Ged / Hsed Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for the GED® or HSED program?
2. How do I start the GED® or HSED Program?
3. When can I start the actual testing?
4. How can I prepare for GED®/HSED Tests?
5. What documentation must I provide to test?
6. What is on the GED® Tests?
7. What additional requirements must I complete for the HSED?
8. Where are GED®/HSED tests given?
9. How much does testing cost?
10. What test scores must I have?
11. What are the GED® test score points?
12. How do I get my test scores?
13. May I retake a test?
14. How do I request a transcript?
15. Is the GED® Test offered in Spanish?
16. How do I Register for GED®/HSED Orientation?

1. Who is eligible for the GED® or HSED program?

To receive a GED® Certificate or High School Equivalency Diploma, you must:

• be 18 years and 6 months of age or
• your ninth (9th) grade class must have graduated from high school
• be a resident of Wisconsin (or be a migrant worker or child of a migrant worker)
• not be currently enrolled in a public or private high school and not be a high school graduate

2. How do I start the GED® or HSED Program?

There are 2 steps: take the TABE Reading and Math GED®/HSED Admission Assessment, then take the GED®/HSED - "Success Strategies" orientation session. More info here.

3. When can I start the actual Testing?

If you meet the residency and age eligibility requirements, you must complete the Reading & Math assessments, and the Orientation Session. Then you can begin the actual GED® or HSED tests.

4. How can I prepare for GED®/HSED Tests?

NWTC offers GED®/HSED test preparation classes. Classes are set up for you and FREE of charge. They are available year-around, day or evening, at a variety of locations.(Green Bay, Marinette , Sturgeon Bay Campuses or Regional Learning Centers). We recommend that you take the preparation classes; but, they are not required. Most bookstores and libraries have GED®/HSED preparation materials.

5. What documentation must I provide to test?

You must provide proof of age and picture identification. Your driver's license is preferred. The test fee must be paid prior to taking each test.

6. What is on the GED® Tests?

7. What additional requirements must I complete for the HSED?

These tests are pass/fail, are not timed, and are not counted into the total score of the 5 GED® tests:

Health Literacy:

• Mental and Emotional Health
• Personal and Family Health
• Community and Environmental Health
• First Aid
• Nutrition

Civic Literacy:

• Principles of United States Constitutional Government
• Functions of Wisconsin State Government
• Individual Rights and Responsibilities
• Structure and Role of the Court System
• Roles of Political Parties

Employability Skills - You must:

1. submit a typed resume and introductory letter
2. submit a completed job application form.
3. meet with an NWTC counselor to complete a simulated job interview.

8. Where are GED®/HSED tests given?

The test centers are on the Green Bay, Marinette, and Sturgeon Bay campuses of NWTC.

9. How much does GED®/HSED testing cost?

The TABE Reading and Math admission assessments, GED®/HSED "Success Strategies" orientation sessions, and preparation courses are FREE.

The basic cost is $20 for each individual test. See the testing fee costs. No refunds will be issued for test fees paid in advance.The same fees are applicable at all test centers.

10. What test scores must I have?

You must acquire 2250 points to pass the GED® tests. This averages to 450 points on each of the five tests (450 X 5 = 2250). Although a passing test score can be as low as 410, you would need to score over 450 in other test areas to bring the overall average back up to 450. Any score over 450 allows extra points toward the average GED® score.

11. What are the GED® test score points?

• Required minimum standard score of 410 on each test. (Max possible: 800)
• Required total score of 2250 of all GED® tests. (450 x 5 tests = 2250)
• Average total score may not be less than 450.
• Total Score 2750-2990 is Honors
• Total Score 3000 or greater is High Honors

12. How do I get my test scores?

Green Bay students: GED® test scores are available 2-3 weeks after taking a test. This score will be available in the Assessment Center after it is evaluated by the Wisconsin GED® scoring center. These scores will NOT be mailed. You may get the score when you come for the next test. Please do not call for test scores.

Marinette and Sturgeon Bay students: All GED® tests are mailed to the GED® test center for evaluation and results will be sent to students when they are available, usually within 10-14 days. Please do not call for test scores.

When a student successfully completes all five GED® tests (and other HSED requirements), an official record of all test scores will be mailed to the student. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will send a GED® or HSED certificate directly to you. NWTC offers a GED®-HSED graduation for all students completing the requirements. The 2006-07 graduation will be held on June 14 at 6 pm. Contact Megan Popkey at 920-498-7186 with questions.

13. May I retake a test?

When taking the five (5) GED® tests, you may re-test if:

1. you do not accumulate a total of 2250 points.
2. you score less than 410 points on any individual test.

Schedules: Green Bay, Marinette, Sturgeon Bay

14. How do I request a GED®/HSED transcript?

Send a written request with the following information to the appropriate campus, in care of "GED®/HSED Transcript Office":

1. your name, address, telephone number, and social security number. Include any name changes.
2. where you would like your transcript sent.

GED®/HSED transcripts will be available upon request for a $7.00 per transcript, same day service is $15.00 per transcript. Please make your check or money order payable to NWTC. Thank you.

15. Is the GED® Test offered in spanish?

Yes. Please contact the multi-cultural center at 920-498-6385 to set-up an appointment for interpretation of GED® instructions.

16. How do i register for ged/hsed orientation?

After completing the TABE Reading and Math assessment, you will need to register in advance for the GED®/HSED "Success Strategies" orientation. You can:

1. Register in the Student Center building on Level 2, in the Welcome Center.
2. Call (920) 498-5444 or (800) 422-6382, ext. 5444. Call Monday thru Thursday from 8am to 7pm, Friday from 8am to 5pm, or Saturday from 8am to 11am.

For more Information on GED®/HSED at other NWTC Campuses Contact:

Green Bay Campus: (920) 498-5456 or (800) 422-NWTC, ext. 5456
Marinette Campus: (715) 732-3874 or (800) 422-NWTC, ext. 3874
Sturgeon Bay Campus: (920) 746-4908 or (800) 422-NWTC, ext. 4908