- What is GED?
GED tests give adults a chance to earn their jurisdiction's or state's High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma which certifies that you have attained the educational level of a high school graduate.
- What is the value of the diploma?
It is nationally recognized by employers, unions, and institutions of higher learning as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
- Who awards the diploma?
In Iowa, the Department of Education awards the diploma..
- Who is eligible to receive the diploma?
You must meet certain age requirements if you are under 18 years of age. Click here to review those requirements.
- How is it earned?
It is earned by passing a battery of 5 General Educational Development (GED) subject tests.
- What is the cost of the GED test?
At DMACC, The testing fee is $85 which includes the High School Equivalency Diploma awarded after the successful completion of all five tests. (The retest fee, if necessary, is $5 per test.)
- Where and when can the GED tests be taken?
GED testing is provided at various times and places. Click here for a listing of upcoming tests or call the GED office at DMACC for a list of locations and times - 515-287-8700.
- Are the tests multiple choice?
Yes. For each test question you are asked to select the correct answer from four or five choices. (Exceptions: Part II of the Language Arts Writing Test is an essay and Part I of the Mathematics test uses a calculator & some grids.)
- In what order must the tests be taken?
The Iowa Department of Education recommends that you complete math and writing in the middle of the testing process. Research supports this recommendation that you do not leave math and writing as the last tests. In addition you cannot take the final subject test without having successfully complete the other four tests.
- If a test is failed can it be taken again?
You should successfully complete four of the five GED subject tests prior to taking the final, fifth test. If you fail to pass a subject test, you will have to attend a GED class and have an instructor authorize you for a retest. There is a maximum of three attempts to pass any subject test within a calendar year; so it is important that you adequately prepare before attempting to retest in a subject area.
- Are practice tests required?
Yes. You will have to score a minimum of 500 on a subject pre-test prior to taking an actual GED subject test. A GED instructor can help you with the pre-test and issue an authorization to take the actual GED subject test. Pre-testing will help you determine your readiness to take the GED test. Pre-testing is available at any GED class site, most DMACC Academic Achievement Centers, the Ankeny Campus High School Completion Center, or the DMACC Success Center on Porter Avenue in Des Moines.
- What do I do if I need to raise my score?
If you need to raise your completed score for employment or educational requirements, a letter from the employer or school must be presented to allow a retest. You will be allowed to retest only until you achieve the minimum score required by the employer or school.
- What is the purpose of High School Equivalency classes?
The classes are an opportunity for you to brush up on your math, reading, and English skills and, as a result, be better prepared to take the GED tests.
- Are the classes required?
No, they are not. Instruction is required for calculator use and retesting. Studying for the GED tests is recommended because it improves your chances of passing the tests the first time you take them.
- How do the classes help?
Your instructor can help you in at least five important ways:
- Evaluation: Your instructor can help you discover which subjects you need to study.
- Calculator Practice: Your instructor can familiarize you with the calculator that is used on part of the math test.
- Test Orientation and Practice: Your instructor can give you practice tests similar to the GED. These will help you understand more about the nature of the GED tests.
- Instruction: Your instructor can help you plan your studies and guide you in your preparation for the GED tests.
- Readiness for GED testing: Your instructor can help you evaluate your readiness to take the GED tests.
- How do I obtain Official Transcript of GED Test Results?
You may obtain an Official Transcript of GED Test Results by filling out the this form and sending it to GED Records either by email (must include your actual signature), by fax or by mail. You may call 515 287 8700 or 8720 GED Records if you have any questions.
- What is the minimum age to study and test for the GED?
Students at 17 years old can register to study and test for the GED. At 16 years old students must be court ordered to register and test. If 17 years old the student needs to bring in a copy of their transcripts and drop form from the last high school they attended. If they are 18 years old the student only needs a copy of their transcripts. If the student is home schooled and 17 years old they need to bring in a letter from a parent/guardian and a letter from the local school district stating the education is home schooled. All students must bring in a valid picture ID (i.e. driver’s license).
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