job Corps program of instruction.
Considered a state agency child.
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

Enrolled in a KDE approved GED Secondary Program and approved for the GED by the superintendent.

What can I expect if I become a part of the Adult Education program?

A dedicated staff that will:

Keep your best interest in mind.
Be knowledgeable of adult education materials and options.
Maintain regular contact.
Be knowledgeable about outside services.
Be prepared for class.
Offer professional, courteous service