The Pennsylvania GED
The Pennsylvania GED can improve your future if you do not have a high school diploma. This article describes fundamental features of the PA GED test and how to get started on the road to fulfilling your personal goals.
What is the Format?
You will be tested in five areas of study: Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts: Reading and Language Arts; Writing. The total testing time for all five sections is seven hours and five minutes. Most test questions will be multiple choice. The biggest exception to this rule is Part II of the Writing section of the GED. Here you will be expected to write a well-developed essay on a general topic within 45 minutes. The last thing you need to know is that you will be given a calculator to use during the Mathematics test Part I, but you won’t be allowed to use one on Part II.
How is the Exam Scored and What if I Don’t Pass?
To pass the Pennsylvania GED you cannot score lower than a 410 on each of the five sections. In addition, Pennsylvania requires that you earn a total of 2250 points. As the Pennsylvania Department of Education website states, www.able.state.pa.us, this means that you need to score an average of 450 on all tests in order to meet the 2250 total.
So, what happens if you took the test and didn’t pass? Don’t worry. Since there are three versions of the exam, you are allowed to retest each section three times a year. This gives you plenty of time to sharpen your skills and prepare for the next go around.
Who is Eligible?
You are eligible to take Pennsylvania’s GED if you meet the following requirements:
- You are 18 or older.
- You are a Pennsylvania resident.
- You aren’t enrolled in a public, private or any other type of accredited secondary school.
There may be some exceptions to the above rules. If you don’t meet the above qualifications, the best way to determine the most up-to-date eligibility is to contact your local testing center. Otherwise, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
How do I Register for the Test and What Will it Cost?
There are over 150 certified testing centers in Pennsylvania. To get the complete list, visit the GED Test Locator page.
The cost varies for each testing center, so call your nearest testing center for the costs for taking the GED tests and for retesting.
Source: http://diplomaguide.com/articles/The_Pennsylvania_GED.html
Local GED Testing Sites
For all locations, you must prove Identity, Age and PA Residency. Bring PHOTO ID with Address and Date of Birth, such as a PA Photo Driver’s License and your social security number. The minimum age to take the test is 18 unless you have a special permission letter.
Each testing center sets its own policy and fees for GED testing. Call to find out specific information for each site.
| BUCKS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE | |
| Main Campus 275 Swamp Road, Newtown PA 18940 |
Lower Bucks Campus 1304 Veterans Hwy, Bristol PA 19007 |
| BCCC GED Testing Info 215-968-8466 (GED office) GED inquiries/re-testing: 215-968-8065 |
| UPPER BUCKS COUNTY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL |
| 3115 N. Ridge Road, Perkasie PA 18944 |
| 215-795-2011 (Adult Ed. Office) 9am-3pm |
| NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT |
| 401 East Hancock Street, Lansdale PA 19446 |
| Register in person, or call 215-853-1029 to request mail-in registration. |
Scores from all GED tests will remain on file in Harrisburg (Dept. of Ed.) for at least 3 years (not indefinitely).
Website link to obtain PA GED transcript
Other Helpful GED Website Links
American Council on Education
www.acenet.edu
This is the Official Site for the GED Tests. GED Testing Service, a program of the American Council on Education, develops, delivers and safeguards the GED Tests. Start here for accurate and reliable information about the GED testing program.
GED Practice
www.gedpractice.com
Steck-Vaughn publishing company provides quality materials in Adult Basic Education and GED Preparation. They are also the exclusive distributor of the Official GED Practice Tests. Gedpractice.com is a free service provided by Steck-Vaughn to familiarize students with the types of items you will see on the actual GED test. By answering GED practice questions and getting feedback, students will develop a feel for the kind of reading, thinking, and problem-solving skills they will need to pass the GED test.
AAAMath
www.aaamath.com
AAA Math features a comprehensive set of interactive arithmetic lessons. Unlimited practice is available on each topic which allows thorough mastery of the concepts. A wide range of lessons (Kindergarten through Eighth grade level) enables learning or review to occur at each individual’s current level. Immediate feedback prevents practicing and learning incorrect methods, which is a common result of traditional homework and worksheets.
Math Goodies
www.mathgoodies.com
Math Goodies is a free math help portal featuring interactive lessons, worksheets, and homework help. A pioneer of interactive instruction, our goodies have received rave reviews from the media! Today, we have hundreds of unique resources for students, educators and parents.
TV 411
www.tv411.org
Welcome to TV411, the television series for adults who want to strengthen their literacy skills. Produced by the Adult Literacy Media Alliance (ALMA), TV411 has enriched literacy and community outreach programs since 1998. Online learning includesReading, Writing, Vocabulary and Math.
