GED - General Equivalency Diploma:

People who have not had the opportunity to complete their high school education may earn an Arizona High School Equivalency Diploma by successfully completing the General Education Development testing series.

The test is made up of the five sub-tests outlined below. Most questions on the GED are multiple choice but Part II of the Writing Skills Test requires you to write an essay. The questions cover a wide range of subjects:

1. Language Arts, Writing Skills Total time 2 hours (120 minutes)
1. Part I (50 questions, 75 minutes)
2. Part II (written essay on assigned topic, 45 minutes)

2. Social Studies (50 questions, 70 minutes)
   
3. Science (50 questions, 80 minutes)
   
4. Language Arts, Reading (40 questions, 65 minutes)
   
5. Mathematics, Part I (25 questions, 45 minutes): Calculator is permitted and provided by GED Testing Center. Mathematics, Part II (25 questions, 45 minutes): No Calculator allowed.

The GED Test is available in Spanish. However, requirements differ slightly from the English version. For bilingual assistance and special instructions, call (480) 461-7480.

La prueba de GED es disponible en español. Los requisitos son diferentes de la versión en ingles. Para asistencia bilingüe e instrucciones especiales favor de llamar al (480) 461-7480.

Time Frame:

You may take one or more of the sub-tests each day until all five are completed. It takes approximately six hours and twenty-five minutes to complete all five. We do not offer any way to take all five of the tests in one day. You have unlimited time to complete the five sub-tests although MCC's GED Testing Center encourages you to finish your GED within six months.

Testing Costs:

There is a $65.00 charge for the initial series of five sub-tests. Each retest in a single subject costs $10.00. We accept money orders, debit and credit card (Discover, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). Cash is accepted in the exact amount.

Time and Place:

Pre-registration for the GED test is available Monday through Thursday between 8 am and 6 pm in the Testing Center, 1833 W. Southern Avenue, Building 38-A (east end of campus), Mesa, Arizona 85202. GED testing is scheduled by appointment. Call the GED Testing Center at (480) 461-7480 if you need additional information.

Age Requirements:

You must be 18 years or older and present two forms of identification. At least one must have a photo, and at least one must show your birth date. Both must be official school or government issued, i.e.: driver's license, school ID or passport. Picture IDs may be obtained at your local Motor Vehicle Department. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may test if you provide the following:

• Written notarized permission from a parent or legal guardian, or the marriage certificate of the GED examinee.
  
• An official withdrawal statement from your last public school.
  
• Written proof of age.
  
• Photo identification.
  
• Documentation verifying home schooling (if applicable).

Preparation:

There are several aids available to prepare for the testing

• GED Handbook - available at most major bookstores for approximately $20.00 and on loan through the public libraries.
  
• MCC Community Education Department offers pretests and preparatory classes. Call (480) 461-7493 or (480) 461-7494.
  
• Mesa Public Schools Adult Education classes. Call (480) 472-0519.
  
• Tempe Union High School District classes. Call (480) 859-0292 ext. 309.
  
• Rio Salado Community College preparatory classes. (480) 517-8030.
  
• Various GED Internet web pages:
  • http://www.acenet.edu/calec/ged/intro-TT.html
    
  • http://www.GEDpractice.com
    
  • http://www.gedonline.org
  • http://www.ade.state.az.us/adult-ed/

College Entrance Requirements:

Every college and university has different entrance requirements. Verify the specific requirements for admission at the college you plan to attend. Most community colleges accept the minimum passing standard score of 450. Arizona State University (ASU) requires a standard score of 500 for admission.

Diploma:

The diploma is mailed to your home address by the Arizona Department of Education. If retesting is required, the MCC Testing Center will notify you by mail. We cannot give information over the phone concerning test applicants or scores.

Scoring and Retesting:

The number of correct answers you receive on each test is converted to a standard score. In order to pass, all individual subject standard scores must be 410 or higher. In addition, the five sub-test scores must add up to 2250 points, for an average of 450 or higher. If either of these criteria is not met, then retesting is necessary. You have unlimited time from your original completion date to complete any retesting. You may begin retesting in one or more subject areas 30 days from the completion date of your original testing series.

Please contact Kimberly Reely for comments or corrections email phone: 480-461-7480 or fax: 480-461-7483