Program Info/GED

Frequently Asked Questions about the GED Program

What is the GED?

The GED is a test of general educational development which covers reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills. Upon successful completion of testing, a student is awarded a high school equivalency diploma.

How old do you have to be to take the GED?

Those eligible for receiving a GED are 18 years of age or older who are not enrolled in high school and can pass the five tests with the required scores. Those younger than 18 years of age are not generally eligible to take the GED but can begin preparing for testing. A special waiver process does allow some students to be tested upon documentation of a special need.

How do I get started if I want to take the GED?

Attend one of our free GED Orientation Sessions and take the pretests to find out if you can pass the real GED tests. The orientations start the first week of each month. Call to register at (207) 934-7922. If you need additional course work, you can enroll in one of our classes, which are also free for high school completion students.

Getting your GED is FREE!

There are many resources available to help you study for the GED. The tests cover reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. The tests also measure communication, information processing, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Is the GED recognized as a high school credential?

Yes!

The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a nationally recognized assessment that gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to certify their high school education. The high school credential earned by passing the GED is accepted by more than 95% of US employers, colleges, and universities.

Do employers and colleges recognize the GED?

Yes!

The GED covers the academic knowledge and skills learned in four years of high school: reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. GED diploma holders demonstrate the skills of communication, information processing, problem solving, and critical thinking. The Fact Is: The GED Tests measure many of the US Labor Department's necessary workplace skills that are valued by employers.

How will getting the GED help me?

Passing the GED can mean big benefits for the individual, for business and for society. For many, these tests are a first step toward better jobs, further training, or higher education. Two of every three people who take the GED tests plan to obtain additional education. In college, GED diploma holders perform as well as traditional high school diploma holders and are more likely to encourage their children to finish school. Many say earning the credential helped to improve their own self image. The Fact Is: Four our of 10 high school graduates could not pass the GED Tests.

How long does it take to finish the GED?

There are five tests: language arts, social studies, science, reading, and mathematics. The test series takes several sessions totaling 7.5 hours. Everyone must first take our GED Orientation and pretest before taking the official GED. Depending on your pretest scores, you may need to take classes to improve your skills. There is no one answer to how long it will take; each person has an individual plan tailored to their needs.

Assistance for People with Disabilities

If you believe you have a disability keeping you from taking the GED tests as they are usually given, you might be entitled to receive reasonable testing accommodations. Accommodations are available for people with: psychological, physical, and/or learning disabilities such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).

When are the GED Orientation sessions held and where?

The GED orientation sessions are on the first three Wednesdays of each month, atrting the first Wednesday of the month from September through April. Students need to attend all three sessions.
Call (207) 934-7922 to register. Sessions are held at the Saco Learning Center, 80 Common Street, Saco.

What happens during the GED Orientation session?

You will get an overview of the GED and take the pretests. If you score 550 or higher, you will be scheduled to take the official GED tests. Those with scores under 550 are registered for our GED workshops or classes to improve their skills before taking the actual GED.

For further information, please call (207) 934-7922 or email our Student Services Coordinator at lnigol@rsu23.org

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