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Adult Basic Education (ABE/GED)
Learning Resource Center Quick Link Downloads »
What is the GED? »
What is the GED Process at Adult Learning Programs of Alaska? »
I live in a rural area. Can I still get my GED? »
What are the basic GED testing requirements? »
What does the GED cost? »
What 5 subject areas does the GED cover? »
What Accommodations for disabilities are offered? »
What do the GED Scores Mean? »
What happens after I pass the GED? »
GED Testing Sign-up and Session Schedules »
GED Transcript Request Form »
Learning Resource Center Quick Link Downloads
Adult Learning Program's Education and Training Program offers services and classes in GED preparation and English as a Second Language through its Learning Resource Center (LRC). The Education and Training Program also provides computer classes at the beginner and intermediate levels.
(following are links to Word/Excel docs and PDFs)
ESL/Computer Class Schedule » [129kb .pdf]
Schedule of current GED Classes » [25.4kb .pdf]
GED Transcript Request Form » [47kb .doc]
GED Accommodations Forms:
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What is the GED?
The test of General Educational Development (GED) is the State of Alaska's high school equivalency diploma and is an option for adults who have not previously graduated from high school. Adult Learning Programs is the designated GED testing center for Interior Alaska.
The internationally recognized GED test measures core academic skills and knowledge in five content areas normally taught during four years of high school. When a candidate passes the GED test battery, the resulting GED diploma certifies that he or she has attained the same level of knowledge and skills associated with high school completion.
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What is the GED Process at Adult Learning Programs of Alaska?
There are a few steps to take before someone can take the GED exam.
- Visit Adult Learning Programs of Alaska at 122 First Avenue, Suite 201 in Fairbanks, or call us at 452-6434, ext. 10, to receive general information about the GED and to find out when the next orientation is scheduled. If you would like to speak to an instructor before attending an orientation, you should call first to find out when the Learning Resource Center is open and then stop by or call during those hours. LRC schedules are also available online. [131kb .pdf]
- To start the GED process, you need to first attend an orientation session. You must sign up for the orientation in order to make sure space is available. Call 452-6434, extension 10, to reserve your seat. Plan to arrive on time.
- After attending the orientation, you then take an initial skills assessment, called the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education). This assessment covers reading, math, and writing, and helps staff determine what skill levels you possess in those areas. There is a small fee for the registration and assessment process.
- Based on that assessment, you may need to take classes or workshops in one or more subjects, complete an independent study plan (online study, books, or other study materials), or sign up for tutoring. There is usually a minimal fee for these services. If your assessment scores are high enough, you might be ready to go on to the next step without further study. Current class and workshop schedules are available online. [25.4kb .pdf]
- When ready, you will then take the GED Official Practice Test (OPT) in preparation for the GED itself. The OPT covers the same five subject areas that are included in the GED. A GED candidate can take the OPT in one or two areas while still studying for the others, or can wait and test in all five areas at once in preparation for taking the GED.
- If your OPT scores show that you are fully prepared for the GED exam, you can then take the GED. As with the OPT, a candidate can test in one or two areas of the GED while studying for the other subjects, or can test in all areas during consecutive testing sessions.
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I live in a rural area. Can I still get my GED?
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska is the GED testing center for all of interior Alaska. The rural GED process is almost identical to what happens at our Fairbanks office: registering with our program, taking the initial assessment, studying to improve skills, taking the practice tests, and moving on to the GED tests themselves. Download a summary of our rural GED process [70kb .pdf] for more detail.
If you live in a rural community, Adult Learning Programs can provide you with assessment testing, individual study materials, and an online learning program. We can match you with a tutor in your community for one-on-one instruction. Depending on the availability of examiners, you may be able to take the GED exams right in your home community. Adult Learning Programs' Rural Services Coordinator will work with you to achieve your goal.
If you live in Delta Junction or Tok, Adult Learning Programs has instructors in those communities who hold regular GED classes.
For more information, please contact the Rural Services Coordinator at 1-866-452-6434, Ext. 26, or e-mail us at info@adultlearning.org.
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What are the basic GED testing requirements?
GED testing is available on a regularly scheduled basis. Candidates who want to take the GED test must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not be enrolled in school
- Complete the GED process, which includes registration, orientation, the TABE assessment, and the Official Practice Tests
- Show a picture I.D. with birth date and current address at test time
- Show proof of social security number
- Students under 18 years old must submit an official withdrawal from the last Alaskan school attended AND written permission from a parent or legal guardian (or show proof of emancipation) prior to testing
Please contact Adult Learning Programs of Alaska for more details on these requirements.
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What does the GED test cost?
There is a $25 testing fee for the GED, due when the candidate first starts testing. If a candidate later needs to retake a specific section of the test, an additional $5 retesting fee will be charged for each section retaken.
