The Kansas GED (General Educational Development) program is administered and regulated by the Kansas Board of Regents. This program offers adults the opportunity to earn a certificate that is the equivalent of a high school diploma. The GED certificate will help them gain access to jobs and educational opportunities that require a high school level of education. If you did not graduate from high school, here is information about earning the Kansas GED certificate.
Kansas GED Exam Format
The Kansas GED exam is designed to ensure candidates have obtained a level of education that is equal to the current year’s high school seniors. There are 240 multiple-choice questions and one essay question on five subjects: writing, reading, social studies, math, and science.
The test is graded automatically by a computer except for part of the language arts writing test. This part requires you to write an essay which is graded manually. The test takes a little over 7 hours to complete, but the Kansas GED examination facility may allow candidates to test over several days.
Passing the Kansas GED Test
Each individual test is worth between 200 and 800 points. As a whole, the GED exam is worth 4,000 points. You must earn at least 2,250 points to pass. No individual test score can be lower than 420 points, otherwise it will be given a failing grade and you must take it again. You can only take the exam up to three times in any calendar year. If you still fail to pass the test after those attempts, you must wait until the following year to try again.
Eligibility Requirements for the Kansas GED Exam
To take the Kansas GED exam, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Kansas resident
- At least 18 years old
- Teenagers 16 and 17 years old can take the test with written permission from a parent or guardian or proof of legal emancipation, and proof of withdrawal from school
- Not currently enrolled in high school or equivalent program
- Haven’t graduated from high school or equivalent program
- Have not received a GED or high school diploma
Other requirements may apply. It is best to visit the Kansas Board of Regents’ website or contact your local testing center for the most current information.
Registering for the Kansas GED Test
To take the GED test, you must first visit an official testing center to register. You will need to bring a current photo ID that has your name, date of birth, address, and signature. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, state ID cards, passport, and military ID.
The testing fee must also be paid at that time. The fee for the official battery of GED tests is $85 and up to $17 per test for retakes. You can also take the official GED practice test for $50, though Kansas Adult Education GED preparation students may have this fee waived if they paid for their class materials.
Kansas GED Test Prep Information
Like in high school, you must study for the Kansas GED test if you want to pass it, especially if you haven’t been in school for several years. The best way to study will depend on your learning style and preferences. If you are self-motivated and disciplined, you can purchased GED study guides and review the materials on your own time. For those that need the structure of a classroom, you can take a GED preparatory course which will walk you through all of the material that will be on the test. There are also a number of online resources that can help you prepare for the exam.