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

MADISON, Wis., Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential and basic technology skills, Wisconsin is partnering with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. Online registration and scheduling will be available to test-takers in select areas. Testing began on August 21, 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. We are so pleased that Wisconsin is our partner in this important endeavor."

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 scheduling and registration that is available 24/7
• More testing flexibility for test-takers: They can choose when and where to take their test
• Instant unofficial score reports: Faster results mean adults can apply for jobs or immediately begin studying if they need to retake a subject area
• Enhanced test security

"Wisconsin is excited to launch the first two of 76 sites that will be offering computer-based testing for the GED test," said State Superintendent Tony Evers. "Wisconsin's technical colleges and community-based organizations are partners with us to help those who have not graduated from high school gain a GED credential or other credential. For many, this is their first step to family-supporting jobs or further education."

Wisconsin's GED program will be fully functional with computer-based tests by Fall 2013. As Wisconsin's elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Evers administers the GED test and High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) program. The state issues just under 9,000 high school completion credentials a year to adults; about 76 percent are based on completion of the five GED tests. 

According to state GED program leadership, the computerized test is initially being offered in two locations before it is expanded across the state. The testing centers offering computer-based testing are located at:

• Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids
• Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay

Since the national launch in January, more than 9,000 computerized GED tests have been delivered in at least 23 states and test-takers have taken advantage of the new benefits. "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 GED test on computer. GED Testing Service expects more than half of all 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 and pencil. 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. In Wisconsin, adults interested in the GED testing or HSED programs should visit http://www.dpi.wi.gov/ged_hsed/index.html

Additional resources

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 statistics 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).

GED^® and GED Testing Service^® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education ("ACE"). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED^® and GED Testing Service^® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education. 

SOURCE GED Testing Service