History of GED

The first GED Tests were developed in 1942 to help returning World War II veterans finish their studies and re-enter civilian life.  Then, as now, the GED Tests measured the academic skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates in the US or Canada.  Recognized throughout North America, the GED Testing Program has served as a bridge to education and employment for an estimated 15.2 million people over its 60-year history.  Based on analysis of data from the Digest of Education statistics and GEDTS annual statistical reports, approximately 1 in 9 of the high school diplomas and certificates issued are GED credentials.

A program of the American Council on Education, the GED Testing Service has as its primary mission to provide a reliable vehicle “the GED Tests” through which adults can certify that they possess the major and lasting outcomes of a traditional high school education.

To this end, the GED Testing Service develops the GED Tests and provides information about the people who take them.  The GED Testing Program is jointly administered by three separate entities:  by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education; by each participating state, provincial, or territorial government; and by each of the 3,400 official GED Testing Centers that serve as the main point of contact for GED candidates in communities across North America and overseas.

That is where the real story of the GED Testing Program lives in the people who take the GED Tests as a step toward achieving their personal goals.  GED candidates are a richly diverse group.  Some have recently left school.  Others have been out of school for several years.  Most take the test to qualify for further education; others do it to encourage younger family members to stay in school or to qualify for a new job or promotion.

Many who take the GED Tests are preparing to enter a community college or four-year university.  In fact, about one in twenty first-year college students is a GED graduate.  GED graduates are successful doctors, public servants, office workers, mechanics, technicians, college professors, military leaders, business people, writers, and artists.

Each of the five tests in the GED Tests battery is developed from specifications established by experienced secondary school and adult education teachers and is reviewed by subject-matter experts.  Every test question undergoes multiple reviews by test specialists and external content specialists and is evaluated for fairness.  Each question is also field-tested before becoming part of a final test form.  The GED Tests are standardized on a regular basis using a national stratified random sample of graduating high school seniors  tested in the spring of their senior year.  These seniors establish the performance standard forms of the GED Tests.  The standard score scale for the GED Tests is derived directly from the performance of graduating high school seniors.  Standard scores, and the accompanying percentile ranks, provide the vehicle for comparing the performance of GED candidates to the performance of graduating high school seniors.  In order to pass the GED Tests, the GED candidate must currently demonstrate a level of skill that meets or surpasses that of the top 60 percent of graduating high school seniors.

A diploma will be awarded if you meet the eligibility requirements and attain a standard score of not less than 410 on each of the five tests comprising the GED Test battery and an average standard score of not less than four hundred fifty (450) on the test battery (2250 total points). 

•          The GED Tests cannot be taken online.
•          The GED Tests measure high school-level skills and knowledge.
•          The GED Tests are challenging and require preparation.
•          The GED Tests offer a powerful second chance.

 
The contact person for GED testing at Wallace State Community College is Malinda Morton. You may reach her at 256 352-8394. Her office is located on the 6^th floor of the Bailey Building in room 603. Those interested in taking the GED should contact her for a registration date and test day.  

The GED Tests are given every other Wednesday 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and registration is every other Monday night at 6:00 p.m. The test is given on the 2^nd floor of the Bailey Building in the testing lab and registration is on the 6^th floor in room 610. Registration is required before a test day is assigned.

Re-tests are scheduled as needed. 

Please click on the link below for a 2009-2010 calendar of testing dates and the requirements for registration.

2009 GED Testing Dates

2010 GED Testing Dates