The GED/HSED is a battery of tests in General Educational Development. Successful completion of the GED tests and demonstrating competencies in Civic Literacy, Health, and Employability Skills qualifies a person for a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) . Completing only the GED test qualifies an individual for a General Educational Development Certificate. This is NOT the same as High School Equivalency. All individuals are encouraged to attain a High School Equivalency Diploma.
The GED test contains five parts or sub-tests. All tests are multiple choice except for an essay test. Following are the descriptions of the five GED tests:
THE GED TESTS
| |
Tests |
Minutes |
Questions |
Content/Percentages |
| 1.) |
Language Arts - Writing
Part 1: Editing (multiple choice)
Part II: The Essay |
75
45 |
50
1 topic: Approx. 250 words |
Organization 15%
Sentence Structure 30%
Usage 30%
Mechanics 25% |
| 2.) |
Language Arts, Reading |
65 |
40 |
Literacy Text 75%
- Poetry 15%
- Drama 15%
- Fiction 45%
Nonfiction 25%
- Informational Test
- Literacy Nonfiction
- Reviews of Fine and Performing Arts
|
| 3.) |
Mathematics
Part I: Calculator*
Part II: No Calculator |
45
45 |
25
25 |
Number Operations and Number Sense 20-30%
Measurement and Geometry 20-30%
Data analysis, Statistics, and Probability 20-30% Algebra, Functions, and Patterns 20-30% |
| * All candidates will use a Casio fx-260 solar calculator. You may learn how to use the Casio fx-260 calculator at any of our Learning Centers. You must know how to use this calculator prior to testing. The phone numbers of all our Learning Centers are on this website under ASD Division. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING A CALCULATOR TO THE TEST; THE EXAMINER WILL GIVE YOU THE CASIO fx-260 CALCULATOR TO USE. |
| 4.) |
Science |
80 |
80 |
Earth and Space Science 20%
Life Science 45%
Physical Science 35%(Physics and Chemistry) |
| 5.) |
Social Studies |
70 |
50 |
World History 15%
U.S. History 25%
Civics and Government 25%
Economics 20%
Geography 15% |
In addition to these content areas, you will be asked to answer items based on work - and consumer-related texts across all five tests. These do not require any specialized knowledge, but will ask you to draw upon your own observations and life experiences.
The Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, and Science Tests will ask you to answer questions by interpreting reading passages, diagrams, charts and graphs, maps, cartoons and practical and historical documents.
The Language Arts, Writing Test will ask you to detect and correct common errors in edited American English as well as decide on the most effective organization of text. The Essay portion of the Writing Test will ask you to write an essay offering your opinion or an explanation on a single topic of general knowledge.
The Mathematics Test will ask you to solve a variety of work problems, many with graphics, using basic computation, analytical, and reasoning skills.
Spanish versions of the 5 GED Tests are available at Central Campus.
HSED Components:
Health
There are three ways this requirement can be fulfilled: by successfully completing 0.5 high school credit in health while the individual was enrolled in school (7th to 12th grade); by successfully completing a health course that has been approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction; or by receiving a passing score on a health test that has been approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and administered at a GED/HSED test center.
Civic Literacy
There are three ways this requirement can be fulfilled: by successfully completing three high school credits in social studies while the individual was enrolled in school (9th to 12th grade); by successfully completing a citizenship course that has been approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction; or by receiving a passing score on a civics test that has been approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and administered at a GED/HSED test center.
Employability Skills
Applicants who attended high school may have successfully completed instruction in employability skills and/or career awareness. Employability skills may also be attained through participation in job clubs or employability skills classes given by such organizations as Job Service, OIC, etc. A letter from these organizations verifying participation in such programs and attainment of skills is needed for your records at BTC. Individuals also have the option of studying at home from the book, "How To Get A Job Guide," which will automatically be sent to you when you have completed all other HSED requirements. After studying this booklet, call Terese Tann at (608) 757-7734 or 1-800-498-1282, ext. 7734 to have an employability examination time arranged. All individuals must have a résumé on file at BTC to complete the employability skills competency. You may bring your résumé to the employability exam or arrange to send it to Amy Mills, Room 2102, Central Campus.
If you are taking the HSED tests, you will be sent health, civics, employability and résumé study booklets along with an informational letter after you have successfully completed the five GED battery tests. If you have already completed any of the three additional HSED requirements, do not send verification to us until you have completed at least one GED/HSED test.