NNLC provides English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Skills, and GED preparatory instruction for adults, 18 years of age and over, who lack a high school diploma or GED or essential basic skills to function successfully in the workplace.

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GED Quick Facts

Why get your GED?

Many adults who did not complete a high school program of instruction have continued to learn through a variety of experiences encountered in everyday life. The purpose of the GED Testing Program is to provide an opportunity for these individuals to have the learning acquired from such educational experiences evaluated and recognized. The GED Tests make it possible for qualified individuals to earn a high school credential, thus providing opportunities to pursue higher education, obtain jobs or job promotions, or achieve personal goals.

What are the GED Tests?

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED Test) are internationally recognized. They have been designed to measure major academic skills and knowledge in core content areas that are learned during four years of high school. When an adult passes the GED Test, the resulting GED credential certifies that he/she has attained subject matter knowledge and skills associated with high school completion. The GED Test includes the following subject areas:

  • Language Arts, Writing
  • Language Arts, Reading
  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Mathematics

How long will it take you to be ready to take the official GED test?

There is no "pat" answer to this question — it is up to you and depends on your commitment and dedication.

Most of our GED On-line students have passed their GED test with less than 50 hours of study time. Also, many students say that GED On-line "boosted" their confidence and made them realize they knew "more than they thought they did." An example is a gentleman who hadn't been in a formal education environment for many years — he scored a 239 on his CASAS Appraisal, studied on-line for 24 hours, and went to take the GED test. Guess what, HE PASSED and got his GED!!!

We strongly suggest that you go take the GED Test immediately, then concentrate your studying on the subject areas you didn't pass.

How do I sign up to take the official test?

As part of your Nevada GED On-line Student Packet, you will receive a list of the official GED Test Centers in Nevada. When you think you are ready to take the Test, call the Test Center nearest you and ask when you can register to take your GED Test. They will tell you what their Test registration times/days are. Then, you must go to the Test Center and register to take your Test and pay the $60 test fee. At that time the Test Center will make an appointment date for you to take the test.

NOTE: Many Test Centers have a waiting list or "back-log," so it may take three or four weeks before you are scheduled to take your Test — this is particularly true toward the end of the traditional school year (April, May, and first part of June). Also, some Test Centers administer the test in two parts — one part one day for about 4 hours and the other part the next day for about 4 hours.

The GED Test is 7½ hours — how long does each subject area of the test take?

The following table provides the number of questions and time limits on the GED Tests.

TEST # OF QUESTIONS TIME LIMIT
Language Arts, Writing, Part I 50 questions 75 minutes
Language Arts, Writing, Part II Essay 45 minutes
Social Studies 50 questions 70 minutes
Science 50 questions 80 minutes
Language Arts, Reading 40 questions 65 minutes
Mathematics, Part I 25 questions with optional use of a calculator 45 minutes
Mathematics, Part II 25 questions without a calculator 45 minutes

What do I have to score to pass the official GED Test?

You must score no less than 410 points on each subject area test with an average score of 450 points. And you must get a score of no less than 2 on your essay.

What if I don't pass some of the Tests?

If you don't pass one or more of the Tests, the scores on the Tests you did pass will be kept until the official GED Test changes in 2011. You can re-take the tests you didn't pass any time during the next twelve months without having to pay any additional fee. If you go beyond the twelve-month period and still have not passed all the Tests, you will be required to pay an additional $60.

When you go to take your test, notify our GEDOL Retention Coordinator — she will not archive you until you have passed the GED test. Consequently, if you don't pass you can continue to study on-line until you are ready to retake the part you didn't pass.

Besides the subject matter, are there any "tips" that will improve my chances of passing the GED Tests?

General Hints:

  • Make sure you know in advance the best way to get to the Test Center
  • Eat a good meal and get a good night’s sleep before your test day
  • Plan to arrive at the Test Center about 20 minutes early to allow for any last-minute changes or delays
  • Make sure you take the following essential items with you on the day of your test:
    • Registration form (if necessary)
    • Photo identification that includes your photograph, your birth date, and place of residence
    • Some sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers and a blue or black ink pen
    • A wristwatch (if possible)

During the Test, you will NOT be allowed to keep the following items at your seat. You will, however, be able to store them at a specified area within viewing distance.

  • Purses or tote bags
  • Pagers or cell phones
  • Portable music players
  • Handheld electronic games
  • Food items
  • Textbooks (including dictionaries)
  • Notebooks or supplies
  • Jackets, coats, or hats
  • Other nonessential items

Test-taking tips:

  • Answer every question. Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
  • Read the directions carefully. Some of the tests contain sections for which unique directions are given.
  • Read each question carefully. Don't make the mistake of inserting or ignoring words. The correct answer depends on the wording used.
  • Use your time wisely. Budget your time so as to be able to finish within the time permitted. Skip difficult questions and return to them near the end of the period.
  • Check your work. Be sure that you mark the answer you intend — AND in the correct space on the answer sheet.
  • Pay attention to qualifiers such as usually, always, etc.
  • Come to the testing session physically and mentally alert. Get a good night's sleep.
  • Prepare for the tests. Knowing what may be on the tests and what the tests look like helps reduce anxiety.
  • Use the official GED Practice Tests. They are excellent test score predictors. They also tell you what you need to study. NOTE: The tests in the GED On-line program are very similar to the official GED Practice Test and can also be used as a guide to tell you what you need to study.
  • Look at the questions (in GED tests 2, 3, and 4) before reading each passage. Many test takers find this a useful way to focus on the important information when they go back to read the passage.
  • Pick the single best answer. All multiple-choice questions have five answer choices. There are no "trick" questions. Eliminate the answer choices that you know are wrong and choose the best remaining answer.
  • Do not choose a response just because it repeats a word used in the question.
  • Answer every question. If you get stuck on a question, move on. Complete the rest of the test and then come back to the questions you skipped. Even if you are unsure, mark an answer choice for every question because you will not be penalized for wrong answers.