Approximately 9,000 South Carolina residents take the GED (General Educational Development) exam every year. Passing the test allows people to purse better employment, apply to college, or join the military. If you think the South Carolina GED diploma can help you achieve your personal goals, continue reading to learn what it takes to get this educational credential.
South Carolina GED Test Format
The GED exam is a nationally recognized test that certifies the candidate has obtained a high school level of education. There are five parts to the exam, each devoted to a specific subject:
- Language Arts: Reading (40 questions)
- Language Arts: Writing (50 questions and one essay question)
- Mathematics (50 questions)
- Science (50 questions)
- Social Studies (50 questions)
Both the Language Arts: writing and the math exam have two parts. You will have up to 90 minutes to complete each subtest. If you need accommodations for a physical, psychological, or learning disability, you must make prior arrangements with the testing center. The test is available in other formats (Braille, audio, large print) and languages (French, Spanish) that can be requested when you take the exam.
Test Scores
The highest score you can get on the GED exam is 4000, but you only need 2250 to pass. Additionally, you must earn 410 or more on all subtests. If you don’t achieve the minimum cumulative score or get below 410 on any of the subtests, you will need to retest.
In South Carolina, you are required to retake the entire test if you get a cumulative score below 2150. If you score between 2150 and 2249, you can retake individual tests to boost your overall score. Any subtest with a score of 409 or below must be taken again no matter what your cumulative score is. You can take the South Carolina GED exam a maximum of 3 times per calendar year.
Eligibility Requirements for the SC GED
To take the GED exam, you must meet the following requirements:
- To earn a South Carolina GED diploma, you must be a resident of the state
- Non-residents can take the GED test, but will not be awarded the diploma. Instead, your scores will be sent to your home state.
- Those aged 19 or above can take the exam without restrictions
- Those 17 and 18 must present an official withdrawal form from the last school they attended
- You cannot be enrolled in any K-12 program, or have already earned a diploma or equivalent
If you have unusual circumstances related to your eligibility, it is best to contact an official GED testing facility for more assistance.
Registering for the Exam
An application for the test must be submitted to an official GED testing site. In addition to that, you will need to submit all paperwork related to your eligibility, a driver’s license or state ID, and your social security card or a document that has the number. Out-of-state candidates will need to submit a driver’s license, military ID, legal immigration card, or passport as identification.
The testing fees are as follows:
- South Carolina residents: $80 for all five tests, $16 for each subtest
- Out-of-State residents: $160 for all five tests, $32 for each subtest
Studying for the GED Test
If you want to make sure you will pass the South Carolina GED exam, then you need to study before taking the test. Most community colleges and adult learning centers in South Carolina offer GED prep courses that will teach you all you need to know to successfully pass the exam. Another option is to take an online GED prep course, which is a good option for people that are not able to fit a regular class into their schedules. You can also study on your own using GED workbooks, practice tests, and online resources.