PURPOSE: The General Educational Development (GED) Test provides a valid means of measuring the educational achievement of adults who are non-high school graduates and of comparing their academic competence with that of high school graduates. The GED Test leads to completion requirements for the State of Hawai`i High School Diploma. The diploma may provide graduates the opportunity to enter the military service, gain college admission, increase income, increase job qualification, or assist in obtaining work advancement.   CONTENTS: The contents of the 1988 GED Test series were totally revised by expert educators under the direction of the GED Testing Service in Washington, D.C. The 1988 GED Test series will not be used after December 31, 2001. The new 2002 GED Test series consist of five subtests, each measuring the major skills considered to be the outcome of a high school education. Due to the total revision from all of the previous old test series, the following GED Testing Service policy will be in effect: Beginning in January 1, 2002, all candidates will take the newly revised 2002 GED Test Series. All partial scores from subtests taken prior to January 1, 2002 will be invalid and cannot be used in qualifying for the Hawai'i High School Diploma. All candidates must pass all five subtests on the 2002 GED Test Series.

The questions on the Writing subtest are intended to assess the ability on sentence structure, usage, organization and mechanics. Business communications documents such as letters and reports are used. “How to” passages such as dressing for success, leasing a car, planning a trip may also be used. Skills including transitions, text divisions, topic sentences, and unity/coherence are also used to measure writing skills. An essay portion is included and must be passed to satisfactorily complete the writing subtest.

The candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse and democratic society in an interdependent world. The Social Studies subtest will assess comprehension, application, analysis and evaluation. It covers national and global materials. Practical document(s) such as voters’ guides, or tax forms may be used. Excerpt(s) are used from the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, or landmark Supreme Court cases also may be used.

The Science test questions are drawn from life science; earth science; space science; physical science (physics and chemistry); focus on environmental and health topics such as recycling, heredity, disease prevention, pollution, climate; and on science’s relevance to everyday life. Assessments are based on conceptual understanding, problem solving and graphic stimuli.

The Reading subtest questions will assess comprehension, application, analysis and synthesis. Most of the questions will reflect higher order and critical thinking skills. Content areas are defined by the type of texts: Literary and Nonfiction. Included are comparison/contrast, business document, and visual representation questions.

The Mathematics subtest includes assessments in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number relations, data analysis, statistics, probability and set-up questions where candidates must identify correct ways to solve problems. Charts, graphs and tables are also included. All candidates will be issued the Casio fx 260 Solar Calculator by the test center for Part I of the subtest.

Who may take the GED Test? The GED Test may be administered to qualified individuals 16 years of age or older. The established procedures to obtain clearance for school-aged youths must be followed.

What must I do to take the test? Call or go to any community school for adults listed in this brochure and inquire about the test schedules. Register to take the test. Advanced payment of the test fee is required at the time of registration.

How much does it cost to take the test? The fee for testing at the community school for adults is $55.00 for the entire GED Test.

How may I prepare for the GED Test? Perhaps the best way to prepare for the GED Test is to enroll in a GED preparation course offered by the community schools for adults.

There are two requirements for the Hawai`i high school diploma:

1. The applicant must pass the GED Test with an average standard score of 450 for the combined five subtests with no score on any one test less than 410.

2. The applicant must have successfully completed at least one semester of high school work at an accredited private or public school in Hawai`i or a community school for adults.