New GED Test And Comprehensive GED Program Launches Today

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated revamp of the GED testing program launched today, January 2, with the release of the new test. GED Testing Service, developer of the new test, says that adult learners have already embraced the new program. More than 26,000 students have either registered for the test or signed up for MyGED between November 30 and January 1.

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"This is a momentous day for adult education, and most importantly for adult learners who need the new 2014 GED program to be ready for jobs that will support them and their families," said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. "In states such as Florida, Colorado, New Mexico—and several others—almost 80% of all jobs now require education and training beyond a high school/GED credential. The old GED test and high school equivalency was not enough for most adults, and this new program will help prepare them to enter the college and career programs they desperately need."

The new 2014 GED program will include several new features that haven't been available in the past, and are unique to the program. A few of the new features include:

• The only test that measures both high school equivalency and fully aligned with state and national college and career readiness standards.
• A highly prescriptive practice test and score report with detailed information about weaknesses and links to specific study materials for remediation.
• A more flexible system that allows adults to schedule and pay for tests one at a time, and test at more convenient times and locations.
• A free retake program to lower financial hurdles, and encourage adults to pass the test.
• A one-stop website with personalized study plans, skills assessment, career information, college and financial aid information, and more.
• A computer-based test to ensure adults have basic computer skills essential to succeed in college and jobs.

The new GED test is the cornerstone of the 2014 program. It was developed from the ground up to measure high school equivalency, and to provide information about a test-taker's college and career readiness. The test will focus on measuring higher level critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and is the only test fully aligned to state and national college and career readiness standards. The score report for the new test provides detailed feedback on more than 100 knowledge and skill points, which GED Testing Service says is essential for educators, employers and colleges to better understand a person's strengths and weaknesses. Numerous stakeholders representing adult education, higher education, K-12, workforce groups, employers, and others provided input on development of the new GED test.

According to GED Testing Service, only 12 percent of GED grads gained additional education credentials in the past, and that low number is a reason for building the new comprehensive program. They also point out that the new system was built from the ground up in order to be centered on the test-taker, not the testing process that they say hasn't changed much in 70 years.

Despite having just launched the new program, Trask says that GED Testing Service's job isn't finished. "We're only getting started. We'll be constantly improving and reinvesting resources back into the program. For example, we already have plans to add more local and job-skills related resources to MyGED, and we are working with officials in every state to add even more testing locations that are convenient to adults—even in places like their local library."

To get started, or to find information about the 2014 GED program, visit GED.com.

Download the fact sheet for more information about the 2014 GED program.

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 the American Council on Education and Pearson.

SOURCE GED Testing Service