Numerous changes to the GED process became effective on July 1st,                                   2008. The GED Tests                                  themselves have not                            changed and still                                     require the GED                                   candidate to take the                                tests at an approved                                      GED Testing site.                                 However, the fees,                                 eligibility requirements, registration process, and even the name of the diploma have been revised. 

GED Testing will be free to all qualified candidates in West Virginia. In order to qualify for the Free GED Testing, the GED candidate must pass the Official GED Practice Tests (OPT) with a minimum score of 410 on each subject area and a total of 2250 points as evidenced by written documentation from an adult basic education (ABE) instructor.  The GED candidate, with approved accommodations from the State GED Administrator, may also utilize these accommodations on the OPT in order to acquire a passing score.  Once these scores are achieved, the GED candidate will be issued the Free GED Testing voucher.

If the GED candidate is unable to pass the OPT, free Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes located throughout West Virginia will be offered. The ABE instructor will work to meet the candidate’s individual needs and to improve skills necessary to pass the GED tests. After passing the GED tests, individuals may return to the ABE center to attend classes which address work-based academics necessary for adults to pursue and retain gainful employment.

In addition to the Free GED Testing, relaxed requirements for dropouts to be admitted to GED Testing now exist. The new policy allows shorter waiting periods after withdrawal from an accredited high school prior to taking the GED Tests. The new policy eliminates the waiting period for the eighteen (18) year old and requires the sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) year old to be withdrawn from school for a period of one month prior to testing.  Written documentation indicating the withdrawal date is required from the principal, counselor, or attendance director of the school last attended for all three age groups. The policy will eliminate burdensome documentation regarding employment, enrolling in college, or enlisting in the military for this age group. 

Once a passing OPT score is achieved, the GED candidate will register for the GED using an online registration process called the GEDWizard. This registration process should not be confused with taking the actual GED Tests online.  The GED Tests are not administered online.  Recently the American Council on Education issued a warning about fake GED testing services, advising people that the GED credential cannot be earned via the Internet or through correspondence programs.

After the GED Tests are passed, the GED candidate will be issued The State of West Virginia General Educational Development (GED®) Diploma from the West Virginia Department of Education GED Office.

For more information concerning these changes, please contact the State GED Office, (304) 558-6315 or the Adult Education Hotline 1-800-642-2670.