There are seven versions of the GED test (English, Spanish, French, Canadian, audio, large print, and Braille). Not all sites will have all the versions. You will need special permission to take the test in audio, large print, or Braille, so make those arrangements well in advance of testing.

More than 95% of employers do. Many employers are happy to accept the GED certificate because the score sheet provides specific information as to the skills mastered.

Yes, a commitment throughout the entire 12-week session is mandatory (unless it's determined that you're ready to take the actual GED exam [see above]). Each class in the session is specifically designed to help the students in that session meet the specific academic requirements of the GED material in which they need further study.

An applicant who takes the GED for the first time must complete all five subsections of the test before retesting on any individual subsection. An applicant who completes initial testing but fails to achieve the minimum scores may be retested on the entire series of tests or on the failed individual subsection tests. You only have to retake the parts of the test below the required minimum score of 410 points unless you need a higher score to bring your average up to 450. Also, if you score below 1.5 on the essay, you must take the entire writing test over.

A Social Security number is not required.

In 2007 4,002 GED certificates were earned in Nevada. This constitutes a 71% pass rate. That same year, TMCC issued 502 GED certificates. TMCC's pass rate was 68%.

Many Nevada community colleges and literacy agencies offer GED preparation classes. If you prefer to study on your own, books are available at bookstores and your local library. Practice tests and other resources are available on the internet. Public television stations (PBS) also offer GED classes on television, although many of these are given in early morning hours and you may wish to tape them for viewing at your convenience.

Each part of the test is scored separately. An overall score of 2250 with an average standard score of 450 is required to pass the test. No score may be under 410.

Visit the Adult Education/Nevada Literacy Web site for up-to-date statistics. See also: How are candidates faring with the GED.

An applicant may be retested any number of times, although availability of alternative forms of the test may limit the number of possible retests in any 12 month period. If an applicant to be retested was initially tested with an edition in the English language, a different form of the edition must be used for the retest.

Check the GED testing dates for the latest scheduling information.

Some sites give the entire test in one day, in which case all parts of the test must be completed on the same day. Some sites give the test over two days. If the test site gives the test over two days, the applicant, except those requiring special accommodations, must complete initial testing in no more than two sessions held within a period of six weeks. If the applicant fails to complete the tests within the six-week period, the results of the initial testing become invalid.

No. If you feel your English skills are not sufficient, you may take the test in one of the other languages and accessibility versions of the test. Taking the exams in any of these languages is equally difficult to the English version.

No. However, it will be indicated on your GED transcript.

If you are over eighteen, you will need proof of Nevada residency, a government issued picture ID (driver's license or identification card) and another form of identification. If you are under the age of 18 you will need other documentation, so check with your test registrar ahead of time to be sure you bring the proper papers with you when you register. If you are not a U.S. citizen, see the information that follows.

Yes, there are seven Spanish versions of the test. The Spanish version of the test is offered at many of the sites in Nevada. Call your local test site or the Adult Education Office to learn where the Spanish version of the test is offered.

Yes, approximately 97% of colleges and universities admit GED graduates who meet their other qualifications.

Yes. The minimum age is 18, except in the following cases.

1. The board of trustees of a school district may, upon request and for good cause shown, grant permission to take the tests of general educational development prescribed by the state board to a person who:
   1. resides in the school district
   2. is at least 16 years of age but less than 17 years of age
   3. submits to the board of trustees written permission signed by his parent or legal guardian
   4. has not graduated from a high school
   5. is not currently enrolled in a high school, and
   6. satisfies any other requirements prescribed by the board of trustees.
   Note: it is no longer necessary for a 16-year-old to seek permission for GED testing from the Nevada State Board of Education.
2. Applicants who are 17 years of age, but less than 18 years of age may register to take the GED exam after presenting:
   1. written permission signed by parent or legal guardian, and
   2. verification of withdrawal from high school.

