The job market is more competitive than ever. The minimum level of education you must have to find a good paying job is a college degree. If your effort to get into college is hampered by the lack of a high school diploma, there is still a way to overcome that challenge. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate can open the door to better opportunities in your life. Here is information about getting your Arkansas GED.
What is the Arkansas GED?
A GED certificate verifies that a person has achieved a minimum education level that is equivalent to a high school student. Obtaining this credential requires a person to pass a five-part test on the subjects all high school students are required to learn: science, mathematics, language arts writing, language arts reading, and social studies.
The exam primarily consists of multiple choice questions that are graded by a computer. However, the language arts writing test does require you to write an essay that will be graded by a human being. The mathematics portion of the test is also divided into two parts, but you can only use a calculator for part one.
What Do I Need to Score to Pass the GED Exam?
The maximum number of points you can get on the Arkansas GED test is 4,000. Each section is worth up to 800 points each. To pass the test, you must score an average of 450 points per test for a total of 2,250 points. Any one test that dips below 410 points is given a failing grade and you must retake it to pass the GED exam.
There is a waiting period of 30 to 60 days before you can retest. Alternatively, you may be required to complete a certain number of adult education course hours before you can take the test again.
Eligibility Requirements for the Arkansas GED
Eligibility requirements can change at any time. Therefore, it is best to contact an official GED testing center or visit the Arkansas Department of Career Education website for current information about GED testing qualifications. In general, only those adhering to the following guidelines can take the GED exam:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- A legal Arkansas resident as defined by the Arkansas Department of Education
- Have not obtained a high school diploma or equivalent from an accredited school
- Must take the official practice test prior to taking the exam
How do I Register for the Arkansas GED?
The Arkansas GED can only be taken at approved testing centers. To register, you must present government-issued identification (e.g. driver’s license) with your current Arkansas address on it. A confirmation of eligibility must also be submitted but will be provided to you when you register for the test. It is free to take the GED exam and any retesting in Arkansas.
Preparing for the GED Exam
If it has been awhile since you were in school or you want to brush up on your knowledge before you take the exam, there are a couple of ways you can go about it. Most people prefer to take a GED preparation course that touches on all of the information they need to know to pass the test. These courses are usually offered at community colleges, adult education centers, online, and even GED testing centers.
The other option, which may be better for self-motivated individuals or those that don’t have time to sit in class all day, is to purchase GED study guides and go through the information on your own time. These study guides and practice tests can be obtained from bookstores, the library, and online retailers.
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