Nearly Half Of States Now Offer The GED Test On Computer

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GED Testing Service announced that nearly half of all states are now offering the GED test on computer. The test is moving to computer to meet the demands of the changing workplace and better prepare adult learners for the competitive job market and entry into college and career training programs.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120322/PH74825LOGO )

"As society integrates technology into almost every facet of life, and the job market continues to be shaped by technology, adults will need basic technology skills to be successful," said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. "Moving the GED test to computer not only helps adults demonstrate necessary basic technology skills, but also provides adults an array of new services to make their testing process easier and more efficient."

Today adult learners must navigate a complex and sometimes difficult process to schedule and take the GED test. The testing process can be different in each state, and sometimes even within the same state. This can include different scheduling and registration processes, different testing center hours, testing times that are set by proctors' schedules or when a quota of test-takers are ready to test, varying state testing fees and test results that may take up to eight weeks to process in some states.

Several new services will streamline the testing process and benefit adult learners who often need to move very quickly into jobs or training programs. These benefits include:

• Online and toll-free phone scheduling and registration that is available 24/7
• More testing flexibility for test-takers: They can chose when, where and what order to take their test based on their lives and their schedules
• Instant unofficial score reports: Less waiting means adults can apply for jobs or immediately begin studying if they need to retake a subject area
• Enhanced test security

"Even before adults begin to use technology skills to perform jobs, positions with the 10 largest U.S. employers* such as Walmart, IBM, UPS, McDonald's, Target, etc. will start with an online job application**," said Trask. "We also know that most certificate and credentialing programs our grads will use next – such as pharmacy technician certification, college placement exams, training programs, and others – require similar computer skills."

Since the launch in January, more than 8,700 computerized GED tests have been delivered and test-takers have taken advantage of the new benefits. "The computer test was easy to use and the instant score report helped build my motivation to finish the rest of the sections," said Eric Martinez, who was one of the first individuals in Nebraska to take the GED test on computer.

States currently offering the GED test on computer are preparing for the new 2014 GED test, which will only be available on computer. Offering the test on computer before January 2014 allows testing centers to become familiar with the new system and better prepare test-takers.

Currently 22 states offer the GED test on computer at authorized testing centers. The GED test on computer is the same test that is currently offered on paper and pencil. Test-takers must take the GED test – whether on paper or computer – in person at an official GED testing center.  The GED test is never offered online.

States offering the GED test on computer are:

• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Not only have test-takers enjoyed the new benefits, but those who run GED testing centers have also noticed positive changes. "GED testing on computer provides a much more streamlined process for testing centers," said Brian Legate, Chief Examiner at St. Charles Community College in St. Louis, MO. "I'm able to spend less time on manual processes, which gives me more time to help test-takers understand their testing journey."

For adults interested in taking the GED test on computer or to learn more about GED testing on computer, please visit www.GEDtestingservice.com.

*24/7 Wall St. (April, 2011). http://247wallst.com/2011/04/24/americas-ten-largest-employers.
** GED Testing Service Online Research. (June, 2012).

Additional resources
Video short – The Alex Experience: GED testing on computer 
www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/videos

Video short – Great Things in Motion; Why the GED testing program is changing
www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/great-things

Video short – The GED test is not online
www.GEDtestingservice.com/notonline

State-specific statics can be found on our website
www.gedtestingservice.com/educators/historical-testing-data

About GED Testing Service
The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma. GED Testing Service is a joint venture between Pearson and the American Council on Education (ACE).

SOURCE GED Testing Service