Yes. GED Testing Service guidelines stipulate that in order for a person to take the GED tests, he or she must possess verification of identity and eligibility for testing. Identity and age must be verified using acceptable photograph-bearing identification. A driver's license, valid passports, military ID, or another form of government-issued (national or foreign) identification that show name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph are all acceptable forms of identification, unless there is any reason to question their authenticity. An appropriate combination of documents may be used to satisfy the requirements. Non-citizens, including refugees, legal and illegal immigrants, resident and nonresident aliens, and other foreign nationals are eligible to take the GED Tests if they meet all of the requirements of the Commission and the State, province or territory, including requirements on age and withdrawal from school.

Yes. Persons whose high school diploma is from an unaccredited high school are eligible to take the GED Tests if they meet all other requirements of the Commission and State, province or territory. Persons who earn diplomas in countries that do not participate in the GED testing program are likewise eligible to take the GED tests if they meet all other requirements

Yes. Certificates of High School Equivalency (proof of passing the GED) are only issued to persons who reside in the State of Nevada or who are on active military duty and have attended secondary school in Nevada. Nevada's residency policy for GED testing allows for testing certain nonresidents who live near the border of Nevada in adjacent states when a testing site is not easily accessible to the nonresident.

Language Arts Writing (Parts I and II), Reading, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics

Seventeen percent said they were taking the test for personal satisfaction. Others said their primary reason was to qualify for further education.

GED certificate holders can also expect to earn about $2,000 more per year than adults who never return to complete the requirements for a high school diploma.

You can register to take the GED exam at the TMCC Testing Center or various testing centers throughout Nevada. You may take it at any site convenient for you. Some versions of the test may not be offered at every site. Some test sites may have more versions of the test and/or accommodations than others.

Yes. Books are provided for classroom use, free of charge.

You will need to purchase a Casio fx-260 solar calculator to bring to class. The Steck-Vaughn Complete GED Preparation Book and the Math Supplement are especially helpful to have for your own use. You are requested to provide your own writing paper and writing utensils.

No. You can register (the fee is currently $65) to take the GED exam right away; however, taking the CASAS and GED practice tests during the initial week will help you determine how ready you are, and will actually help predict your scores! You can bypass taking the classes if your scores indicate you are now ready. Contact testing services for additional test registration information.

GED preparation classes are offered year round at the TMCC Meadowood Center . They are a blend of live, classroom-based instruction and individual, computerized modules.

The classes are unique in that each session is tailored to meet the specific needs of the students enrolled in that session. This is determined through a series of pre-tests, practice tests and administration of the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS).

CASAS and the GED Practice Test series are administered after orientation: an individual meeting with the GED coordinator occurs the day before classes begin to discuss your test scores.

Classes are scheduled in 12-week blocks and usually have 25-40 students enrolled.

There is no charge!

If you have a strong desire to pass the GED exam, in as short a time as possible, and are committed to making that happen, then this is class is for you.

Your CASAS reading and math scores need to be 235 and 220 respectively. Your practice-GED exams need to be at least 400 each (for all five areas). If your scores are below these guidelines, you will need to strengthen those areas before beginning GED preparation. TMCC offers individual tutoring and small group classes in reading, writing and math in preparation for GED study. These classes are offered through Adult Basic Education and also English as a Second Language classes.

To help you chart the best course of academic action, schedule an appointment with a Student Placement Advisor.

The classes are tailored to address your strengths and weaknesses. Areas you need to improve on will be addressed and areas you've already mastered will be skipped.

Yes, if you are still not ready to take and pass the GED exam at the end of the 12-week studying sessions, and you have met the terms of your contract, you will be given preferential registration privileges for each subsequent session.

You have three chances each year to pass each section of the exam. You are not required to retake any of the sections you passed, just those in which you need to improve your scores. You are welcome to return to class and study those sections.

We ask that you make a strong commitment to attain your GED as quickly as possible, and you will need to sign a contract to that effect. You will need to agree to attend all classes of the session and take the pre- and post-assessments. The amount of time it will take you to be ready to pass the GED exam will depend on the balance between your program entrance scores and amount of time you spend studying the material each week.

Morning Classes

Meet Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon in room 108, and on Tuesday and Thursday, in room 123 for teacher-assigned online modules.

Evening Classes

Meet every Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. in room 124 and on Tuesday and Thursday, in room 108 for teacher-assigned online modules.

Both morning and evening classes meet at the TMCC Meadowood Center, 5270 Neil Road, Reno.