The GED (General Educational Development) is a test that measures high school-level skills and knowledge. It is designed for individuals who did not complete their high school education and want to obtain an equivalent credential. In Ohio, the GED is administered by the Ohio Department of Education, which contracts with Pearson VUE, a global testing company.
The GED exam in Ohio consists of four parts: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Each part is timed and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The exam is available in English and Spanish.
Passing the GED exam in Ohio requires a minimum score of 145 on each of the four parts, with a total score of at least 580. Upon passing the exam, individuals receive an Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma.
Obtaining a GED can open up doors to higher education and better job opportunities. If you are interested in obtaining your GED in Ohio, there are several steps you need to take, starting with meeting the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for the Ohio GED
To be eligible to take the GED exam in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age or have an age waiver.
- You must not have graduated from an accredited high school or obtained a high school equivalency certificate.
- You must be a resident of Ohio or a member of the military stationed in Ohio.
- You must not be enrolled in a secondary school program.
If you are 16 or 17 years old and meet certain conditions, you may be eligible to take the GED exam in Ohio. These conditions include obtaining an age waiver and providing documentation of special circumstances, such as a medical condition or family hardship.
It is important to note that while the GED exam is open to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements, it is recommended that individuals take preparation courses or self-study to ensure they are adequately prepared for the exam. Resources for preparing for the GED exam in Ohio are available through the Ohio Department of Education and other organizations.
Steps to Obtain a GED in Ohio
To obtain your GED in Ohio, you will need to follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the GED exam in Ohio, including age, residency, and educational background.
- Prepare for the exam: There are a variety of resources available to help you prepare for the GED exam in Ohio, including study guides, practice tests, and preparation courses. You can find resources through the Ohio Department of Education, libraries, and community centers.
- Schedule the exam: Once you feel confident in your preparation, you can schedule the GED exam through the Ohio Department of Education or Pearson VUE. You can take the exam at one of the many testing centers located throughout the state.
- Take the exam: On the day of your exam, arrive at the testing center on time and with the required identification. The exam is timed, so be sure to manage your time carefully to ensure you have enough time to complete each section.
- Receive your scores: After you complete the exam, you will receive your scores within a few days. If you pass all four sections, you will receive your Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma.
- Use your diploma: Once you have your diploma, you can use it to apply for higher education programs, jobs, and other opportunities that require a high school diploma or equivalent. It is important to keep your diploma safe and accessible for future use.
GED Testing Centers in Ohio
GED testing centers in Ohio are located in a variety of places, including:
- Community colleges: Many community colleges in Ohio offer GED testing services, such as Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland or Columbus State Community College in Columbus.
- Adult education centers: Adult education centers, such as the Aspire program offered by the Ohio Department of Education, often provide GED testing services, as well as preparation courses and other resources.
- Public schools: Some public schools in Ohio may offer GED testing services, such as East Cleveland City Schools or Akron Public Schools.
- Career centers: Career centers, such as the Warren County Career Center in Lebanon or the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center in Canfield, may offer GED testing services, as well as career training and development programs.
These are just a few examples of the types of places where GED testing centers can be found in Ohio. To find a specific testing center near you, visit the Ohio Department of Education’s GED testing center locator tool.
Cost of Obtaining a GED in Ohio
The cost of obtaining a GED in Ohio varies depending on a number of factors, such as where you take the exam and whether you need to retake any sections. Here are some of the costs you can expect to pay when obtaining your GED in Ohio:
- GED testing fee: The cost of taking the GED exam in Ohio is $120 for the full battery of four tests, or $30 per test. However, Ohio offers a voucher program for eligible residents that can cover up to 100% of the testing fees.
- Preparation courses: While not required, many GED candidates choose to enroll in preparation courses to help them study and prepare for the exam. The cost of these courses can vary depending on the provider and the length of the course.
- Retake fees: If you do not pass one or more sections of the GED exam, you may need to retake those sections. The cost to retake a section of the exam is $10 per test.
Overall, the cost of obtaining a GED in Ohio is relatively affordable, especially with the availability of the voucher program for eligible residents. However, it is important to factor in additional costs, such as preparation courses or retake fees, when planning to obtain your GED.
Find out more information about the GED in Ohio.