Open to the public: This test is open to anyone wanting to complete their GED.
GED testing at Tacoma Community College is available through the Certification & Testing Center in Bldg. 6 by appointment only. Call 253.566.5020 to schedule your test. The option of taking all 5 tests in 1 day is available at this center.
All reservations must be made 48 hours before testing, and paperwork must be completed 48 hours before testing. It will take at least 2 weeks to receive all test scores.
What is the GED Test?
GED stands for General Educational Development. It is a series of 5 tests that measure achievement in 5 major areas of high school education. When people pass all 5 GED tests and receive a GED certificate, it indicates they have knowledge and skills equivalent to high school graduates.
What forms are available?
We have English, Spanish, and large print versions of the GED available at TCC. Let us know in advance if you need the Spanish or large print editions of the test. Call the Certification & Testing Center for more information: 253.566.5020.
If you have a physical or learning disability that requires special testing accommodations, you must request these in advance using special forms and provide documentation from your doctor. The approval process for special accommodations must go through the state GED office in Olympia and can take several weeks, so contact the Certification & Testing Center well in advance of the date you want to test.
What can you use the GED for?
When you fill out applications for jobs or educational programs, you can list your GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. In fact, most employers and colleges, including TCC, accept GED certificates. Some colleges and professions will require higher scores than the minimum passing scores. The testing office has more information.
What is on the GED test?
- Writing 50 items plus essay: 2 hours
- Mathematics* 50 items: 1 hour, 30 minutes (2 parts)
- Social Studies 50 items: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Science 50 items: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Reading 40 items: 1 hour, 5 minutes
*The Math test has 2 parts. On part 1 you may use a calculator that will be provided; on part 2 you must solve problems with only a pencil and scratch paper. You may not use your own calculator.
Who can take the GED test?
- You may take the GED test if you have not graduated from high school and are 19 years of age or older.
- If you are 16 to 18 years old, and a resident of Washington, you will need to get a “Request for Approval to Test General Educational Development Certificate” signed by your local high school official. If home schooled, students need a notarized statement from a parent.
- Those age 15 or under are not eligible to take the GED in Washington.
What does it cost?
The fee is $150 and covers all 5 sub-tests. This fee is non-refundable once you have gone through the registration process. You must pay $30 for each retest, if retests are necessary.
Where do you pay the fee?
The test fees are paid at the cashier's office, located in Bldg. 14, or online. Pay the fee in advance of coming in to do the registration process in Bldg. 6 Certification & Testing Center. You must provide a receipt or online ID at registration. Walk-in testing is not allowed. Pre-registration is mandatory.
What do you need to bring?
- Bring your photo I.D. to each test.
- The calculator for the math test is provided by the Certification & Testing Center. DO NOT bring your own calculator.
- Once the test has started no one may leave the room.
What is acceptable identification?
The GED Testing Service requires that you verify your identity with a government issued photo I. D. (such as a driver's license, passport, military ID or official state ID).
- I.D. cards from high schools are not acceptable.
- All I.D. cards must contain 5 elements: your name, photo, date of birth, current address and signature.
- If your ID does not contain your current address, bring in another document or piece of mail showing your current address.
The required Registration Session: what happens?
- You must complete Registration at least 48 hours before a testing.
- Registration is done in the Certification & Testing Center in Bldg. 6 during operating hours: Monday thru Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- The paperwork takes about 30 minutes.
- Pay the $150 testing fee at the Cashier's office in Bldg. 14 and bring the receipt or online ID number with picture ID and if 18 or under your release from the high school in the district you live.
- The Certification & Testing Center staff will collect your receipt for the testing fee, verify your ID, confirm your age, and for 16, 17 and 18 year-olds, collect your “Request for Approval to Test General Educational Development Certificate” or your notarized statement from a parent, if homeschooled.
- Before registration begins you will fill out several forms.
- During the registration session you will complete a Demographic form and be given other information about the testing.
- You need to bring your photo identification before we can give you the GED test. (You must bring the photo ID to every testing session.)
When and where can you take the test?
All tests are given in the Certification & Testing Center in Bldg. 6. Please arrive 10 minutes before the test to check in and show your ID.
How do you make an appointment?
- You must register in advance for a testing session: 253.566.5020
- Appointments MUST be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- We cannot register people on the day of the test.
Can you test without an appointment?
- No. The staff needs time to set up your testing material and give you the proper test book.
Suppose you started at another GED Testing Center?
- Call us in advance if you have started the testing process at another test center, in Washington or in another state.
- If you started in at another test center in Washington you will need to pay TCC's local fees (currently $30 per test).
- If you started in another state, you MUST bring us an official score report of tests from that state and pay the fees listed above.
Testing Sessions: What happens?
At each testing session a Testing staff member will check your ID, hand out materials, read directions, and start the test.
During the test, you may not take any breaks!
You may leave early if you finish before the time limit is up.
If you are staying for another test, you will need to return approximately 10 minutes before the start of your next exam.
How do you get score results?
You may come into the office with picture ID and receive your scores. If you wish to have any other person to have accessibility to your scores you must list them on the release form and they must have picture ID to get your scores.
The Writing essay is sent to out-of-state readers for scoring and it takes approximately 2 weeks to get your scores.
We cannot give scores out over the phone.
What are passing scores?
The GED sub-tests use a Standard Score that ranges from 200 to 800. The passing score for each sub-test is 410. In order to pass the GED and receive a certificate, your overall average for the 5 sub-tests must be at least 450.
What if you fail one of the tests?
If you fail a test, you may retake it using a different form. We have 3 forms of each sub-test available each year. Re-tests after a failed test cost $30 each. You should study before you test again, perhaps at a GED preparation classes offered by TCC’s Adult Basic Education Staff or the new GED online option.
What if I passed, but want a higher score
People who have earned their GED may retest to earn higher scores if required to meet an admission requirement for post secondary education or training or to meet employment conditions. A letter from the institution or employer will be required and a fee will be charged to retest.
How can you prepare for the GED tests?
You can attend GED preparation classes to help you get ready to take the GED tests. To get started, you must first take the CASAS evaluator in the Assessment Testing office during regular testing times. Once you have taken the CASAS assessment, the Adult Learning Center will call you for a new student orientation. New student orientations are held at the end of each quarter. Students will begin classes the following quarter. If space is available, a second orientation will be held during the second or third week of the quarter. Contact Transitional Studies for prep classes: 253.566.5144.
The Official GED Practice Test
You may also take the Official GED Practice Test before you take the GED. By taking this test, you can find out quickly which tests you are ready to take and which subject areas you may need to study before testing. Students currently enrolled in the GED program may take the test with a recommendation from the instructor.
If you are not currently enrolled in the GED program at TCC, you may take the practice GED in any of the 5 subject area tests for $5 per test. Please call ABE for more information at 253.566.5144.
