Taking the GED Test in NYC: Steps and Guidelines

Taking the GED test in NYC involves specific steps and guidelines, as New York has its own set of requirements. Here's a breakdown:

1. Eligibility Requirements for New York State:

• Residency: You must be a resident of New York for at least 30 days and provide proof of identity and residency upon registering.
• Age:
  • Generally, you must be 19 years old to take the GED in New York.
  • If you are 16, 17, or 18 years old, you will need to complete an Age Eligibility form, which is available when you create your online GED account. You'll also need to meet additional criteria, such as being officially withdrawn from school, having parental consent, and permission from your school district. The form needs to be signed by an authorized institutional official and mailed to the NYSED HSE Office for approval.
• Enrollment Status: You cannot be currently enrolled in an accredited high school or already be a high school graduate.

2. Understanding the GED Test in New York:

• Format: The GED test in New York is only available in person at an official testing center. Online proctored testing is not offered in New York State.
• Cost: The GED test is free for New York residents. New York is one of the few states that does not charge test-takers.
• Subjects: The GED exam consists of four subject tests:
  • Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) (Reading and Writing combined)
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Science
  • Social Studies
• Passing Score: You need a minimum score of 145 on each subject to pass.
• Test Length: The entire GED exam takes approximately 7.5 to 8 hours to complete. You can take the subjects individually at your own pace.
• Retesting:
  • If you fail a subject, you must wait 60 days before scheduling a retest for that subject.
  • You are only allowed to take a given subject three times per calendar year.
  • You cannot retest for a higher score if you have already passed a subject.
  • If you miss an appointment, you also have to wait 60 days before rescheduling that subject.
• Languages: You can take the GED test in English or Spanish in New York. You can also combine subject tests from different languages to earn your diploma.

3. Steps to Take the GED Test in NYC:

• Create a GED Account: Go to the official GED website (GED.com) and create a free account. Make sure your name and contact information match your government-issued ID.
• Check Eligibility & Complete Forms:
  • Verify you meet the New York State eligibility requirements.
  • If you are under 19, complete and submit the Age Eligibility form through your account.
• Study for the Test: Preparation is crucial for success. You can:
  • Utilize official GED study guides.
  • Attend local GED prep classes (many community colleges and adult education programs in NYC offer free classes, such as those at The City College of New York (CUNY) or LaGuardia Community College).
  • Use online study resources and practice tests. While New York doesn't require a "green" score on GED Ready practice tests for in-person testing, they can be valuable tools to assess your readiness.
• Schedule Your Test:
  • Log into your GED account.
  • Select "Test at a Test Center" (as online testing is not available in NY).
  • Choose the test subjects you want to take. You can schedule them one at a time or all at once, depending on the test center's availability.
  • Select a testing location in NYC and a date and time that works for you.
• Take the Test:
  • On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID that matches the information in your GED account and proves your New York residency.
  • Personal items are generally not allowed in the testing area.
• Receive Your Diploma and Transcript:
  • After passing all four subject tests, your High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma and transcript will be automatically mailed to the address in your GED account within 8 to 10 weeks.
  • You can also verify your HSE status and order duplicate documents through your my.ny.gov account.

Important Notes for NYC Test Takers:

• Age for NYC-Specific Programs: While the general NYS age is 19, some NYC-specific programs might have slightly different age requirements (e.g., 17 years old and turn 18 by June 30, and meet certain enrollment or discharge criteria). If you're 16-18, confirm requirements with the specific program you're interested in.
• NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD): DYCD offers young adult literacy programs for ages 16-24 with pre-GED instruction and support. You can call their Community Connect hotline at (800) 246-4646 for information.
• NYC311: You can call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for information on literacy and GED programs throughout NYC.

What are the steps involved in taking the GED test in New York City?