What are the new GED Tests?

Tests of General Educational Development (GED_®)

What are the new GED Tests?
(2002)

The GED tests are designed to measure the outcomes of a four-year program of secondary school education in the United States and Canada. Developed by committees of professional educators and test specialists in each subject area, the GED Tests are administered to graduating high school seniors to establish the passing standard. Individual states, provinces and territories may set a passing standard higher than, but not lower than, the mark established by the GED Testing Service.

A new series of GED Tests were introduced on January 1, 2002. Because this is a completely new test, the GED Testing Service will not permit previous scores to be counted or combined with scores earned on the 2002 series of tests. Effective January 1, 2002, persons who had not yet passed the five tests must take the entire battery of the new 2002 GED Tests. The 2002-series GED will continue to follow the original purpose of providing a basis for awarding a high school credential to adults who have not graduated from traditional high school.

The 2002-series GED Tests reflect the most up-to-date, widely used secondary school curriculum standards and standardized assessment practices available. The tests feature major changes and reflect the impact of welfare-to-work legislation and the increased emphasis on academic standards in the K-12 community.
Most test questions require the understanding of broad concepts and generalizations, rather than the ability to recall facts, details or precise definitions.
GED Tests use practical and realistic settings that adults will recognize, relevant to adults' lives.
The 2002-series tests will cover the core academic areas of language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics.
The five tests of the 2002-series, covering four content areas, are: (1) Language Arts, Writing (Part I-multiple choice and Part II-essay); (2) Social Studies; (3) Science; (4) Language Arts, Reading; and (5) Mathematics.
The total test time is 7 hours and 25 minutes administered over a two-day period.

1. Language Arts, Writing	120 minutes (75 minutes for Part I-multiple choice and 45 minutes for Part II-essay)
2. Social Studies	75 minutes
3. Science	85 minutes
4. Language Arts, Reading	65 minutes
5. Mathematics	90 minutes (45 minutes for the Part I and 45 minutes for Part II-using the calculator)

Test formats vary and include multiple-choice format, alternate format items, and the 45-minute language arts essay.
The Language Arts-Writing Test will have an increased emphasis on business communications and skills needed for organized writing.
On the Language Arts-Reading Test, candidates will continue to read and interpret fiction and nonfiction, prose, poetry, and drama from a variety of cultures and time periods. Nonfiction will include one business document and one selection about visual representation.
The Mathematics Test will have two booklets: Part I permits the use of a calculator. Part II does not. Candidates must complete both parts of the test to earn a score. There will be more emphasis on data analysis and statistics.
All GED candidates will use the Casio fx-260 Solar calculator and have an opportunity to practice before testing begins. These calculators will be supplied at the testing center.
On the Social Studies Test, candidates will see more history, civics, and government questions. Also, there will be more analysis of graphics, photographs and visual information.
The Science Test focuses on the following areas: (1) earth science, including space science; (2) physical science, including physics and chemistry; and, (3) environmental and health issues.
The Spanish-language editions of the GED Tests conform to the specifications for the English language editions. The Spanish-language editions will remain the same until 2003.
The French-language editions of the GED Tests conform generally to the GED Canadian English language editions with examples and test items from French language and culture. The French-language editions will remain the same until 2003.
Persons taking the Spanish-language or French-language versions must also take the Test 6 of English Fluency in a multiple choice format. The total test time is 80 minutes.

Overview	What are the GED tests?	Eligibility	Registration
Disabilities/special testing	Passing scores	Transcript/diploma verification request	Testing centers
What are the NEW GED tests (2002)?	How to qualify for a New Jersey High School Diploma	How to prepare for the GED Tests	GED Transcript Request Form (Microsoft Word \| PDF)