Testing Information

What are the GED^® tests?

The General Educational Development (GED^®) Tests are administered to approximately 700,000 people each year. The GED^® Tests provide adults who did not complete a formal high school program the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills.
The GED^® Test battery comprises four content area assessments:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Science
• Mathematical Reasoning

All 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and all U.S. territories, use passing scores on the GED^® Tests as the basis for awarding high school equivalency credentials. One out of seven high school diplomas granted in the United States is based on passing the GED^® Tests.

Lanier Technical College is an official GED^® Testing Center. Successful completion of the GED^® Test qualifies an individual for a state of Georgia High School Equivalency Diploma. GED^® credentials are accredited by industry, government, licensing boards, technical schools, colleges, universities, and employers as the equivalent to a high school diploma.

Computer based GED^® testing is available at Lanier Tech. Go to www.GED.com to register and schedule your test. Pick a test time and location that is convenient for you. Test scores are available within just a few days via your online account. Test centers are available in Commerce, Cumming, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Homer, Oakwood, and Winder. We can also assist students who wish to take the HiSET® from home.

What do the GED^® tests measure?

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED^® Tests) consist of four tests which measure achievement in subject areas generally associated with a high school program of study.
The four tests, and their relative content emphases, are:

1. Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)
The RLA test focuses on three grouping of skills:

• The ability to read closely
• The ability to write clearly
• The ability to edit and understand the use of standard written English in context

2. Social Studies
The Social Studies Test will also focus on four major content domains:

• Civics and government (50%)
• United States history (20%)
• Economics (15%)
• Geography and the world (15%)

3. Science
The Science Test focuses on three major content domains:

• Life Science (40%)
• Physical Science (40%)
• Earth and Space Science (20%)

4. Mathematics
The GED^® Mathematical Reasoning Test focuses on two major content domains:

• Quantitative problem solving (45%)
• Algebraic problem solving (55%)

Passing Scores:
The GED^® test will have a passing score of 150 on each test part. Therefore, you will need to reach a score of at least 150 on each part and a total score of 600 across the four-part battery in order to receive your GED^® test credential. You may also earn an “Honors” score if you receive a score of 170 on a test part. Learn more about the honors score.

• Below Passing: 100 – 149
• Passing Score: 150 – 169
• Honors Passing Score: 170 – 200

Costs:
The fee for GED^® Test full battery is $160.00. Each portion may be taken separately at a cost of $40.00 each. Retakes are only $20.00 per subject area at this time. Missing a scheduled test date will require signing up and paying again.

Georgia residents who earn a GED^® diploma are also awarded a $500 voucher from the HOPE Grant Program which can be applied towards some post-secondary educational costs.

Preparing for the GED^®:
Adult Basic Education which prepares you to take the GED^® is offered through Lanier Technical College Adult Education. Visit GED® Testing Centers for more information.

The Adult Education Program is specifically designed for adults who have different needs, backgrounds, and skills. For that reason, a flexible program has been created which meets their needs.

Each of the seven counties that serve Lanier Technical College have locations to assist adult learners in obtaining skills which make students more successful and confident in the workplace and in society.

GED^® and English Literacy classes taught at Lanier Technical College are free of charge.

GED^® instruction includes beginning reading, writing, and math all the way to high school completion through the General Educational Development (GED^®) Program.

The following GED^® services are offered at no cost:

English Literacy classes for non-English speakers are also a part of the curriculum. Besides the above GED^® services, additional support is offered for English Literacy classes at no cost:

HiSET® Exam

The HiSET® exam is a high school equivalency testing program that will help you take the next step toward a college degree or a rewarding career. Educational Testing Service (E T S) and the Iowa Testing Programs created the HiSET program to provide you with a more affordable, more accessible alternative to other high school equivalency tests. You can earn the credentials you need to continue your education or to succeed in the workplace. The HiSET® includes free practice tests to help you prepare as well as two retests* within a 12-month period of your original subtest purchase date.

The HiSET® exam measures proficiency in five core subject areas:

1. Language Arts/Reading

• Application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation involving:
  • Literary Texts
  • Informational Texts

2. Language Arts/Writing

• Proficiency in persuasive and informative writing; analysis, synthesis and evaluation of:
  • Development of Central Position or Claim
  • Organization
  • Language Facility
  • Conventions

3. Social Studies

• Application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation involving:
  • History
  • Geography
  • Economics
  • Civics and Governments

4. Science

• Application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation involving:
  • Science as Inquiry
  • Physical Science
  • Life Science
  • Earth Science

5. Mathematics

• Proficiency in persuasive and informative writing; analysis, synthesis and evaluation of:
  • Development of Central Position or Claim
  • Organization
  • Language Facility
  • Conventions

Beginning Fall 2020, LTC will offer both the HiSET^® exam and GED^® test to qualifying individuals. Both tests allow you to earn your high school equivalency(HSE) credential.

The HiSET^® exam is one of three tests (GED^®, HiSET^®, and TASC) U.S. states and territories use to measure high school equivalency skills. Educational Testing Services (ETS) works closely with states to ensure the HiSET^® exam closely reflects the skills of a high school graduate and to provide a fair, rigorous exam.

The HiSET^® exam is made up of five subtests: Language Arts – Reading, Language Arts – Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The five subtests vary from 65 – 120 minutes. The Language Art – Writing subtest is multiple choice with an essay prompt, while the remaining subtests are only multiple choice. The questions reflect College and Career Readiness Standards to ensure that you are prepared for employment and/or post-secondary education once you have earned your credential. If you do not pass any of the five subtests on your first try, you can retake each subtest twice within twelve months

Click here to find out even more information about the HiSET^® Exam.

HiSET Quick Facts

• HiSET preparation classes are free. Contact your local Adult Education Center (list) for information about classes.
• Scholarships are available to assist with HiSET Testing fees. See your local adult education center for more information.
• View a list of currently open HiSET testing centers for computer-based testing in Georgia.
• The HiSET@Home is available to take from home 15 hours a day, 7 days a week. To view the differences between the HiSET Computer-Based Test and HiSET@Home, click here.
• View all of the policies and requirements for taking the HiSET in Georgia on the ETS website.