GED Testing Policies

Congratulations on taking the step toward obtaining your General Equivalency Diploma, more commonly known as the GED. In order to make this process as easy as possible for you and the Testing Center staff, please read and follow the requirements for testing listed below.

The GED is a nationwide examination, but some rules and requirements vary from state to state. Our policies and rules are all in accordance with national rules and those established for the State of Iowa by the GED Chief Examiner.

If you have questions regarding any of the procedures or requirements, please call 800.726.2585, ext. 5142 in advance of your scheduled exam.

We appreciate your compliance with our policies and look forward to serving you!

What do I need to bring with me to the Testing Center?
What if I have a learning or physical disability?
Where may I do final GED testing?
What academic areas are covered in the GED test?
What are the rules of the Testing Center?
How do I know when I've passed?

What do I need to bring with me to the Testing Center?

Practice test scores no older than 3 months and at least a 500 per test for math, social studies, writing and reading; 490 for science; form must be signed by the GED instructor.
Payment of $15 per test in cash or money order. This fee must be paid before a student will be allowed to test.
A $15 retest fee must be paid in cash or with a money order prior to retesting.
A government-issued photo ID is required before a student will be allowed to test. A driver's license, passport, military ID or other forms of government identification are acceptable.
A drop slip from the last high school attended is required for all 16-, 17- and 18-year-old students.
A parental consent form is required for all 16- and 17-year-old students.
16-year-old students are only allowed to test with a court order mandating completion of his/her high school diploma or equivalency.

What if I have a learning or physical disability?

Talk with your GED instructor about your concerns. He or she can give you a "Request for Special Accommodations" form.

Complete and submit the form as early as possible to the Testing Center, since it generally takes 4-6 weeks to receive approval. All requests must be submitted in writing to the Iowa Department of Education.

Data can be accessed from:

Area Education Agencies (if you were enrolled in a special education program while in high school)
Local school districts (if you were enrolled in a special education program while in high school)
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (if you have been or are applying to become a client of that agency)
Private physician and/or mental health specialist (psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.)

If recent test data does not exist:

GEDTS requires standardized intellectual and academic testing to verify a learning disability.
If you do not have standardized test scores or other documenation to provide, you will need to obtain test scores and documentation. The Iowa Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, local mental health providers, or a family physician may be able to provide testing or refer you to another agency for testing.

Accommodations cannot be provided without written documentation and prior approval from the Iowa Chief Examiner's office.

Where may I do final GED testing?

Final GED testing is available at the following sites by appointment only:

IHCC Ottumwa campus Testing Center, Trustee Hall - Tuesday 2:00 - 9:00 p.m., Wednesday 7:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Thursday 7:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
IHCC Centerville campus, SUCCESS Center - by appointment only*
Davis County Service Center, Bloomfield *
IHCC/William Penn Service Center, Oskaloosa *
Jefferson County Service Center, Fairfield *
Keokuk County Service Center, Sigourney *
Lucas County Service Center, Chariton *
Monroe County Service Center, Albia *
Van Buren County Service Center, Keosauqua *
Wayne County Service Center, Corydon *

*please call 800.726.2585, ext. 5142 to set up an apppointment at these sites.

What academic areas are covered in the GED test?

There are five areas in the GED test:

Writing - 120-minute time limit - There are two parts to this test. Part 1 is multiple choice and Part 2 is written essay. The essay is sent to Utah to be scored and generally takes 24 hours before scores are returned to the IHCC Testing Center. Once the essay is scored, it is merged with the multiple-choice score to create one writing score.
Reading - 65-minute time limit
Mathematics - 90-minute time limit - There are two parts to this test. In Part 1, you will have access to a calculator that is provided by the Testing Center. You will have 45 minutes in which to use the calculator. At the end of 45 minutes, the calculator is removed and you will receive Part 2 of the test.
Science - 80-minute time limit
Social Studies - 70-minute time limit

What are the rules of the Testing Center?

A student will have two years from the date of the first test to complete his or her GED. Students who do not complete all five tests in the two-year time period will need to request an extension.
All coats, hats, purses, backpacks, electronic devices (including cell phones), etc. are to be removed and put in a designated locker before testing begins.
Only the test booklet, answer sheet, and materials (calculator, scratch paper, etc.) given to the student by the proctor are to be on the table.
Students may not leave the testing room until a test has been completed and returned to the proctor for scoring. If a student needs to leave the room during a test for an emergency, the student will not be permitted to finish the test and the test will be scored "as is." All breaks for refreshments, restroom, etc. must be taken prior to beginning the exam.
During testing, the use of reference materials, such as dictionaries, is not allowed. This is to ensure that everyone is tested fairly under the same conditions. A student cannot use any notes, books, or scratch paper that he/she has brought with him/her.

How do I know when I've passed?

You must have a minimum score of 410 on each test to pass and a total of 2,250 points for all five tests.

Once you have passed all five tests, you will receive a transcript. The transcript can be used for admission to college or verification of high school equivalency completion to an employer.

Once you turn 18, a diploma will be issued to you. The diploma fee is included as part of your testing fee. It is imperative that we have an accurate address so that we may send the diploma to the proper recipient at the correct address. Diplomas are issued the second week of each month.

***

The Testing Center offices are located in Trustee Hall on the Ottumwa campus. Contact the staff at:

603 Indian Hills Drive, Building 15
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
641.683.5142 or 800.726.2585, ext. 5142
testing_center@indianhills.edu

On the Centerville campus, contact:

SUCCESS Center
721 North First St.
Centerville, Iowa 52544
800.670.3641, ext. 2214