GED Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a G.E.D. diploma?
“G.E.D.” actually stands for “General Educational Development” Corporation, a national non-profit test development agency established to assist individuals who do not meet traditional high school requirements for graduation. The “G.E.D. diploma” functions as a “general equivalency diploma” or a “substitute high school diploma.” It is earned by successfully passing five Official G.E.D. exams in Language Arts--Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts--Reading and Mathematics. It is recognized and accepted by most employers, trade schools and colleges.
2. Who “gives” the G.E.D.?
Iowa Western Community College has certified “G.E.D. Examiners” who administer the exams and keep records of your scores. Adjunct Instructors provide preparation in Council Bluffs, Missouri Valley, Harlan, Atlantic, Clarinda, and Shenandoah. Iowa Western G.E.D. instructors assist you toward success and introduce you to required background material.
3. Can I do it all on line?
Persons seeking to meet the Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma requirements should be aware of companies that claim to offer the Test of General Educational Development (GED) over the Internet or through correspondence courses. There are NO on-line or correspondence testing programs recognized by the General Educational Development Testing Service (GEDTS) of the American Council of Education (ACE). Persons can ONLY take the Official GED Test Battery at an approved Iowa GED test center. The only way to receive an Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma is to successfully pass the Official GED Test Battery by Iowa state standards. The current Iowa state standard is to achieve a minimum standard score of 410 on each of the five Official GED Test Battery subtests and an overall standard score average of 450.
Please contact the Iowa Department of Education at 515.281.3640 for further information.
4. How do I sign up for the G.E.D.?
You sign up for G.E.D. preparation at the I.W.C.C. Adult Learning Center in the Omni Center or at one of the preparation sites by first filling out a couple of simple forms with a phone number, address, Social Security number, etc and paying a $25 registation fee. You complete your registration by taking short Math and Reading tests or “screens” called CASAS to determine the level of your reading and math abilities. An instructor will also interview you briefly about your goals and educational background.
Students age 19 and under must bring an official school transcript or fill-out a request form for a transcript. Students under age 18, must return a signed parent permission form.
5. How long does it take to get a G.E.D. diploma?
All students must demonstrate that they are prepared to take and pass the GED tests. This is done by taking practice tests and earning target scores. A student who has mastered the knowledge to test successfully usually needs at least 3-4 weeks to register, practice test and complete the five Official G.E.D. Exams. We cannot predict how much time you will need in preparation prior to testing because the amount of time each student spends for successful review work varies considerably. Your success depends on your learning abilities, your study habits, your motivation and how consistently you attend class.
6. When and where are the tests offered?
Exams are offered year-round in Council Bluffs, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Atlantic and Harlan. Days and times at these testing sites vary, so contact the IWCC Campus Coordinator nearest you for testing times. In Council Bluffs, contact the Adult Learning Center in the Omni Center Mall, 300 West Broadway, Suite 12, (712) 325-3266.
7. How much does the GED cost? Is money all I need to bring before testing?
You will need to pay a $25 registration fee at the time you register for GED class. When you are ready to begin actual GED testing you will pay the $100 testing fee. At the time of your first test, you will need the test fee, test permission slip, and a valid government issue picture ID. You will need a slip for each of the five exams.
8. What is a passing score?
450 (out of 800) is a passing score. A score in the 410-440 range counts however, extra point are needed on one or more tests to maintain the passing average of 450.
9. What if I fail to “pass” an Official G.E.D. Exam?
Unfortunately, if you score less than 410 points you must retake the exam—regardless of earned extra points. You will need to prepare for the retest and a $5 retest fee will be due at the time of testing.
10. How long do I have to finish all five Official G.E.D. Exams?
The tesing application fee ($100) is good for two years from the date of your first competed test. Your passing G.E.D. scores are valid for a few years longer, usually until a major revision of the exams.
11. After I finish testing how long will it take to get a diploma?
A week or so after you have passed the five exams, you receive a wallet card with your scores that confirms you have passed the G.E.D. The actual diplomia should be mailed in 8 to 10 weeks.
12. Is there a G.E.D. graduation ceremony?
Our graduation ceremony is in April or May at the Iowa Western Community College main campus. Everyone who completes the exams is invited to attend the ceremony with friends and family. If you finish after the ceremony in a given year, you will be invited to attend in the following year. We do not know the exact date of the ceremony until it is set in late January or early February.
13. What if I need an official transcript to apply for a job, a college or the military?
Iowa Western will provide an official transcript of your GED scores upon receiving a signed release form or written request that includes you name, birthdate, Social Security Number, contact information, and signature.