Many adults who did not complete a high school program of instruction have continued to learn through a variety of experiences 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 for hundreds of thousands of adults to:

• Pursue higher education
• Obtain jobs or job promotions
• Achieve personal goals

Who is eligible to take the GED tests?

You may take the GED Tests if:

• You are not enrolled in high school, and
• You have not graduated from high school, and
• You are at least age 16, and
• You meet state requirements regarding age, residency, and the length of time since leaving school

If you are considering leaving high school, the GED Testing Center recommends that you first meet with your high school conselor to talk seriously about your decision and the level of academic skill needed to pass the GED Tests.

What are the GED tests?

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED Tests) 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 7-1/2 hour GED Tests battery, the resulting GED credential certifies that he or she has attained subject matter knowledge and skills associated with high school completion. The GED Tests battery includes the following subject area tests:

• Language Arts, Writing, Part 1
• Language Arts, Writing, Part 11
• Social Studies
• Science
• Reading
• Mathematics

Are there resources available to help me prepare for the GED tests?

Passing the GED Tests may require some preparation on your part. Some individuals prepare intensively by taking classes or studying GED preparation books and other materials. Other candidates are comfortable with simply brushing up on a few of the subject areas where they feel they need practice. To determine how you should best prepare for the tests, you can start by contacting local adult education programs sponsored by school districts, colleges, and community organizations in your area. Teachers at these adult education programs can not only help you decide the extent to which you need to study for the five GED Tests, but they can also help you develop a study plan that is best for you.

• Individual study allows you to prepare on your own, using materials such as commercial study guides, Cliffs Notes, and the Official GED Practice Tests. Local libraries and bookstores carry GED study materials.
• Visit the official GED Testing Service website at www.gedtest.org for more information.
• GED Testing Centers may direct you to your closest instructional site. Call 1-800-62-MYGED (1-800-626-9433) to find the GED Testing Center closest to you.

Am I ready to take the GED tests?

You can take the Official GED Practice Tests to determine your readiness to take the GED Tests. The Official GED Practice Tests questions are similar to those on the GED Tests in content, difficulty, and format. The Practice Tests are a good tool to help you decide whether you are adequately prepared to succeed on the actual GED Tests or whether you would benefit from additional study or practice. Your teacher or tutor can help you interpret your Practice Test scores to determine your next step.

Where do I take the GED tests?

MISD GED Test Center
2704 Motley
Mesquite, Texas 75149
972-882-7454

Testing is available every Tuesday and Thursday and starts at 5:45 p.m.

Where do I register for adult basic education classes?

Classes are provided at Poteet High School, 3300 Poteet Drive, Mesquite, Texas. These classes are provided through Dallas ISD and offer English as a Second Language and GED Classes. Classes are offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. To attain information on how to enroll in these classes, please call 972-749-2525.

Where can I take the GED tests in Spanish?

Testing in Spanish is offered only at specific times. This is offered through Dallas ISD. Please call 972-749-2771 or 972-749-2772 for more information for Dallas dates. Mesquite GED Testing Center only offers it in November and April. Please call 972-882-7454 for dates available in November and April at the Mesquite GED Testing Center.

What do the GED tests look like?

The following table provides the number of questions and time limits on the GED Tests. Find out how many and which tests you are scheduled to take.

Except for Part 2, of the Language Arts, Writing Test, which requires an essay, and the Mathematics Test, which requires the gridding of some answers, questions are provided in multiple-choice format. Each multiple-choice question lists five possible answer choices; you select the best answer.