GED Preparation

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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GED graduates may be eligible to receive a $500 HOPE GED Voucher to use toward postsecondary education in Georgia. Contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission for more information and to see if you would qualify.

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.

Online programs are offered at no charge to students who plan to exclusively study for the GED ® Exam online. While most study can be accomplished wherever the student has access to a computer with internet capabilities, students are required to spend a few hours in the classroom where they register for the online program.

Students must:

  • attend an orientation session, register for the class and take an assessment test so the teacher will know what assignments are appropriate for the student.
  • log into the program for a minimum of ten (10) hours a week to remain eligible for online study.
  • return to class after each 60 hours of online time to be assessed so the teacher can determine when they are ready to take the GED ® Exam.

If the student has not met the minimum required hours of study, the teacher will send an email. If the student does not respond within a week, s/he loses online privileges until s/he contacts the teacher and applies to resume online study. If the student is dismissed during a quarter because of failing to log in for the required amount of time, s/he will be required to retake the entrance test before enrolling in any adult education class.

For more information about online classes, call Christy Gosnell at 706.754.7717 or email her at

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

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. Individual tests are $19 each. All fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
    • *Damaged IDs are not acceptable.