Test Content

• Are internationally recognized
• Academic skill knowledge in core content areas that are taught in 4 years of high school
• A Diploma equals high school completion

The contents of the test:

Language Arts, Writing (2 hours)

• Part I (50 questions)
  • 30% Sentence Structure
  • 30% Usage
  • 25% Mechanics
  • 15% Organization
• Part II (Essay)

Social Studies (50 questions, 70 minutes)

• 25% United States History
• 15% World History
• 25% Civics and Government
• 20% Economics
• 15% Geography

Science (50 questions, 80 minutes)

• 45% Life Science
• 20% Earth and Space Science
• 35% Physical Science (Physics & Chemistry)

Language Arts, Reading (40 questions, 65 minutes)

• 75% Literary Texts
• 25% Nonfiction Texts

Mathematics (50 questions, 90 minutes)

• 20-30% Number Operations/Sense
• 20-30% Measurement and Geometry
• 20-30% Data Analysis, Statistics, Probability
• 20-30% Algebra Functions and Patterns
  
• Items that are furnished:
  • Calculators
  • Math formulas

Some of the math questions are multiple choice and some require you to construct your own answer.

Please Note: A Pre-GED test may be taken at the cost of $10.00 during any of the monthly testing times. No appointment or registration is necessary.

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Eligibility

• 17 years of age or older, not currently enrolled in high school and do not have a high school diploma
• Picture identification (Colorado address, date of birth and signature is required)

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Preparation

You can take the test immediately, but we encourage those who have been out of school for some time or who have low reading, writing, and/or math skills to prepare by one or more of the following methods:

• The Learning Source –
  GED classes at Mracheck Middle School or South Middle School
  Phone: 303-922-4683
• Cambridge College
  Phone: 303-338-9700
• Arapahoe Douglas Works
  Phone: 303-636-1196
• Community College of Aurora
  Phone: 303-340-7044
• Miriam Educational Resource Center
  Phone: 720-324-1900
• Club Z Tutoring (one-on-one or small group tutoring)
  Area Director: Bill Harris
  Phone: 303-692-1801
• Study guides (available at most libraries or bookstores)
• Self Improvment Opportunities
  Phone: 303-365-9367
• Colorado Math Center
  Phone: 303-847-2182

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Adults with Disabilities

Editions of the GED Tests designed for people who are visually impaired:

• Braille
• Audiocassette
• Large print format

Physical or mental disability that prevents you from being fairly tested under standard conditions may lead to a modification of standard testing conditions.

• not all adults with disabilities require or are entitled to special testing
• underachievement is not a handicap
• if your disability interferes with your ability to be tested fairly under standard conditions
  • Proof from a doctor/profession
  • Dyslexia or another learning disability

Special testing must be approved by the GED Testing Service as well as by the state. To apply for special testing, please call APS testing office, 303-326-2112.

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Spanish Registration/Testing Available

• Diploma will indicate – taken in Spanish
• English proficiency may be taken (for an additional $15 fee) and the diploma will indicate English proficiency.

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More Information

• Five parts of the test take approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes. (You may want to take the tests over several days.)
• All tests are usually scored the same day as they are taken unless the computer is down. The Writing/Essay results are generally posted within 24 hours. Scores can be received by (1) calling the GED office at 303-326-2112 or (2) on the computer at www.GED123.org and typing in your access code.
• You must score a minimum of 2250 total (450 average) on all five tests and score no lower than 410 on any of the five tests. (Passing score on the GED test is set at a level that would permit only the best-qualified (60%) of graduating seniors to pass – those who pass the GED test should be very proud of their achievement.)
• No waiting period between retests. (Only three test forms-- per subject-- available each year.)
• Cost of a single retest is $20.00.

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Registration and Check In

You may complete registration in one of the following two ways:

• Come to William Smith High School during any of the monthly testing times and fill out the registration forms prior to testing.
• Log on to Web site at www.GED123.org and complete the online registration form. This is available in English or Spanish

You must bring the following items:

• Valid government photo I.D./$90.00 non-refundable fee-- cash or money order
• Signed registration form (for online registrants only)

Please note: You need to complete verification of withdrawal from school and authorization to release scores to someone else prior to testing.

Where:

• GED Testing Center
  Pickens Technical College
  500 Airport Blvd.
  Mobile 78
  Aurora, CO 80011
  303-326-2112

When:

• Monday: Once a month - Media Center - 4-9 p.m.
• Tuesday: 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month - Media Center - 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Thursday: Every Thursday - Media Center - 4-9 p.m.
• Saturday: 2 times a month - Media Center - 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Please phone 303-326-1081 for each month’s schedule.

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Alternative Testing Locations:

• Arapahoe Douglas Works:
  First Monday of each month, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  Third Tuesday of each month, 2-5 p.m.
  Phone 303-326-1081 for the current schedules and directions

Phone 303-326-1081 for the current schedules and directions

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What You Get

Successful completion of the GED Test earns a Colorado High School Equivalency Diploma issued by the Colorado Department of Education.

You will receive:

• 1 copy of your scores from the GED Testing Center (William Smith High School.) Please call 303-326-2112 to request a copy of your scores which must be picked up at the GED Testing Center.
• 1 Diploma from the Colorado Department of Ed.

Duplicate transcripts and diplomas are available for $15.00 each by writing to:

• Attn: GED Program
  State Department of Education
  201 East Colfax, Room 100
  Denver, Colorado 80203
  Phone: 303-866-6613

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The Benefits

• Get a Better Job
  • The majority of jobs require a high school diploma. A GED Diploma is accepted by employers – just like a high school diploma.
• Continue Your Education
  • A GED Diploma is accepted at most (97%) colleges and universities as proof that you have completed your high school education. Some colleges even have special scholarship programs for GED graduates.
• Feel Better About Yourself
  • By earning their diploma, many graduates experience a remarkable improvement in how they feel about themselves. It makes a difference!
• Increase Your Income
  • A better job and increased income with your level of educaiton.
• Invest in the Future
  • Educated parents have better educated children. Earning a diploma isn’t only an investment in yourself, it’s an investment in your children.

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Statistics About the GED

• The GED Tests are rigorous. Those who pass the tests have outperformed 40% of traditional high school graduating seniors.
• The GED Tests are demanding. To earn a GED diploma, a candidate must complete a set of five tests covering math, science, reading, writing, and social studies. The tests, which last 7 1/2 hours, also measure communication, information-processing, problem solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ninety-seven percent (97%) of colleges and universities accept the GED diploma as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma.
  (College Board: 2001)
• Those who earned their GED diploma perform as well in postsecondary education as traditional high school graduates. (Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis: 1999)
• More than 90% of U.S. employees consider those who earned a GED diploma the same as traditional high school graduates with regard to hiring, salary, and opportunity for advancement. (Society for Human Resource Management: 2002)
• More than one in 20 college freshmen hold a GED diploma (National Center for Applied Statistics: 2002)
• The success of all GED graduates is highlighted by such notable GED recipients as comedian Bill Cosby, Governor Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware, and U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, musician David Bowie, comedian Chris Rock and actor John Travolta.