GED Program (General Educational Development)
The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) are developed by the American Council on Education to enable persons who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of abilities normally associated with completion of a high school program of study.
2014 Computer-Based Testing
In 2014, the GED 21st Century Initiative will change the GED test. The new assessment will measure high school equivalency and, in addition, career and college readiness through a new endorsement. The new test will be aligned with the Common Core State Standards and delivered in a computer-based format only.
When the new test launches in 2014, anyone with an incomplete or non-pass GED status will be required to start the test over because their scores will not transfer to the new assessment. Adult education programs will be offering classes and workshops to assist these people with instruction, and GED testing centers will soon offer additional dates for GED testing to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to complete the test before the end of 2013.
For additional information and updates on the new test, visit GED Testing Service or call 804-371-2333.
GED Transcript and Certificate Requests
Individuals may request duplicate GED transcripts and certificates. Applicable fees may apply. To make a request, please complete and submit a GED Request Form (PDF).
GED Battery of Tests
The GED battery of five tests measures the skills considered to be the major outcomes of a high school education. The tests focus on the major use of skills and concepts rather than upon recall of specific facts. The questions focus on the general abilities to analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions.
Subject Areas
- Test 1: Language Arts – Writing
- Test 2: Social Studies
- Test 3: Science
- Test 4: Language Arts – Reading
- Test 5: Mathematics
GED Regulations and Requirements
- Clarification Regarding GED Testing Eligibility – Superintendent's Memo No. 68, March 23, 2007
- Issuing of Certificates: view Regulations (PDF)
- Current Requirements for earning a Virginia GED Certificate
- Register by completing the GED application for testing at a GED testing center or www.GED123.org and pay the appropriate testing fee. There is a $58.00 fee required to take the entire battery of five tests. There is a $10.00 fee for each individual retest.
- To qualify for a Virginia GED Certificate, earn a standard score battery average of 450 (total score of 2,250) or higher with no individual test score below 410.
GED Test Preparation
For information on what you can do to prepare for the GED Test and preparation programs in your area, call 877-37MYGED (877-376-9433.) You may also visit www.gedva.com.
GED Testing Preregistration
When you feel prepared to take the GED tests, you may complete the preregistration process online by going to www.GED123.org. This will save time for you and the testing center. To complete preregistration, you must have an email address. Just follow the directions on the website and contact the testing center to complete registration.
After you’ve taken the GED tests, you can go back to the site to see your test results using a special code provided to you by the testing center. You can also print your official GED transcript from this site.
GED Accommodations
Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. GED Testing Service provides detailed information for test takers and diagnosing professionals.
GED Testing Sites – 2013
To find a testing center in your area, view the list of GED testing centers in Virginia. Contact the center directly for the current testing schedule. Sites with contact information (PDF)
Locate the nearest GED testing center with your zip code using the American Council on Education's center locator.
Race to GED
The Race to GED is a workforce initiative of the Office of Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education. The goal of the Race to GED is to meet or exceed a total of 20,000 Virginians passing the General Educational Development (GED) Tests annually. GED graduates are a vital component of a globally competitive workforce that strengthens existing business and supports economic growth and development in Virginia.
Race to GED is an innovative approach to adult education based on two instructional programs: GED Fast Track and GED Prep. These two programs assess what a person already knows and prescribe instruction to prepare adults for success on GED Tests. The time it takes to earn a GED is dramatically shortened, from one year required in traditional adult education, to three months or less with GED Fast Track and only 180 days with GED Prep.
The initiative targets working age adults, 18 to 64 years of age, who are employed or employable and can demonstrate academic readiness to prepare for and pass the English version of the GED Tests. GED graduates are competent in the workplace, qualified for advancement to higher-level skills, and capable of achieving success in postsecondary education or technical-skills certification.
Additional information about the Race to GED initiative can be found in the 2010 Race to GED Report (PDF).
Grants & Funding
For information on the grant application process, see Grants & Funding
GED and GED Testing Service are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission. The GED and GED Testing Service brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.
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