Important dates
Dates to remember in 2013 for people who are thinking of taking the test before the changes take place in January 2014.
Aug. 9: Last day for first-time test takers to apply online. Age waiver, parental consent and accommodations and payment must be submitted by this date.
Sept. 30: Last day for test takers to pay testing fees online or by mail. After this date all mail-in payments will be returned to sender. Test takers may still contact local test centers to apply and pay fees.
Oct. 2: Test takers can only apply at local test centers. A Visa or Mastercard must be used to pay. No prepaid cards permitted.
Dec. 21: Last day to take the paper based test, based on seat availability.
Beginning in 2014, there will be significant changes in the content and procedures regarding the test for the General Educational Development diploma.
“These changes can impact potential test takers’ decisions surrounding preparing and taking the GED test,” said Tawna Eubanks, director of Hamilton City School District’s ABLE coordinator.
The content of the test will be aligned with the Common Core Curriculum that is being phased into place in 45 states, said Jan Kesselring, interim director for Middletown City Schools’ adult learning program.
“We really need people to consider taking steps now while the test is still aligned with current high school curriculum,” Kesselring said. “We expect the new tests to be a lot more difficult and rigorous.”
The biggest procedural change will be that the test will be administered online instead of on paper.
“Test takers will still need to go to a testing center to take the test, but all parts, including the writing sections, will be completed using a computer,” Eubanks said.
“This will require many new skills for test takers,” she said. “They will need basic computer and word processing skills in addition to well developed critical thinking and academic skills.”
The cost of the test will also increase.
Currently, test takers pay $40 to take the five-part test. The cost of the new four-part test will increase to $120.
“All test takers should be aware that if a seat is not available for testing, their payment is non-refundable and non-transferable,” Eubanks said. “As a result, test takers should sign up early to test.”
Eubanks said that there are some advantages to the new system.
“Test takers can register 24 hours a day seven days a week,” she said. “They can schedule their test on-line and choose their own test center location, date, and time that is convenient for them.
“The test will be timed but you can move forward at your own pace,” she said. “Testers will have the opportunity to type their written response instead of writing by hand.”
A score report will be available instantly because of the new online format.
“There will be no more waiting days, or even weeks, to find out if you pass the test,” Eubanks said.
For more information, call the Hamilton ABLE office at 513-894-0301 or the Middletown Adult Education office at 513-420-4520
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