GED Information

GED Testing Facts

• Anyone 16 years of age or older, not currently enrolled in school, and without a high school diploma may take the GED tests.
• Young adults 16 or 17 years of age must have parental or guardian permission to take the GED tests.
• A photo identification card (such as a driver’s license) is required to take the GED tests.
• (Please note: you must have the photo identification with you every time you come in for a test.)
• You will be asked for your social security number.
  
• You must register in advance for all paper GED testing sessions that you wish to attend by calling the Barre, Morrisville, Bradford or Randolph CVABE offices (phone numbers in the Locations section).
• To ensure quality service to everyone, walk-ins are not admitted to testing sessions.
• Each of the five paper-based GED tests costs $17.00 (a total of $85.00 for the total examination). Computerized GED tests cost $24.00 per test (a total of $120.00 for the total examination). The tests are administered at the CVABE Barre Learning Center and may be scheduled by going to the following website: http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/test-on-computer. Please note that payment and other options for computerized testing differ from paper testing at the CVABE Learning Centers. The tutorials and FAQs available at the above link will provide you with the information you need to create an account and register for the tests. Please contact the CVABE Test Center in Barre at 802-476-4588 if you need assistance with the registration process.
• The testing option you start with (paper or computer) is the one you will be required to use to complete the process.
  
• Payment is required at the time a test is given, unless other arrangements have been made in advance (for billing to a third party, for instance).
• Payment must be by cash or check.
• Students are given approximately seven hours to complete all the GED tests.
• The tests may be taken in any order, but the test-taker is generally advised not to take all the tests at once.
• The CVABE testing schedule allows a student to complete the entire examination (all five tests) in as few as two dates, plus an initial session at CVABE for completing the required paperwork and becoming familiar with the operation of the scientific calculator used on half of the math test.

GED Preparation

CVABE offers confidential, individualized tutoring to help students build the skills and strategies needed to pass each part of the GED test. 

Tutoring and practice testing takes place at the student's convenience.  The CVABE Learning Centers have computerized versions of the GED tests and other software to help a student prepare for the tests. Practice tests are available free of charge to help students prepare for the testing environment. 

The Tests

The Writing Test covers sentence structure, usage , and mechanics. The test also includes an essay on a provided topic.

The Social Studies Test contains reading and questions drawn from United States history, economics, geography, civics/government, and work history. Students are asked to use basic principles, explain meanings, draw conclusions, and identify causes and effects. Some of the questions may test the student’s ability to find information contained in graphs, charts, and maps.

The Science Test covers life sciences, earth and space, chemistry, and physics. The student is tested on basic principles and ideas. Some of the questions may test the student’s ability to find information contained in graphs, charts, and maps.

The Reading Test requires students to read passages from sources such as newspapers, magazines, prose literature, poetry, nonfiction, and drama. The test measures the student’s ability to comprehend, apply, and analyze literary sections.

The Mathematics Test involves arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Questions may ask the student to interpret charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams. The use of calculators, slide rules, or other mechanical aids is not permitted on half the test, the use of a scientific calculator (which is supplied) is needed on the other half.

To pass the GED examination, one must score a minimum of 2,250 points; this requires an average score of at least 450 on each test. The minimum passing score for an individual test is 410, (out of a possible total of 800). If the score obtained is lower than 410, the test must be retaken. A test can be retaken up to three times in one year. The testing fee is charged for each test repeated.

For people with disabilities, the GED tests are available in Braille, in large print version, and on audio-cassettes. Accommodations for disabilities must be requested well in advance of the desired testing date, since approval by the Vermont Department of Education is required.

Upon successful completion of the five GED tests, the student will receive a high school equivalency certificate from the Vermont Department of Education.

What are the benefits of the GED?

1. The GED certificate gives adults the opportunity to continue their education. 
2. Vermont state colleges have open admission for high school graduates, and accept the GED as equivalent to the high school diploma. 
3. More than 90% of colleges and universities in the United States accept GED graduates who meet their other qualifications for admission.
4. The GED certificate may help you obtain a job.  96% of employers accept the GED certificate as equivalent to a high school diploma.
5. GED graduates say that they have feelings of increased self-esteem and self-confidence.

It is never too late to get your GED.  Please contact the CVABE Learning Center nearest you for more information.