GED Test Changes Format

Story by Carizma Barrera, Reporter
Photos by Clarissa Peereboom, Photo Editor

The General Educational Development test (GED) will switch from paper to a completely computerized format in January 2014.

“Students will have to be familiar with typing and be able to perform drag and drop functions with a mouse to take the new test,” ACC Executive Director of Adult Education David Borden said. “A lot of the GED students sometimes struggle with using computers and may not have them at home.”

The change also has some students concerned, because portions of the test they have already taken will expire on December 31. The test is made up of five sections — reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Students who do not complete all five parts by the December deadline will have to retake the entire test.

Because ACC only offers the test by appointment in the testing centers at the Round Rock Campus and Highland Business Center, Borden said students should make appointments early to avoid possible backlogs.

ACC adult education students Jeremy Jackson and Medaly Flores are working toward finishing the test this year.

Jackson, who plans to study computer technology when he completes the GED test, said he is not nervous about taking it because the adult education program has been helpful with finding study materials and filling out forms.

Flores plans to take the test by the end of March and is considering a career in the medical field. She said she’s concerned about the math portion of the test but is confident in the instruction she is receiving at ACC.

Katie Sanders, a student in ACC’s paramedic program, received her GED certificate last year. She encourages students in the process of taking the test to complete it by the end of the year.

“Just stick with it because when you get those scores, it’s so worth it,” she said. “Having that GED opens up so many doors for you.”