Later this month, Chesterfield County Public Schools will begin offering GED® tests on computers. This shift from paper tests is a pilot program in Virginia, offered only in Chesterfield County Public Schools and Augusta County Public Schools. Registration for GED tests via computer will begin June 18; the first computer tests will be given June 25 in the computer lab at the Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Road.
Computer tests and paper tests have the same content. Benefits of computer testing include
- six chances to take each subject test (versus three chances on the paper version)
- one-stop online registration and scheduling available 24/7
- flexible appointments for test takers
- instant score reports
- an introduction of basic keyboarding and computer skills
- enhanced test security
Another reason to move to computer testing is to prepare for a double-digit increase in the number of GED test takers that is expected in 2013. Because a new GED test will be released in 2014, a significant number of adults who have passed some but not all of the five GED content areas (reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics) will most likely want to complete their GED tests before their scores expire.
It costs $120 to take a GED test via computer and $58 for a GED test on paper. Paper tests will continue to be available to Chesterfield test takers who prefer that method.
A GED certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma and is considered a second chance for people at least 18 years old who did not graduate from high school. Research shows that people who earn a GED certificate are likely to earn $6,000 more each year than people without a high school diploma. More information is online in the Adult Continuing Education section of mychesterfieldschools.com.
