Success On The GED Test Is Now Just Clicks Away In Kentucky

FRANKFURT, Ky., Aug. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential and basic technology skills, Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE) is partnering with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. Online registration and scheduling is now available and testing will begin on August 20, 2012.

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"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 helps adults demonstrate necessary basic technology skills and makes their testing process easier and more efficient."

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 number scheduling and registration that is available 24/7
• More testing flexibility for test-takers: They can chose when and where to take their test
• 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

Dr. Jacqueline Korengel, GED Administrator of Kentucky Adult Education, states, "We hope that adding computer-based testing will provide a second option for Kentucky test-takers to take the GED test and help move us toward the technology needed for the new version of the test scheduled for release in 2014."

The computerized test will initially be offered in three locations before it is eventually expanded across the state. The locations that will offer the GED test on computer are:

• Owensboro Community and Technical College, 1501 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY
• Somerset Community College, 808 Monticello Street, Somerset, KY
• Gateway Community and Technical College, 500 Technology Way, Florence, KY

The computer-based test fees are $24 for each content area or $120 for the complete test. The first 60 test-takers in Kentucky can take the computerized test for $60 at one of three official GED Testing Centers. In order to receive a $60 off coupon, test-takers must first receive test-readiness certification through their local adult education center. The paper-and-pencil version of the GED test will continue to be available for $60 through the end of 2013.

"The computer test was easy to use and the instant score report helped motivate me to finish the rest of the sections," said Eric Martinez, who was one of the first individuals in Nebraska to take the computerized test. Since the launch of computer testing in January, more than 8,200 computerized GED tests have been delivered in 21 states and test-takers have taken advantage of the new benefits. GED Testing Service expects more than 27 states to offer the test on computer by the end of the year.

The GED test on computer is the same test currently offered on paper. Whether a candidate takes the test on paper or computer, it must be taken in person at an official GED testing center.  The GED test is never offered online.

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. 

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

Additional resources

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

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

Web pages to help identify and report possible testing scams
www.GEDtestingservice.com/fraud

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

About GED Testing Service
GED Testing Service^® is a joint venture between Pearson and the American Council on Education (ACE). This business will drive the future direction, design, and delivery of the GED^® testing program. Building on the goals of the GED 21st Century Initiative™, the two organizations are combining their collective expertise and resources to develop a new GED^® test aligned with emerging national and state standards that will assure colleges, universities and prospective employers that adults who have passed the GED^® test are prepared to enter the workforce and college education and training programs. Nearly 800,000 GED^® tests are taken each year, and in 2010, more than 470,000 individuals were awarded their high school credential through the GED^® testing program.

SOURCE GED Testing Service