High School Equivalency Diploma
General Educational Development (GED)

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The first step to becoming more productive.

What is the GED?
It is a testing program enabling an adult who did not complete high school to take a series of five tests, taken one at a time, to demonstrate General Educational Development.  Upon successful completion of the tests, he/she is eligible to receive the High School Equivalency Diploma.

Who is Eligible to Apply For Testing?
Anyone who is not a high school graduate, has attained the age of 18 and is not currently enrolled in high school.

What is the Cost of the GED
Testing Program?
The $85 test fee is to be paid in full at the first test session!  The fee covers testing, essay scoring and diploma.

What Subjects are Covered by the GED Test?
 1. Language Arts - Writing
 2. Social Studies
 3. Science
 4. Language Arts - Reading
 5. Mathematics

What Must You Score to Pass the Test?
A minimum standard score of 410 on each test and an average standard score of 450 over all five tests must be achieved to qualify for the State of Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma.

Everyone is required to take Official GED Practice Tests. 

Is Class Time Required Before an Applicant Takes the Test?
Yes.  An individual is required to take the official practice tests prior to making application for the GED tests.

Time limits per actual test are as follows:
Language Arts - Writing Part I	75 minutes
Language Arts - Writing Part II	45 minutes
Social Studies	70 minutes
Science	80 minutes
Language Arts - Reading	65 minutes
Mathematics	90 minutes

Is It Possible To Study For The Test?
Yes.  The Adult Basic Education Program at Southwestern Community College has established classes to help adults prepare for the tests.  They are located throughout the counties served by the college and are held without charge.  Counties include:  Adams, Adair, Clarke, Decatur, Montgomery, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union.  Parts of Lucas, Madison, Page, and Wayne counties are also within the district.  There will possibly be a minimal book fee.  It is also possible to review for the test at the Comprehensive Learning Center located at SWCC.

What do the Students Study?
Students study areas which correspond with the GED exam.  Most classes are individualized and self-paced, allowing the student to progress at his/her own rate of learning.  The program includes interpretive reading in social studies, science, and literature.  The math covers general math, basic algebra, and geometry.  The writing includes rules, spelling, correct usage, paragraph construction, and actual writing ability.  All GED examinees will be expected to display their writing skills by writing an essay which is sent away for scoring.

Where are the Tests Given?
Students must call or stop by to make arrangements for testing. 

In Creston, the tests will be administered three days per month. Tests are given in the SWCC Performing Arts Center Multi-purpose Room located next to the Adult and Continuing Education Office in the Area Arts and Wellness Center.  Phone:  (641)782-1441 or (641)782-1449.
In Osceola, call SWCC Center Coordinator at (641)342-3531 for test dates.
In Red Oak, call SWCC Center Coordinator at (712)623-2541 for test dates.

What About an Equivalency Diploma?
Upon successful completion of the GED Tests,  the Department of Education will issue a High School Equivalency Diploma to adults 18 years of age or older whose original class of entry has graduated. Cost is $5 and is included in $85 test fee.

Retest Policy
To be eligible for GED retesting, a person must enroll in an ABE/GED class to upgrade skills.  The adult must display improvement in the subject areas to be retested.  The Chief Examiner is to receive a letter stating student progress from the ABE/GED instructor or an improved GED Official Practice Test Score before an individual will be allowed to retest.  The fee is $17 per retest in writing, social studies, science, interpreting literature and the arts, or math.

Requirements Prior to Testing
17 Year Olds
Prior to admission to testing for all seventeen year olds not institutionalized and not on probationary status, the chief examiner must have written verification that:
*  Is not enrolled in a secondary school.  This non-enrolled status must be verified by the school district in which the candidate was last enrolled.  Verification may be made by (a) the school official completing a form developed by the official GED testing center, (b) an official high school transcript showing termination, or (c) a letter from the school official.
*   Has the consent of his/her parent or guardian for admission to GED testing.  This consent is not required if the candidate verifies he/she (a) is married, (b) divorced, or (c) has a dependent.

In addition to 1 & 2, at least one of the following must be presented by the GED candidate:
*  Has officially terminated from a secondary school minimally one calendar year prior to admission to testing.
*  Be referred for GED testing by an administrator of the school district in which he/she was last enrolled.
* Be enrolled in a federal or State of Iowa sponsored program for out-of-school youth and in which GED preparation and testing is an objective for the individual being referred.
* Have a request for testing from an official of a post-secondary educational institution and a statement that the applicant will be considered for enrollment on the basis of their achieving satisfactory GED test scores.
* Be referred for testing by a recruiter from a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States.
* Be referred by a job services counselor.

18 Year Olds
Eighteen year old candidates must present proof of age and non-enrollment status.