Whether you want to advance at work, go to college, or improve your self-esteem, earning a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is a good idea all around. If you are thinking about taking the time to earn this valuable educational credential, here is all of the information you need to know about taking the Illinois GED test.
What Does the Illinois GED Test Look Like?
The Illinois GED test is a little different from the tests used in other states. You must still pass the standard five part test that examines you on the major subjects taught in high school: math, social studies, science, language arts writing, and language arts reading. However, you must also pass a second exam on the Constitution. The requirement for the second test will be waived if you can provide proof that you have already taken it. On this test you will be asked questions about:
- The Declaration of Independence
- U.S. Constitution
- Illinois Constitution
- U.S. Flag Code
- The three branches of U.S. and Illinois government
For the GED test, you will have approximately 7.5 hours to answer 240 multiple choice questions and write one essay for the language arts writing section. For the math portion, you are allowed to use a calculator for the first half of the test but not the second.
How Do I Pass the Illinois GED Test?
Passing the Illinois GED exam requires a minimum cumulative score of 2,250. There are a total of 4,000 points available for an average of 800 points per test. No one test score can dip below 410, otherwise that portion will be given a failing grade and you will need to retake that part. The Constitution exam is pass/fail only.
You may retake the test up to three times per year. If you exhaust your retakes, you will have to wait until the next year to try again. Although there is no waiting period between retakes, it is a good idea to take time to study before retesting.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
You must be at least 17 years old to take the Illinois GED exam. You cannot have graduated from high school or have already earned a GED diploma. Test takers are required to have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days. If you have been enrolled in school at any time during the previous 12 months, you must provide an official withdrawal letter before you will be allowed to take the test.
Registration Information for the Illinois GED Test
To register for the GED exam, you must go to the Regional Office of Education in your area and submit an application. You may need to provide photo identification and proof of residency. Each testing center has its own rules regarding registration and it is best to contact the one closest to where you live for more information( visit www.illinois.gov)
The fee for taking the GED exam is $50.00. Retakes are $10.00 per test for the math, social studies, language arts reading, and science test and $15 for the language arts writing test. There is no fee for retaking the Constitution test.
How do I Prepare for the Illinois GED Test?
To increase your chances of passing the GED exam and Constitution test, it is important to study. Many colleges and adult education centers in Illinois offer GED prep courses that review all of the information you need to know for the exam. If you have been out of school for awhile, these classes will bring you up to speed. Another option is to study on your own using GED study guides. You can purchase these guides from online and offline bookstores and download practice exams from the Internet.