GED Information Page

GED and CHSPI Test Information

If you would like me to coach you through it and receive tutoring and instruction along the way, contact me at plutke5@yahoo.com or call 805-640-1812.If you would like to go directly to the GED Preparation Guideclick here.

GED - The tests of General Education Development are used to measure the academic knowledge acquired by persons who, for one reason or another, have not completed a traditional high school curriculum. Some students may face certain hardships that prevent them from completing high school, others may choose to drop out. Whatever the reason for not completing a regular high school tract, most students discover that a high school diploma is essential for obtaining a long-term career.

GED tests allow people to obtain a high school diploma by taking and passing a multi-part test. The GED consists of a series of five tests: Science, Social Studies, Language Arts Reading, Math, and Language Arts Writing. To pass the tests you must score better than approximately 40% of the high school graduating seniors who took the same test. If you pass you earn a credential from your state. In most states you are granted a high school diploma when you pass the GED. Some states and jurisdictions require that students pass additional tests, such as an English proficiency exam or civics test. See the format and outline of the GED and the CHSPE tests below.

In addition to English, the GED tests are available in Spanish, French, large print, audiocassette, and braille. Tests and test preparation are routinely offered in prisons and on military bases in addition to more traditional settings. Individuals living outside the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories may be eligible to take the GED Tests through private testing companies.

Visit the Official GED website- http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=GEDTS

Look over the GED Fact Sheet
http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsServices/GEDTS/GED_...

Read this article comparing a GED and a regular high school diploma http://www.educationbug.org/a/ged-vs--high-school-diploma.html

Try this quiz about the GED Test
http://www.geocities.com/multiplicationfacts/What_is_a_GED_file.htm

How did you do? Any surprises? Email your comments to plutke5@yahoo.com

Format of the GED Test
Adapted from: GED (General Educational Development)
The GED (General Educational Development) Tests are standardized to cover the range of knowledge and ability that graduating high school seniors are supposed to have in a variety of subjects.

The GED consists of the following sections:

Language Arts, Writing
Part I: Multiple Choice,50 Questions,75 Minutes
Part II: Essay 1 Essay 45 Minutes

Social Studies 50 Questions,70 Minutes

Science 50 Questions,80 Minutes

Language Arts, Reading 40 Questions, 65 Minutes

Mathematics
Part I (with calculator) 25 Questions,45 Minutes
Part II (without calculator)25 Questions, 45 Minutes

Each test is scored from 200 to 800 (standard score) and a percentile rank of 1 to 99 is also given. A standard score of 410 on each individual test and an average score of 450 for the complete test battery is the minimum passing standard set by the GED Testing Service.

Each state or jurisdiction may establish its own standards for passing the tests, which are the same as or higher than the national standards. Be sure to check the current policies in your state.

A passing score varies from state to state. Generally, you must correctly answer 50% to 60% to pass. Remember, no one is expected to answer all the questions correctly.

Reference *Jerry Bobrow, Ph.D. GED (General Educational Development). 12 Aug 2009

For more information go to GED Office: GEDoffic@cde.ca.gov 916-445-9438

Frequently asked questions regarding CA GED:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedfaq.asp

GED for Free – Information and Resources:
http://www.gedforfree.com/index.html

A good summary site with links:
HTTP://WWW.GEDPREPINFO.COM/

Practice Exam Site… many types
http://www.testprepreview.com/cahsee_practice.htm

CHSPE- The California High School Proficiency Exam awards qualified candidates with the equivalent of a high school diploma. The CHSPE, given only in English, evaluates your proficiency in basic math, writing, and reading. The total exam is 3-1/2 hours long and is divided into two sections:

I English-language Arts: Further divided into two subtests

  • Language: 48 multiple-choice questions,
    plus one persuasive essay
  • Reading: 30 vocabulary questions, 54
    multiple-choice questions on reading
    comprehension

II Mathematics: 50 multiple-choice questions

Details:
The test starts at exactly 8:00 a.m. — if you arrive after that, you won't be allowed to take the test; you'll be counted as absent; and you won't get your money back — no refund or credit. On test day, plan to arrive well before 8:00 a.m., to allow time to sign in, get settled into your seat, and to relax for a few moments.

You must bring

  • An official photo identification such as a driver's license, high school photo ID card, passport, or U.S. military photo ID card. Previously you could bring a school yearbook along or a notarized statement with photo as ID; these are no longer acceptable.
  • Your admission ticket
  • A few No. 2 pencils, sharpened and with erasers
  • A basic calculator (optional). Not all calculators are acceptable, so check with the CHSPE for details.

If you have any questions, call the CHSPE toll-free at (866) 342-4773

Reference *CliffsNotes.com. CHSPE Test Prep: Study, Exam Basics. 12 Aug 2009

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How Can I Prepare for the GED and/or CHSPE Tests?

GED prep materials are available online, at public libraries and can be purchased at most local bookstores. Official testing centers listed on this Web site also have preparation programs available without charge; however, if they do not, staff at the testing site should be able to provide you with a referral to a preparation program.

Most adult schools in California and other states offer GED preparation classes as well. For information on adult school programs in your area, contact your local school district office, or do an on-line search.
To assist you in preparing on your own follow this suggested study format.

If you would like me to coach you through it and receive tutoring and instruction along the way, contact me at plutke5@yahoo.com or call 805-640-1812.