The GED test consists of five sections:
| Language Arts: Writing |
50 questions, 1 Essay |
2 hours |
| Language Arts: Reading |
40 questions |
1 hour & 5 minutes |
| Science |
50 questions |
1 hour & 20 minutes |
| Social Studies |
50 questions |
1 hour & 10 minutes |
Math, Part I
(Calculator Allowed)
Math, Part II
(Calculator Not Allowed) |
25 questions
each part |
1 hour & 30 minutes
total
for both sections |
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Accommodations Process
Upon approval, accommodations can be made for adults with a documented disability who are not able to take the GED Test under standard conditions. Accommodations are available for people with (but not limited to) the following:
- Physical disabilities (such as blindness, low vision, deafness, impaired hearing, or mobility impairments)
- Learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, receptive aphasia, or written language disorder)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Psychological disabilities (such as bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome)
- Chronic health issues
Nonstandard Editions and accommodations, which require prior approval from the GED Administrator and/or GEDTS, may include:
Editions
- Audiocassette edition
- Braille edition
- Large-print edition (no documentation needed)
Accommodations
- Extended Time
- Private Room
- Frequent Breaks
- Interpreter
- Scribe
- Calculator
How to get assistance with accommodations: If you have a disability that can be documented by a qualified professional, ask Adult Learning Programs' GED Examiner for one of the following forms or download them using the links provided below.
The GED Examiner will tell you what you need to do to complete the form. Return the completed form with documentation of your disability to the examiner. Each request is considered on an individual basis. If the accommodations are approved, the GED Examiner will arrange with you to conduct the testing with the approved accommodations. There will be no additional cost for accommodations.
If you think you have a disability, but you do not have documentation, first contact Alaska's Vocational Rehabilitation Office at 451-6261. The office is located at 751 Old Richardson Highway Suite 102 in Fairbanks. The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), at 1-800-346-2742, also may be able to help.
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What do the GED Scores Mean?
The GED test is standardized using a national sample of graduating high school seniors. This sampling establishes the performance standard required for candidates to earn a GED Diploma. The passing scores required of candidates are set so that they are comparable to the performance of these graduating seniors.
Results of each of the five GED section tests are given as "Standard Scores" ranging from 200 to 800 and "Percentile Ranks" ranging from 1 to 99.
Standard Scores on all five GED section tests range from 200 to 800. A score of 500 represents the average performance of graduating high school seniors. The minimum standard score required to earn a GED diploma is set so that approximately 40 percent of graduating high school seniors would not pass the GED test.
Percentile ranks on the five GED section tests are used to compare an individual's scores to those of a nationally representative sample of graduating high school seniors. A percentile rank is the percentage of graduating high school seniors who earned a certain standard score. For example, an examinee whose standard score has a percentile rank of 30 has done as well as or better than 30 percent of graduating high school seniors.
PASSING SCORES: Examinees must earn a total battery score of 2250 minimum points to pass. This means that the Standard Scores from each of the five section tests must add up to 2250 points. In addition, no single test score may be below 410 points. Any Standard Score below 410 points is a failing score, and that section test must be re-taken in order to pass the GED test.
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What happens after I pass the GED?
For examinees who have passed the GED test, a diploma will be mailed to the address provided on the Demographics form for GED testing. Diplomas are issued by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and will be mailed approximately one - two weeks after the candidate has been notified of his/her passing status.
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska sponsors a yearly graduation ceremony in the Spring for all GED graduates. For information on GED Graduation or other special GED events, see our home page.
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GED Testing Schedule
GED candidates must complete all steps of the GED process and be approved for testing before taking the GED test. (Please see the GED process explanation on this page.)
GED Testing Schedule [25.4 kb .pdf]
About the testing sessions:
GED testing candidates need to sign up for a specific GED test session by 5:00 pm the day before that session is scheduled.
On the day of testing, GED candidates need to arrive 15 - 30 minutes early to ensure that all registration paperwork is complete. Those arriving late will not be allowed to enter the testing room.
The GED test consists of five sections: Writing, Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies. Only certain sections of the test will be given on a specific testing day. To complete the GED test, a candidate will have to attend at least two separate testing sessions.
Identification and other forms required at the time of testing:
- GED candidates must present two forms of identification prior to the testing session:
- A current driver's license or state ID (which includes name, address, date of birth, signature, and photograph) AND
- A Social Security card or other proof of the candidates' Social Security Number.
Other valid identification forms may be substituted if approved and presented before the day of testing.
Please note: Prior to testing, students under 18 years old must submit an official withdrawal form from the last Alaskan school attended and written permission from a parent or legal guardian (or show proof of emancipation).
Testing costs:
There is a $25 fee (cash or money order) for taking the GED test. This is due at the initial time of testing. If a candidate later needs to retake a specific section of the test, an additional $5 retesting fee will be charged for each section retaken.
For more information about GED testing, contact Adult Learning Programs' GED Chief Examiner.
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GED Transcript Request Form
(If tests were taken in Fairbanks or the Interior of Alaska.)
Instructions:
- Download Adult Learning Programs' Transcript Request Form [47kb .doc] Either save the form to your computer before opening, or open the form directly from the Internet.
- Print the document. Then fill the form out, completely and legibly. Or fill the form out using your computer and then print.
- Sign and date the printed form.
- Mail to:
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
Attention: GED Examiner
122 First Avenue, Suite 201
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Or fax completed form to:
(907) 451-6598, Attention: GED Examiner
.
- After your Request Form has been received and processed, an official GED transcript will be mailed to the address you specify. You may also request scores to be faxed.
NOTE: Information transmitted by fax may not be secure, so we need your consent before faxing GED scores. In addition, faxed transcripts are not considered official transcripts.
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