Adults who've begun work toward their GED need to finish before the end of the year. On January 1, 2014 the test for a high school equivalency diploma changes and anyone who has not completed all five parts of the current GED test will have all of their scores expire and they will have to start all over again.
GED Testing Service will introduce a new version of the test, given nationwide, on Jan. 1, 2014. Developers say the first major changes since 2002 will align the test with the new Common Core curricula adopted by most states to increase college and career readiness. It also will shift test-taking from pencil and paper to computer. Instead of five sections, the test will be re-aligned into four: reasoning through language arts, mathematical reasoning, science and social studies. The current stand-alone essay section will be incorporated into writing assignments within the language arts and social studies sections
There is also financial incentive to complete the GED this year. At $120, the computer-based version is double the cost of the current test. Nebraska subsidizes some of the expense but the student share is expected to increase.
About 700,000 people take the GED exam yearly in the United States and about 72 percent pass and earn their states' high school equivalency diploma.
If you do not have a high school diploma, you should consider earning a GED. By passing the GED test and getting the diploma can lead to a better paying job, higher wages, and more opportunities. The Nebraska Department of Education lists the following eligibility requirements for taking the GED exam:
- 18 years of age or older
- Resident of Nebraska for at least 30 days prior to applying
- Unable to get a diploma from the last school attended, or
- It has been one year since your class graduated from high school
While each test is scored individually and are worth between 200 and 800, you must earn a cumulative score of 2250 to pass the GED exam. Any test that scores below 410 will automatically be failed and you will have to retake it before you will be awarded your diploma.
In Nebraska, there is a 60 day waiting period between retakes. You can bypass the waiting period if you can furnish proof that you have studied for the test. For example, taking a GED prep course and submitting the transcript for the class may be enough to earn a waiver for the waiting period.
