Individuals who have not received a high school diploma or its equivalent have a low-cost opportunity to earn one. When you earn a diploma or GED ® credential, you have also earned the opportunity to find a stable job with a good income. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a person with a high school diploma or GED ® credential will earn $7,658 more annually than a non-high school graduate.

While earning a GED ® credential cannot solve ALL of life's problems, it can be a step in the right direction. Many adult education students testify that obtaining a GED ® diploma has helped them qualify for advanced training, obtain a better job, and provide better support for their children's educational development. The GED ® credential can be an open door to a brighter future!

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If you are interested in earning a GED ® diploma, you

•  must be at least 16 years of age.

•  cannot be currently enrolled in a high school/home school program.

•  cannot have graduated from an accredited high school.

•  cannot have received a high school diploma or its equivalent.

The GED ® test consists of five (5) separate tests in the following subject areas: Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Mathematics; Science; and Social Studies. Successfully passing these five tests demonstrates that the individual has acquired a level of learning that is comparable to that of traditional high school graduates. The GED ® Testing Program in Georgia is jointly administered by the GED ® Testing Service (GEDTS) and of the American Council on Education by the Technical College System of Georgia's Office of Adult Education GED ® Testing Service. The GED ® Tests are developed by GEDTS, and the same tests are given in all 50 states.

North Georgia Technical College is a designated official test center for administering the GED ® test. Examinees who make satisfactory scores on the test will earn a GED ® Diploma from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Testing sessions are provided on a first come first serve basis with a limited number of examinees allowed per session.

GED ® Test Registration
Admission to the Adult Education program does not constitute permission to take the GED test. Individuals may sign up for the GED ® Test at their local county learning centers or in the Adult Education Department on the Clarkesville Campus. Registration for test dates close two weeks prior to the date of the test or when all the seats available for that test are reserved. If you have a question about the availability of a test date, call Lavida Waters at 706.754.7748 or email her at lwaters@northgatech.edu .

Requirements
Those 18 years or older must

•  present a valid state-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, military ID or passport*,

•  18 and 19 year olds also need to present an official withdrawal form from the last school they attended,

•  pay $95 test fee in cash or by money order (no checks accepted) at the time of registration. Individual tests are $19 each. All fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

16 – 17 year olds are considered to be underage youth. They

•  must enroll in class (county learning centers), attend for 60 hours, complete a level, and obtain permission from TCSG Office of Adult Education to take the GED Test.

•  In addition they need parent's permission, and must

•  present a withdrawal form from the last school they attended, and a valid state issued ID such as a driver's license, military ID, state ID card, or passport*, and

•  pay $95 test fee in cash or by money order (no checks accepted) at the time of registration for the complete battery. Individual tests are $19 each. All fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

*Damaged IDs are not acceptable.

GED ® FAQ

Can I sign up for the GED Test as soon as I am 16-17 years old?
No, you need to follow the procedures shown above for 16-17 year olds.

Can I take the GED ® test online?

You may study online to take the GED ® Test, but the GED ® Test is not offered online anywhere. The GED ® test must be taken at a nationally approved testing center. Any other test is not legitimate.

Is the GED Test accepted just like a diploma across the nation?

The GED Test is accepted across the nation. It is best to check with the college of your choice to determine its entrance requirements so you can meet the necessary prerequisites.

How long is the GED ® test?

The GED ® test is timed with each part having a different amount for completion. It is given over two days. Attendance at both test days is required for test completion.

How much does it cost?

Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable and must be paid at the time of GED ® test registration. The testing fee is $95.00 for the complete battery or $19.00 per test. If you arrive after the designated appointment time, you will NOT be allowed to take the test scheduled for that session, and you will forfeit the fee for that test. If you reschedule to take the test on another date, you will be charged $19 for each test you missed.

Most Georgia residents who earn the GED ® diploma automatically receive a $500 HOPE voucher which may be used to attend classes at any eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia. Some centers offer scholarships if you meet required criteria so that part or all of the $95 fee is paid for you. Check with your teacher.

What form of ID will I need to provide to register for the GED ® test and to show at the time of the test?

You will need to provide a current (not expired) government-issued picture ID showing your name, birth date, current address, signature and photograph. The only acceptable IDs are a) valid driver's license, b) valid passport, c) valid state ID card, and d) valid military ID. An ID that is taped or broken will not be accepted.

Where do I take the test?

North Georgia Technical College offers the GED ® test at our Clarkesville Campus and at our Blairsville Campus.

What can I do on my own?

GED online classes are available at North Georgia Technical College. Please see information about them above.

Is there a book I can buy to study at home?

Many book stores carry books for GED preparation or you may be able to find one at your local library. GED classes in the Learning Centers offer instructor help and are free.

If I fail the GED ® test, do I have to take the whole thing over?

No, you only take the parts you fail. The fee is $19.00 per test.

Where can I get more information about the GED ® test?

For online information go to www.gedtest.org or www.gedpractice.com .

How long will it take to get my GED ® test results?

It generally takes 6 to 8 weeks to get the official test scores, which are graded in Atlanta. After passing the test, you will receive your official GED ® diploma and transcript in the mail. If you need additional copies of these documents, please contact the TCSG at 404-679-1645, or 1800 Century Place, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30345. Official documents are maintained at TCSG; therefore, they are not available at North Georgia Technical College.

Official documents and/or transcripts can be obtained via a GED Transcript/Diploma Request Form which is posted on this website under GED Transcript. http://www.northgatech.edu/downloads/ged_request.pdf

What do my GED ® credential scores mean?

To pass the GED ® exam, you must earn a total of 2250 points with no single test score below 410 . If you earn below 410 on any part of the complete test (5 parts), you must retake that test even if the total score for all five tests is 2250 or higher. A waiting period for retesting may apply based on the average score you earn. However, if you are enrolled in GED preparation classes, you may retest when your teacher certifies you are ready to test again.

An applicant may take an individual exam no more than three times in a calendar year.

GED Graduation
GED graduation will be held on October 14, 2010 at the NGTC Clarkesville Campus. To participate in the 2010 graduation, examinees must test between
July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. If you are interested in participating in the graduation, talk to your teacher or email lwaters@northgatech.edu or call her at 706.754.7748.