GED test will change, costs will increase in 2014

Becky Atwood, adult education and literacy coordinator for Cape Girardeau Public Schools, is concerned that the revamped 2014 GED equivalency exam, which goes into effect at the end of this year, will not be affordable for many students. "Getting a high school equivalency certificate is very important for those without a high school diploma," she said, "but with the cost of the test set to triple in 2014 we're trying to alert the community that costs and testing methods are changing in a big way." Atwood said the cost of the GED equivalency exam will go from $40 to $140.

"People who have taken the GED classes and passed sections of the test should re-enroll in the program as soon as they can. If individuals do not finish all of their testing prior to Dec. 31 they will have to restart the entire testing process at a higher price," Atwood said.

The higher costs are due to developing a new GED test and to switching from a paper-and-pencil test to one that is computer based. The current test procedure has been in place since 2002. Computer-based testing will enable the testing organization to provide in-depth information to test takers about their areas of weakness. Currently, students are only given pass-fail information.

GED exams are intended to determine one's high school equivalency in the areas of reading, essay writing, mathematics, science and social studies. The GED exam is given at least monthly through the Southeast Missouri State University Testing Center. Preparation classes meet mornings, afternoons and evenings at the Adult Learning Center, 301 N. Clark-- formerly known as "Cape Vo-Tech School." Atwood said additional information is available at 573-334-3669.