It may be the nation’s capital, but many people in Washington D.C. don’t have their high school diplomas. The Washington DC General Educational Development (GED) exam is an excellent way to earn the education credential you need to qualify for well-paying private industry or government jobs, post-secondary education programs, or just to feel good about yourself. Here is a short guide to the DC GED exam.
Washington DC GED Test Format
The GED exam is designed to ensure the person receiving the credential has achieved the same level of education as a high school senior. The test consists of 240 multiple-choice questions that are spread out over five topics: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. The writing exam also includes an essay question that is manually graded.
All of the tests are timed, and you will have anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes to complete each section. In total, you can expect to spend 7.5 hours completing the exam. However, the test is typically administered over multiple days.
Passing the Washington DC GED Exam
Each test can earn a maximum score of 220 to 800 depending on the section. To pass the exam, you must earn at least 410 or greater on the individual tests and achieve a cumulative score of 2250 or higher. Although the cumulative score equals out to an average of 450, it is natural for people to do better on some tests than others. As long as none of the tests dips below 410, you will pass.
Washington D.C. allows candidates to take the GED exam up to three times per year. However, there is a three month waiting period between retakes. You may petition the Chief Examiner to have this waiting period waived if you are experiencing hardships.
Who is Eligible to Sit for the Exam?
In Washington D.C., you can sit for the GED exam if you are at least 18 years old, a D.C. resident, officially withdrawn from high school for at least six months, and have taken the GED practice test. Underage test takers at least 16 years old may take the test if they have written permission from a parent or guardian and the superintendent, director, or principal of the last school attended.
How do I Register for the GED Test?
Registration for the GED test in Washington D.C. is mandatory and can only be done at an official GED testing facility. You will need to submit proof of residency and present a government-issued ID. Proof of having passed the GED practice test with a score of 2250 and any other supplementary paperwork will be required as well.
The cost for the full exam is $50. Retakes are $10 per test. If you do not show up for the test, you will be charged a $25 no-show fee and you will be charged a $10 rescheduling fee if you change the date of your test with 48 hours or more notice.
Study Resources
There are several ways you can prepare for the Washington D.C. GED exam. The Internet allows you to study in the comfort of your home using online resources. Another option is to take distance learning GED courses which offers the structure of a classroom while giving you the flexibility and freedom to work from your home. If you prefer a classroom setting, many adult learning centers and community colleges in the area offer GED prep courses.