Lanier Technical College➤Adult Education➤Testing Information

Testing Information

Desmond Vaird. Statewide 2016 EAGLE Award winner from Lanier Tech’s Adult Education program.

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 subjects are on the GED® tests?

GED® Tests Time Limits
Reasoning Through Language Arts
 150 minutes
  • Section 1 (35 minutes*) tests all content
  • Section 2 (45 minutes) is the Extended Response portion of the test
  • Student break (10 minutes)
  • Section 3 (60 minutes*) tests all content
*The time allotted for sections 1 and 3 may vary slightly, but the total test time will always be 150 minutes.
Social Studies
 90 minutes
  • Section 1 (65 minutes) tests all content
  • Section 2 (25 minutes) is the Extended Response portion of the test
Science
 90 minutes
There are two Short Answer questions included on the test, but they are not timed separately. Students are expected to manage their time and spend about 10 minutes on each of the Short Answer questions.
Mathematical Reasoning
 115 minutes
  • Part 1 (first 5 questions) calculators not allowed
  • Part 2 (remaining 41 test questions) calculators allowed
  • Students must submit their answers to the first five questions before moving on to the rest of the test. These parts are not timed separately.

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:

  • Assessment of skills
  • Personal attention from students and tutors
  • Use of textbooks and computers
  • Individualized instruction
  • A comprehensive educational plan for each student
  • Life skills instruction
  • Materials to utilize while studying at home

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:

  • Classes for all levels of learners
  • Awareness of the responsibilities and rights of citizens
  • Improved speaking, writing, and listening skills
  • Pronunciation and usage of the English language

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
  1. Language Arts/Writing
  • Proficiency in persuasive and informative writing; analysis, synthesis and evaluation of:
    • Development of Central Position or Claim
    • Organization
    • Language Facility
    • Conventions
  1. Social Studies
  • Application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation involving:
    • History
    • Geography
    • Economics
    • Civics and Governments
  1. Science
  • Application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation involving:
    • Science as Inquiry
    • Physical Science
    • Life Science
    • Earth Science
  1. Mathematics
  • Proficiency in persuasive and informative writing; analysis, synthesis and evaluation of:
    • Development of Central Position or Claim
    • Organization
    • Language Facility
    • Conventions
GED® HiSET®
Available in Spanish? Yes Yes
Calculator allowed? Yes, on part 2 of Math and in Science, Social Studies No
Cost of test at testing center $160 for whole battery $133.75 for whole battery (+$10 fee if registering by phone)
Cost of test from home computer $184 for whole battery $181.25 for whole battery (+$10 fee if registering by phone)
Types of questions Multiple choice, short answer, drag and drop, drop-down, hot spot, and essay question (language arts). Multiple choice on all except Language Arts – Writing, which also includes an essay question.
Passing score 145 or higher on each of the four test sections Total score of 45 plus

  • Score at least 2 out of 6 on the essay portion of the writing test.
  • You must have a total score of at least 8 on the same day you score 2 or higher on the essay.
  • Score at least 8 on each of the subtests.
Test section 1: Language Arts 150 minutes (including 10 minute break and 45 minutes for written essay)

  • Reading for Meaning
  • Identifying and creating arguments
  • Grammar and Language
 Reading section: 65 minutes (80 minutes for Spanish test)

  • Reading passages with accompanying questions.

Writing section: 120 minutes

  • Essay prompts and writing samples with accompanying questions.
Test section 2: Math 115 minutes

  • Basic Math
  • Geometry
  • Basic Algebra
  • Graphs and Functions
 90 minutes

  • Stimulus-based Solve quantitative problems using fundamental concepts and reasoning skills.
Test section 3: Science 90 minutes

  • Reading for Meaning
  • Designing and interpreting science experiments
  • Using numbers and graphics in science
 80 minutes

  • Stimulus materials present investigations and research studies. Graphs, tables and charts present experimental results.
Test section 4: Social Studies 70 minutes

  • Reading for Meaning
  • Analyzing historical events and arguments
  • Using numbers and graphs
 70 minutes

  • Primary source documents, timelines, maps, graphs, tables and reading passages are used to present information.