GED Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a G.E.D. diploma? 

• “G.E.D.” actually stands for “General Educational Development” Corporation, a national non-profit test development agency established to assist individuals who do not meet traditional high school requirements for graduation.  The “G.E.D. diploma” functions as a “general equivalency diploma” or a “substitute high school diploma.”  It is earned by successfully passing five Official G.E.D. exams in Language Arts--Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts--Reading and Mathematics.  It is recognized and accepted by most employers, trade schools and colleges.

2. Who “gives” the G.E.D.? 

• Iowa Western Community College has certified “G.E.D. Examiners” who administer the exams and keep records of your scores.  Adjunct Instructors provide preparation in Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, Glenwood, Missouri Valley, Harlan, Atlantic, Clarinda, Shenandoah and Sidney.  Iowa Western G.E.D. instructors assist you toward success and introduce you to required background material.

3. Can I do it all on line?

   • No! The official position of the Iowa Department of Education is as follows: "Persons seeking to meet the Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma requirements should be aware of companies that claim to offer the Test of General Educational Development (GED) over the Internet or through correspondence courses. There are no on-line correspondence testing programs recognized by the General Educational Development Testing Service (GEDTS) of the American Council on Education (ACE). Persons can only take the Official GED Test Battery at an approved Iowa GED test center. The only way to receive an Iowa High School Equivalency Diploma is to successfully pass the Official GED Test Battery by Iowa state standards. The current Iowa state standard is to achieve a minimum standard score of 410 on each of the five Official GED Test Battery subtests and an overall standard score average of 450.

     Please contact Iowa Western Community College at 1-800-432-5852, ext. 3266 for further information."

4. How do I sign up for the G.E.D.?

• You sign up for G.E.D. preparation at the I.W.C.C. Adult Learning Center in the Omni Center or at one of the preparation sites by filling out a couple of simple forms with a phone number, address, Social Security number, etc.   An instructor will also interview you briefly about your goals and educational background.   After signing up, you complete your registration by taking short Math and Reading tests or “screens” called CASAS to determine the level of your reading and math abilities.
• Students age 19 and under must bring an official school transcript or fill-out a request form for a transcript.  Students age 18 and under whose class has not graduated must also get a signed parental permission form.  Students age 17 must also secure a “Third Party Documentation” form—signed by a school counselor or a professional who knows that G.E.D. preparation is a better option for you than school.

5. How long does it take to get a G.E.D. diploma?

• You must be ready and able to pass the five Official G.E.D. exams.  In Iowa, you must take “practice tests” to earn “testing slips” before you are allowed to test.   Even a student who has mastered the knowledge to test successfully usually needs at least 3-4 weeks to register, practice test and complete the five Official G.E.D. Exams.  We cannot predict how much time you will need in preparation prior to testing because the amount of time each student spends for successful review work varies considerably.   Your success depends on your learning abilities, your study habits, your motivation and how consistently you attend class.

6. How do “practice tests” and “testing slips” work?

• When you score over 500 out of 800 on a “half-length” Official G.E.D. Practice Exam in one of the five subjects, you will receive a “testing slip” which is good for 3-4 weeks.  It allows you to take the “full-length” Official G.E.D. Exam in the subject area listed on the slip.  If the slip expires, you will have to take another practice exam to insure you are ready for the actual G.E.D. Exam.

7. When and where are the tests offered?

• Exams are offered year-round in Council Bluffs, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Atlantic and Harlan.   Days and times at these testing sites vary; so contact the IWCC Campus Coordinator nearest you for testing times.  In Council Bluffs, contact the Adult Learning Center in the Omni Center Mall, 300 West Broadway, Suite 12, (712) 325-3266.

8. How much does the GED cost?   Is money all I need to bring before testing?

• You must pay a $85 fee for all five exams before your first exam, and you must bring a “testing slip” that allows you to take a “full-length” Official G.E.D. Exam.  You will need a slip for each of the five exams.  You must also bring a picture ID and be at least age 17.  Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to complete paperwork.

9. What is a passing score?

• 450 (out of 800) is a passing score.   A score in the 410-440 range counts when “extra points” from a score over 450 on another exam are added to make an average 450 score. 

10. What if I fail to “pass” an Official G.E.D. Exam?

• Unfortunately, if you score less than 410 points you must retake the exam—regardless of earned extra points.  You must also get a new “testing slip” and pay a retest fee of $13. You must also prepare for that exam and complete it before taking another.

11. How long do I have to finish all five Official G.E.D. Exams?

• You should testing fee is good for two years after your first exam.   After two years you must repay the $80 fee regardless of the number of tests you have completed.  Your passing G.E.D. scores are valid for a few years longer, usually until a major revision of the exams.

12. After I finish testing how long will it take to get a diploma?

• A week or so after you have passed the five exams, you receive a wallet card with your scores that says you have passed the G.E.D.  The wallet card is a small certificate of completion much like a wallet-sized high school diploma.  In the mail eight weeks later, you will receive a full-size diploma and wallet card issued by the Iowa Department of Education.  

13. Is there a G.E.D. graduation ceremony?

• Our graduation ceremony is in April or May at the Iowa Western Community College main campus.  Everyone who completes the exams is invited to attend the ceremony with friends and family.  If you finish after the ceremony in a given year, you will be invited to attend in the following year.  We do not know the exact date of the ceremony until it is set in late January or early February. 

14. What if I need an official transcript to apply for a job, a college or the military?

• After you have successfully completed the exams you are entitled to free transcripts of your scores.  You may request these in person, in a signed fax to712-325-3708 or in a letter to IWCC-CE, GED Transcripts, 2700 College Road, Box 4-C, Council Bluffs, IA, 51502-3004.  Please include your Social Security Number, Date of Birth and Year of Graduation in your request.

15. I had some learning problems in school.  Is the G.E.D. a better option for me?

• If you keep working you will eventually pass the five exams.  Although we cannot predict how long that will take, we see success when students work two or more days per week in the G.E.D. classroom.  If you commit to a program of study with frequent attendance and hard work, you will be successful.
• Look beyond what happened to you in school.  Now it’s your program. Your work and dedication to your own educational improvement will pay off in G.E.D. testing success.  In class, complete your book and computer assignments.   Do a few math problems every day.   Prepare at home by learning new vocabulary words, writing letters and reading newspapers, magazines, food labels and books of all kinds.  Borrow a G.E.D. preparation book from the library or buy one at your IWCC Center or a retail bookstore.  Surf the internet for exercises and practice exams on web sites like: www.gedpractice.com/ or www.ket.org/ged2002/start/