If your progress in life has been stalled because you don’t have a high school diploma, there is something you can do about it. Earning the General Educational Development (GED) credential will provide you with the foundation you need to launch yourself to a better life. Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Kentucky GED exam.
Kentucky GED Exam Format
The GED program in Kentucky is managed by the Kentucky Adult Education Council on Postsecondary Education. The test follows the standard format created by the American Council on Education. It consists of five parts with each section focusing on the topics high school students must learn to graduate with a diploma. These topics are:
- Language arts: reading
- Language arts: writing
- Science
- Math
- Social studies
There are 240 multiple-choice questions and you are required to write an essay for the second part of the language arts writing exam. The official GED testing center in Kentucky will provide you with a calculator to use for the first part of the math test. Each test is timed and, altogether, you will have a little over 7 hours to complete the Kentucky GED exam.
Passing the Kentucky GED Test
To pass the GED Test, you must score a minimum of 410 on the individual test and your cumulative score must be over 2,250 (average 450 per test). A failing grade will be assigned to any test score that falls below 410 and you will need to take that portion of the exam over to earn your credential.
You can take the GED test up to three times per calendar year. After that, you must wait until the following year to take the GED exam again. There is currently no required waiting period between retakes, but this may change at any time. It is best to contact the official Kentucky GED facility in your area for current information about retesting.
Eligibility Requirements to Take the Kentucky GED Exam
The eligibility requirements to take the Kentucky GED exam are as follows:
- You must be a resident of Kentucky
- You must be at least 19 years of age
- Applicants 16 to 18 must have been out of school for at least 90 days or have a waiver from the superintendent
Underage testers (16 to 18) must meet additional requirements. It is best to contact the local GED testing center or consult the Kentucky Adult Education website for more information about qualifications.
All applicants must take the official practice test before they can sit for the GED exam.
Registering for the Kentucky GED
To register for the Kentucky GED exam, you need to submit the KYAE 6-GED Testing Application Form to your local GED examination facility. You will need to present photo identification at the time of registration and testing. The fee for the test must be paid at the time of registration as well. It costs $60 to take the battery of tests and up to $25 to retest individual sections of the exam. (visit www.kyae.ky.gov)
Preparing for the GED Test
Kentucky is one of the few states where you can watch GED courses on television. It is offered through the Kentucky Educational Television and is called the GED Connection. To use this resource, visit the GED Connection website for information about show times. GED study guides and practice exams are also available online and at local bookstores.
Another option is to take an online study course through Kentucky Virtual Adult Education. You will review the materials that will prepare you to successfully pass the test. This option allows you to study at home according to your own schedule. If you prefer the structure of a classroom, however, you can take the course at one of the adult education centers in the state.