If you are a West Virginian who is ready to take the next step in his or her life and earn a GED (General Educational Development) certificate, here is all the information you need to know about taking the GED exam in West Virginia.
West Virginia GED Test Format
Most people without high school diplomas have the same knowledge and skills as people that did graduate high school. All they need is a certificate verifying that for potential employers and post-secondary schools. The West Virginia GED exam is based on the curriculum taught in high schools and centers on five main subjects:
- Language Arts: Reading (40 questions)
- Language Arts: Writing (50 questions and one essay question)
- Mathematics (50 questions)
- Science (50 questions)
- Social Studies (50 questions)
The entire exam has 240 questions which are written in a multiple-choice format. There is one essay question on the writing portion of the exam. Though the separate exams are timed at different rates, overall you will have 7.5 hours to complete the test. Usually, the tests are administered over several days to reduce fatigue and stress.
How the WV Exam is Scored?
West Virginia follows the standard scoring scale set by the American Council on Education. You must get 410 or more on the individual subtests and a cumulative score of 2250 to pass the West Virginia GED. If you fail all or part of the exam, you can take the test over. You must complete all five parts of the exam before you can retest any one section and you will have 3 years from the date of your first test to complete the exam.
West Virginia Eligibility Requirements
The minimum age to take the GED without restrictions is 19. There is no residency requirement in West Virginia, but you must take the official practice test. You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school program or have earned a high school diploma. If you are under 19 but at least 16, you can sit for the exam if you meet the following requirements:
- Those 18: Your original high school class must have graduated. You’ll need to submit proof of your withdrawal date, passing OPT scores, and information release.
- Those 17: Provide proof your high school class has graduated, your withdrawal date, passing OPT scores, parent or guardian signature of approval form, and information release form.
- Those 16: Must be enrolled in Option Pathway, have a court order from a judge, or legally emancipated.
There may be other requirements. It is best to contact your local GED testing center for more information. (visit www.wvde.state.wv.us)
How Do I Register?
To register for the GED, you must take and pass the official practice test and submit a GED application to your local testing center. You can find a list of testing facilities on the West Virginia Department of Education website. You’ll need to present photo ID, your social security card, and all relevant paperwork. Afterwards, you will need to create an account using GEDWizard. A link to this program is available on the same website.
Currently there is no fee to take the GED test in West Virginia, but that can change at any time. It is always a good idea to call the testing center and double check.
Preparing for the Test
If you are disciplined and self-motivated, you can prepare for the GED exam by taking an online GED course or purchasing GED study materials and reviewing them on your own. Both options provide you with the freedom to study in your own time and to focus on the topics that you need the most help with. For those that prefer the structure of a classroom, GED prep classes are typically offered at colleges and adult learning centers. These classes will take you through each section and allow you to get instant feedback from instructors and other students.