Education is a critical component to success. To qualify for a job nowadays or get into a decent college, you must have at least a high school diploma. If you had the misfortune to be unable to complete your high school education, you can still earn an equivalent diploma. The General Educational Development (GED) certificate can open the doors to a new career or an advanced degree. Here is information about the Idaho GED program.
How is the Idaho GED Formatted?
To certify a person is at the same educational level as a high school student, he or she must test on the five major subjects taught in high school:
- Language arts writing (2 parts)
- Language arts reading
- Math (2 parts)
- Social studies
- Science
The test is primarily multiple choice questions. However, the second part of the language arts writing test is an essay question that tests the person’s ability to draft and write a paper about the topic. While you don’t have to be an expert on any specific subject, you do need to know how to write well. This includes knowing how to spell and use proper grammar.
The math test is also divided into two parts. A calculator will be supplied to you by the testing center. You can use it on the first part of the math test but not the second.
What is the Minimum Passing Score for the Idaho GED Exam?
Each individual test is worth up to 800 points for a total of 4,000 points. You must get an average score of 450 points (2,250 total) to pass the Idaho GED exam. The minimum passing score for any one exam is 410. Anything below that is a failing grade and you will be required to take that portion of the test over.
The number of times you can retake the test in any one year depends on how many versions of the test are available. If there are only 3 versions in circulation, for example, you can retake the test up to three times. If you don’t pass in any of those attempts, you must wait until the following year to try again.
Who Can Take the Idaho GED Test?
The Idaho Professional-Technical Education Department lists the following eligibility requirements for taking the GED exam:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must be an Idaho resident
- Must have been out of high school for six months or more
- Not a high school graduate
Teenagers aged 16 and 17 can take the test but must obtain written permission from a parent or guardian. More information about the eligibility requirements for underage test takers can be obtained from an official GED testing facility in Idaho.
Registering for the Idaho GED Exam
The Idaho GED test is not available online and any test taken in this manner will not be accepted for scoring. However, you can pre-register for the test online and call to schedule an appointment to take it. Otherwise, you must register at a local GED testing facility ( visit www.sde.idaho.gov). Valid photo identification, a social security card, and proof of residency are required to register for the Idaho GED exam. As of January 2011, the fee for the battery of tests is $100 and $20 per individual test for retakes.
How Do I Prepare for the Idaho GED Test?
GED study materials can be obtained from a bookstore, the library, or online. There are several websites that specialize in preparing people to take the GED test, though you may have to pay a fee for those online classes. You can also take a preparatory course at the local community college or adult education center.