The Colorado GED

What is the Format?

The GED exam is comprised of five test areas: Language Arts - Writing; Social Studies; Science; Language Arts - Reading; and Mathematics. You will have one essay question in the Language Arts, Writing section of the GED.

How is the Exam Scored and What if I Don't Pass?

Individual test scores range from 200 (lowest) to 800 (highest.) The Colorado Department of Education (CDE), www.cde.state.co.us, states you must make at least a 410 on each of the five tests with an average score of 450 (or 2250 total points) on all five tests.

You are able to take the GED exam no more than three times a year. This is because there are only three versions of the exam, and each time you retake the test you must take a different version. Bare in mind that you don't have to retake the entire exam over, just the portions you made below the minimum score of 410 on. If you have made above the minimum score on the individual tests but still don't have the minimum total score of 2250, you can choose which test you wish to retake to bring up your total score.

Who is Eligible?

To take the GED exam, according to the CDE, www.cde.state.co.us, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a resident of Colorado (defined as having a Colorado address).
• You are at least 17 years of age or older.
• You are not enrolled in an accredited high school.
• You have not already graduated from high school or received a GED diploma.

For further information concerning eligibility requirements, exceptions, and special circumstances, contact your nearest testing center (explained below.)

How do I Register and What Does it Cost?

You need to register for the GED at your local testing center. The following CDE link provides you with a list of official Colorado testing center locations and contact information: www.cde.state.co.us/cdeadult/GEDindex.htm. Find the heading 'Where are the GED Tests offered?' and choose whether you want to search by county or city.

When you actually register for the exam, you will need to bring at least two items:

1. A current photo ID that has your name, address, date of birth, and signature.
2. A payment for the testing center fee.

Every testing center sets its own rate for registering and taking the GED exam. In addition to calling about your eligibility requirements, ask how much they charge and what form of payment is acceptable.

How do I Prepare?

Preparing independently or attending preparation classes are the two major ways to prepare for the GED. To prepare independently, visit your local library and use the GED preparation materials they have available. Otherwise, you can either purchase your own study materials or you can go online and take practice tests.

If you decide to take a preparation class, CDE provides the following link, which lists locations and contact information about preparation classes: www.cde.state.co.us/cdeadult/GEDprepsites.htm.