Table of Contents

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What is the GED?

It is a test that provides Ohioans who did not finish high school an opportunity to earn an Ohio Equivalence Diploma.  Like a regular diploma, it provides the holder the opportunity to obtain employment, to apply for job advancement, or to pursue higher education goals.

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Who can take the GED?

Anyone who has not graduated from an accredited high school can apply to take the GED if they meet the age requirements as set forth by the state of Ohio.  The age requirements can be viewed by clicking on this AGE REQUIREMENT link

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Am I ready to take the GED test?

You can take the Official GED Practice Test to determine your readiness to take the GED test.  The Official GED Practice Test questions are similar to those on the GED Tests in content, difficulty, and format.  The Official Practice Test is a good tool to help you decide whether you are adequately  prepared to succeed on the actual GED Tests or whether you would benefit from additional study or practice.  Our GED counselors will help you interpret your results to determine you next step.

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What is the Official GED Practice Test?....changed effective September 1, 2009

The Official GED Practice Test is a battery of tests similar to those on the GED Actual Test in content, difficulty, and format.  It can only be given by a certified GED Practice Test examiner.  Passing the Official GED Practice Test will no longer allow you to obtain a waiver from paying the fee charge for taking the actual GED Test. The test results will, however, give you information regarding your readiness to take the actual test. Testing dates, testing locations and a link to the Official GED Practice Test online test are available on the GED Information home page.

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Where can I take the GED Actual Test?

Click on this link to obtain locations and addresses of  GED Actual Test.

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How much does the GED test cost?...changed effective September 1, 2009

The test fee is $40.00 (money order or certified check) and must accompany your application.  The money order or check is to be made out to Ohio Testing Services.  A fee waiver is no longer available to those who pass the Offical GED Practice Test.  This new fee of $40 is effective beginning September 1, 2009.  Re-testers will be charged $10 for each sub-test.

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How can I get a fee waiver?.changed effective September 1, 2009

By passing the Official GED Practice Test, you are eligible for a fee waiver.  A paper copy of the waiver will be given to you by your GED Practice Test examiner, if you are going to apply for the GED Actual Test using a paper application which will be mailed in.  The examiner will register your fee waiver electronically with the State of Ohio GED Office if you are going to apply online to take the GED Actual Test.  New requirements to pass the Official Practice Test and obtain the fee waiver can be viewed at this link: To the GED examinee.  Only one fee waiver may be earned by new students who enroll in any GED practice program. Individuals who have taken the Official GED Test in 2009 with a fee waiver and did not pass may earn one additional fee waiver through the end of the 2009 calendar year.  Effective January 1, 2010, applicants may receive only one fee wavier each year.

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Are accommodations available for GED test takers?

Yes, however, you must obtain, complete and submit an original L-15 (for learning and ADD, ADHD disabilities) or SA-001 (for temporary or permanent mental or physical disabilities) form and any supporting documentation to the State GED Office.  You must obtain the form(s) from the GED test site where you plan to test in order to have the accommodations met.

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Can I apply online?

You can apply online but must first "register with the State GED Office".  This registration process requires that you have set up a "SAFE" or Secure Application For Enterprise account (also referred to as an ODE portal account).  Have a valid e-mail address , your social security number and your State of Ohio Driver's License or State ID with you and click on this link below.  You must click on the "I Agree" button at the bottom of the page to initiate the process.

                        https://webapp2.ode.state.oh.us/portal/signup/default.asp

After obtaining your SAFE account information (Account Name and Password) you can apply online. Click on this link below and then choose the GED link from the right hand column. 

http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=684&ContentID=1375&Content=31533

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Where can I get help to prepare for the GED?

The Parma City Schools ABLE office offers GED preparation classes.  Go to the Frequently Asked Questions About The GED Classes  link on the GED home page for complete information.

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How do I register to take the GED test?

You can either apply online (see above) or obtain a paper application from the Parma ABLE office or this Ohio Department of Education website link:

  http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=153&Content=31539

Click on GED Application Packet (PDF) .  Make sure you follow the instructions and attach any necessary items (fee waivers, money orders, accommodation documents or age waivers).  The application must be notarized. When your application is approved,  you will have 120 days in which to take the Official GED.  Within 7-10 business days of mailing your application, you can call our office (440-885-8762) to determine if your application is approved.  You can also register to take the test at that time.

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What is the waiting period before I can retest?

A total score of 2250, with no individual test score below a 410, is the minimum passing standard for the GED test.

Any test taker who does not pass the GED test has the option of retaking it after a specified waiting period after receiving the fail notice. The waiting periods are as follows:

	If you failed by 1-50 points — you must wait at least 30 days.
	If you failed by 51-100 points — you must wait at least 60 days.
	If you failed by 101 points or more — you must wait at least 120 days. Back to Top

How do I get an official copy of my GED transcript?

In order to receive an official copy of your GED transcript, a written request must be sent to:

GED Transcript Office
25 South Front Street, 1st Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183
Phone (614) 466-1577

If you took the GED test in Ohio and would like to have a copy of your official transcripts sent to a college, employer, or other institution, you must complete and submit an Ohio GED Transcript Request form. This form can be obtained from the Ohio Dept. of Education’s GED Transcript Office at (614) 466-1577 or from the following link on the Ohio Department of Education's website.

http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=684&ContentID=7287&Content=31529

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In what order are the test subjects administered?

The individual subject test that make up the complete GED are given in the following order:                               Day one: Writing (Essay and Multiple choice) and Social Studies.                                                                          Day two: Mathematics (Part One with calculator and Part Two), Science, and Reading.

Copyright © 2005  [Parma ABLE]. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 31, 2010 .