GED Test to be Offered on Computer at St. Charles Community College

Published: 05/17/2012

SCC is one of two pilot locations in the state to offer GED^® testing on computer in preparation for the new GED^® assessment being introduced in January 2014. The other location is Metropolitan Community College – Business & Technology Campus, Kansas City, Mo., where testing will begin May 23.

“St. Charles Community College is proud to lead the way on GED^® testing on computer. Adding this new option for adult learners will provide immediate and long-term benefits,” said Brian Legate, SCC coordinating counselor.

Registration, scheduling and testing on computer will provide increased access to the test for individuals seeking to earn their high school credential. A number of additional benefits, which accompany the new system, include an instant test score report on four of the five content areas and enhanced test security.

The GED^® test on computer is the same test content currently offered on paper. A double-digit increase in the number of GED^® test-takers is expected by the year 2013; therefore, the Missouri GED^® program has a goal of making GED^® testing on computer available statewide by July 2013. The state will continue to offer the paper-based version of the test until Dec. 31, 2013. The five-section paper test currently costs a total of $40 and the computer-based test will cost $28 per section or $140 for the entire test.

Additionally, a new GED^® assessment will be released beginning January 2014. Individuals taking the paper-based test will need to pass all five content areas prior to the release of the new assessment; otherwise, their test scores will expire at the end of 2013.

“We’re pleased to offer this option to our students preparing to take the GED^® test,” said Diane Schroeder, SCC associate dean of extended learning. SCC coordinates a four-county Adult Education and Literacy program to teach basic reading, math and writing skills, to prepare people to take the GED^® test and to assist non-native speakers in gaining English proficiency.

Test-takers interested in taking the test on computer at St. Charles Community College should go to www.GEDtestingservice.com.

While testing and scheduling via computer are convenient for test-takers, GED Testing Service warns there are those who may attempt to deceive unsuspecting individuals by creating confusion through online scams. The GED^® test – whether on paper or computer – must be taken in-person at an official GED^® testing center. Potential test-takers should not respond to individuals or so-called “institutions” offering an online GED^® test.

For more information about GED testing on computer, visit www.GEDtestingservice.com, or contact Armando Diaz, public affairs specialist, at 202-471-2157 or Armando.diaz@GEDtestingservice.com. For more information on SCC’s Assessment Center, contact Brian Legate at 636-922-8626 or blegate@stchas.edu.

About GED Testing Service

GED Testing Service® is a joint venture between Pearson and the American Council on Education (ACE). This business will drive the future direction, design, and delivery of the GED® testing program. Building on the goals of the GED 21st Century Initiative™, the two partners will combine their collective expertise and resources to develop a new GED® test aligned with emerging national and state standards that will assure colleges, universities and prospective employers that adults who have passed the GED® test are prepared to compete and succeed in a global economy.  The GED® test is used by all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. insular areas, Canadian provinces and territories, the U.S. military, and federal correctional institutions for the purpose of awarding a high school equivalency credential. Nearly 800,000 GED® tests are taken each year, and in 2010, more than 470,000 individuals were awarded their high school credential through the GED® testing program.

About St. Charles Community College

Established in 1986, St. Charles Community College is celebrating 25 years as a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.