The U.S. Census found that approximately 11% of people in Wisconsin do not have a high school diploma. Luckily, this is easily correctable because you can earn the GED (General Educational Development) diploma which over 96% of employers and colleges accept as a high school diploma equivalent. If you are ready to improve your circumstances, here is information about the Wisconsin GED program.
Wisconsin GED Test Format
The Wisconsin GED test is a five-part exam that tests a person’s knowledge and skills in five subjects: reading, writing, social studies, math, and science. The entire test is in multiple-choice format except for the second part of the writing subtest. Part two of the test is an essay question that will be manually graded. It is a timed test and, overall, you will 7.5 hours to complete the exam.
Passing the Wisconsin GED Exam
The minimum passing score for the Wisconsin GED is 2250. No one test can get below 410 or it will receive a failing grade. However, you won’t have to retake the entire test. You only need to retake the sections you failed. There is a 60-day waiting period between retests, and you can only take the GED test 3 times per year.
Who is Eligible to Take the WI GED Test?
Wisconsin has a somewhat elaborate eligibility process for qualifying for the GED. You must be a resident of the state for at least 10 days, a migrant worker, or the child of a migrant worker. The minimum age to take the test is 18.5 and your freshman class must have graduated from high school.
Of course there are exceptions to the rules. If you are 17 to 18.5 you can sit for the test if:
- You have been in a correctional institution and have written permission from the educator in the institution.
- You are enrolled in the federal job corps program and have written permission from the educator in the program.
- You have written notice that you were excused from regular school attendance and you have been continuously enrolled and attending a WTCS or CBO program.
After it has been determined you are eligible to take the exam, you must participate in an educational counseling session, assessment of reading level, and an assessment of career interests and aptitudes. You may be required to provide a high school transcript to the exam center. More information about this part of the process can be obtained by calling the exam center directly or visiting the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website.
WI GED Registration Information
To register for the exam, you must submit an application in person at an official testing center. A list of exam facilities can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website. You will need to submit photo identification, proof of residency, and other documentation relevant to your eligibility. The GED testing fee varies between the exam centers. (visit www.dpi.wi.gov)
Studying for the Exam
Studying for the exam is essential to passing the GED test. A popular to prepare for the test is to take a GED prep course at a community college or adult education center. These tests can also be taken online or through distance learning education. Another option is to study independently using GED study guides and workbooks. You can purchase these materials from online or offline retailers or get them for free from the library.