Home Programs & ServicesGED Testing Service New 2012 GED Tests

FAQs for Policymakers and Researchers

Will the GED Testing Service™ (GEDTS) release a new test series on January 1, 2012?
General Educational Development Testing Service™ will be releasing a new test series—its fifth in test history—on January 1, 2012 (Editions in other languages are anticipated to be released on January 1, 2013).

Why is a new GED test series being developed?
The GED Tests are regularly assessed to certify that content reflects current curricular and academic standards for high school graduates across the United States and Canada. The expectations of a high school curriculum in 2002 differ from those that will be expected in 2012. The new 2012 Series GED Tests will reflect current curricular and academic standards for high school graduates across the United States and Canada.

Will GEDTS also launch the Spanish-language, French-language, and English as a Second Language in 2012?
No, these are historically launched one year after the English-language GED Tests to allow adequate time for precise translation. GEDTS therefore anticipates these tests to be released on January 1, 2013.

When was the last GED test series introduced?
The last series of tests was released in 2002.

What will be different about the 2012 Series GED Tests?
The GED Tests will continue to test academic achievement in Writing, Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies but will reflect an emphasis on informational texts, and higher-order thinking skills questions.

Will the 2012 Series of GED Tests be more difficult to pass?
Similar to the 2002 Series Tests, the passing standard for the 2012 series will be linked to the performance of graduating high school seniors. The passing standard will be assessed through the collected data and will be based on the recommendation of a committee. Simply put, the passing standard for the 2012 series will be linked to the performance of graduating high school seniors in 2011.

Can content area tests scores from different test series be combined?
No.

Is it true that those who have started taking the GED Tests but have not taken or met the passing standard on all five content area tests by December 31, 2011, will have to retake all five tests?
By December 31, 2011, examinees must have taken and earned minimum scores on all five current content area tests (Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; and Mathematics) and a combined minimum total score on the 20002 tests, or they will need to take the entire 2012 Series test battery—all five tests.

Why aren't test-takers able to combine scores from a previous GED test series (e.g., the 1988 or 2002 Series) with those from the new 2012 Series?
The 2012 Series GED Tests will reflect the most recent curriculum standards. The scores from the 2002 Series and the 2012 Series cannot be combined for the following reasons:

• The content and cognitive standards, and question types measured by the two series will be different.
• The expectations in some content areas of the tests may differ.
• The passing standard (to be established in 2011) may be different for the 2012 series test battery.
• Normative score information (e.g., percentile ranks) based on the 2002 Series GED Tests will become outdated; the 2012 Series GED Tests score information will be based on graduating high school seniors in 2011.

Are there any age requirements for taking the GED Tests?
GEDTS requires test-takers to be at least 16 years of age and currently not enrolled in high school. Jurisdictions may have an older age requirement and it is suggested that you check with your local or state jurisdiction about these requirements (www.GEDtest.org/administrators).

How long does it take to test/develop a new series?
GED Testing Service held the first test specifications committee meeting in 2006 and test question tryouts began in the Fall of 2007. The development process is expected to continue through 2011.

Who was involved in determining what content appears on the 2012 series?
The content was determined and developed by current high school teachers from around the nation as well as a committee of human resources representatives, representatives from colleges/universities and representatives from the military. 

What are you doing to ensure those with existing scores know that they have to complete the test battery by 2011 or their scores will become non-combinable with the new 2012 test series?
We are prominently displaying the official announcement on our home page, along with a list of FAQs. We are also working with state and jurisdictional administrators and testing center staff to post the items on their websites, and make available in testing centers. GED Testing Service—though ACE—will be widely distributing a press release about the test series changeover to national media.

GEDTS is working on, and will implement, a campaign to raise awareness of the transition to potential test takers. In addition, GEDTS is providing jurisdictions and testing centers template letters to use in notifying current and prospective test takers of the change.

Can new test takers continue to test until December 31, 2011 or should there be a cut-off date in starting someone new in case the person is unsuccessful and runs out of time?
GEDTS cannot mandate a cutoff date for first time test takers, other than to not permit any testing on the 2002 Series after December 31, 2011. This is a jurisdictional decision. However, we strongly recommend that jurisdictions provide clear warnings to prospective first time test takers that they must pass the entire battery before December 31, 2011. First time test takers planning to test late in 2011 should be advised to take the OPT to determine readiness.

Do you anticipate a dramatic increase in the number of test takers in the 2011 calendar year?
Yes, historically there is an increase in the number of test takers the year before a new test series is released. However, many examinees choose to continue their test preparation work and take the GED Tests when they feel they have adequately prepared—rather than rushing to complete all tests and attempting to pass the current test battery.

Are test centers prepared for any anticipated testing increase?
Historically testing volume increases substantially in the two years preceding a new test series, but we anticipate that states and jurisdictions will plan accordingly to accommodate the increase.

What will be the leasing and fees structure?
There will likely be an increase in fees. We are still studying the matter and our partners will be notified of any revised fee structures in 2011.

Will GEDTS provide four testing opportunities in 2011 for each partial test-taker?
No.

For jurisdictions with wait periods for retesting, should wait periods be waived in 2011?
We will encourage jurisdictions to give test-takers an opportunity to take the Tests at least three times, if needed. However, this ultimately is a jurisdictional decision.

Is the new test series going to be offered as a computer-based test?
This is a serious decision that cannot be rushed. As the research process progresses, periodic updates will be provided to our jurisdictional partners.

Do the GED Tests need to be administered in any particular order?
Jurisdictions may determine order of test administration.

How long is the total testing time for the new GED test series?
We are currently still in development. But, we expect no major increase or decrease in testing time.

Will there still be an essay component on the GED Tests?
Yes, there will be an essay component within the Language Arts, Writing content area test.

Will special editions (e.g. Braille, large print) be available?
Yes, accommodations will be available. Determinations on special editions will be made available before contracts go out in April 2011 for the 2012 contract period.

Will experience/education requirements for examiners and proctors remain the same?
There are no changes planned at this time to alter the requirements for Examiners and Proctors.

Will the forms for Examiner appointments change, and will examiners need to re-submit these forms to the National Office?
The process for Examiner appointments will remain the same. Currently approved examiners will not need to be reappointed.

What will be the passing score?
The passing standard for the 2012 Series GED Tests won’t be determined until 2011 with the aid of data on graduating high school seniors who will take the GED Tests as part of a study in 2011.

When will the new Official Practice Tests be available?
In the fall of 2011.

Can the new Official Practice Test be used for NRS reporting?
This has not been determined. This will depend on any agreement between GEDTS and the Office of Vocational and Adult Education.

For states that require passage of the Official Practice Tests, can OPT scores from the 2002 Series OPT still be used?
This would not be advisable.

Are 2002 GED preparation books still a good resource?
The 2002 preparation books were developed to prepare test-takers for that series of tests. The 2002 preparation books are not recommended for the 2012 series.

Please direct questions about this page to:
ged@ace.nche.edu
This page last updated on 04/24/2008