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FAQs
1. What high school completion options does the Vernon Adult Education Region offer?
The region offers two options: 1) GED and 2) Adult High School Credit Diploma.
2. What is the difference between the two options?
The GED preparation program reviews high school work to prepare students to take the national GED test. If a student passes the test, he/she receives a state issued equivalency diploma.
The Credit Diploma Program is based upon completing 20 high school credits including distribution requirements. A successful student, having met the requirements, will receive a Vernon Regional Adult High School Diploma issued by the Vernon Board of Education.
3. Who is eligible to take the GED test?
An individual is eligible to take the GED test if he/she is at least 17 years old and has been officially withdrawn from high school for at least six months OR the class he/she entered ninth grade with has graduated and the individual does not already have a United States high school diploma. (If a student is at least 19 years old, there is no waiting period and no withdrawal documentation is required.)
4. Is there a fee for taking the GED test?
Yes, there is a $13 fee for applicants 21 years of age or older to take the GED test. The fee will be waived for anyone 21 or older who has served in the military (a minimum of 180 consecutive days) and who can provide honorable discharge papers. The fee for a retake or an incomplete is also $13. There is no fee for individuals under the age of 21.
5. How should I prepare for the GED test?
It is recommended that all applicants enroll in a GED preparation class. The region offers these classes in Glastonbury, Mansfield, Stafford and Vernon.
6. What will the class cover?
The GED test is divided into five sub-sections: English (including Composition), Science, Social Studies, Reading and Mathematics. Math has two sections, one of which allows the use of a scientific calculator. The emphasis is on reviewing the subject areas mentioned above.
7. What is the test format, and how is the test scored?
The test is standardized multiple choice except that as part of the English section, students will be given forty-five minutes to write an essay on a set topic. The essay is graded holistically. In order to pass the test, a student needs a total score of 2250 and may not score below 410 on any one of the five sub-sections.
8. If a student fails to pass the test, what can he/she do?
The student is eligible to retake the test after four months. The waiting period allows students to enroll in a review class. A student’s scores are retained in the state’s computer. On the retest, any time a student scores higher than his/her previous test, the new higher score will be substituted.
9. How does a student register for GED preparation classes?
A student can go to one of the region’s program centers, take a pre-test and fill out program enrollment forms. The locations of the centers are as follows: 1) Mansfield Site, E.O. Smith High School; 2) Stafford Site, Stafford High School; 3) Glastonbury Site, Glastonbury High School (Glastonbury also offers classes at the Lutheran Church of St. Mark); and 4) Vernon Site, Rockville High School (Vernon also offers classes at the Vernon Youth Service Bureau. A student must be 16 years of age to attend classes and 17 years of age to take the exam.
10. When and where will the student be tested?
Vernon Regional Adult Education offers GED testing ten times each year at the Vernon site. The test is also offered on a monthly basis at Cheney Tech in Manchester, Rockville High and other sites throughout the state.
11. What is the cost for GED preparation classes?
There is no cost to take the GED preparation classes, but a student will be asked to pay a $20 refundable book deposit.
12. Can a student prepare to take the GED test on his/her own?
Yes, but this is not recommended. The majority of students need GED review classes. If a student chooses to prepare on his/her own, a GED test application form must be filled out and an appraisal test will be administered. At that time, they will need to provide proof that they are at least 19 years of age. If they are 17 or 18, they must show that the class they entered ninth grade with has graduated OR that they have been officially withdrawn from high school for at least six months prior to the test date. As of July 1, 2001, students withdrawing from high school must provide a withdrawal form from their high school signed by their parent/guardian. This form must be provided before a student can enter any adult education program. The student is required to show a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or State of Connecticut ID) at the time of registration and at the time of testing. A student will not be allowed in the testing room without a valid photo ID.
13. What is the GED practice test?
The GED practice test is a reliable predictor of performance on the GED test. It is approximately half as long as the GED test and is divided into five sub-test areas. If a student is thinking about studying on his/her own, a GED practice test will be administered prior to registering for the GED exam. The score from this test will give the student a reliable basis to decide whether self-study is a reasonable option.
14. How long does it take to complete the entire GED test?
The maximum time allowed to take all five sections of the GED test is 7 hours and 5 minutes. Each subject has a specific allotted time.
15. I have questions about the GED not answered on this information sheet. What can I do?
You can call (860) 870-6048 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or (860) 870-6060 on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. If you still need more information, you should make an appointment to meet with a guidance counselor. Please call during the evening hours to schedule an appointment.
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