Take Advantage of Free GED Test

The GED test will be free in Kentucky this summer through July 31.

The free test is part of an effort to encourage adults who did not finish high school to complete their GED this year. The GED test will change on January 1, 2014, and people who have not completed all five parts of the tests before then will have to start over.

Normally, the entire test taken on paper is $60 and the computer-based test is $120, a cost set by the national GED Testing Service. This summer, the test fees will be paid by Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education.

"Approximately 16,000 people in Kentucky have started but not completed the test," said Joan Flanery, Director of Adult Education at Ashland Community and Technical College. "We want them to finish the test so that the work they have done so far will not be lost."

"Free GED preparation classes are offered by the Adult Learning Center at ACTCs College Drive Campus. We can help individuals prepare for all sections of the test or just for one or two sections that they need to review," Flanery said.

"The best way to make sure you pass the Kentucky GED test is to be prepared," she said. "You can pass, but if you're like most people, you'll need some brush-up and to get familiar with the test."

The GED test provides adults who did not finish high school with the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills.

The GED opens doors to jobs and higher education. People with a GED credential or high school diploma tend to have higher paying jobs and lower employment rates than people without a credential.

More than 60 percent of GED test-takers plan to go on to college. Nearly all colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the GED credential, though many require additional tests, such as the SAT or ACT. ACTC requires an additional COMPASS test or ACT for class placement, and the Adult Learning Center also offers free test-preparation classes.

Classes and services are held in the Adult Learning Center located on the College Drive Campus.

Classes focus on basic academic skills for reading, math and language enrichment/writing. Lab sessions and online/distance learning study are also offered.

We start with orientation and assessment of skills, Flanery said. Once we know the persons goals and knowledge/skill levels, we tailor a learning program to meet his or her needs in the shortest possible time.

For more information on GED or college skill classes, call the Adult Learning Center, 606-326-2457 or 606-326-2437.