GED Tests – Administrative Details
Writing Schedules
The General Educational Development Tests are generally administered according to schedules set by each Chief Examiner at their designated Writing Centre. Should you require a more precise schedule, please contact a Writing Centre of your choice.
The GED tests are usually administered in one session of two sittings; generally on a Friday evening and the following Saturday morning. A typical schedule is outlined below.
| Friday | ||
| Registration: 6:30 P.M. | ||
| Test 1: Language Arts––Writing | ||
| Part I: Multiple Choice | 7:00 to 8:15 P.M. | (75 minutes) |
| Part II: Essay | 8:15 to 9:00 P.M. | (45 minutes) |
| Test 2: Social Studies | 9:15 to 10:25 P.M. | (70 minutes) |
| Saturday | ||
| Test 3: Science | 9:00 to 10:20 P.M. | (80 minutes) |
| Test 4: Language Arts––Reading | 10:35 to 11:40 P.M. | (65 minutes) |
| Test 5: Mathematics | 12:30 to 2:00 P.M. | (90 minutes) |
Note: Occasionally, the GED Tests are administered in one day.
Language of Writing
The tests are available in English and French only. If you wish to write the tests in French, you must notify the writing centre in advance.
Special Needs
Most Provincial Administrators will make arrangements for applicants who have special needs. Before contacting the proper authority, make sure you have supporting documentation. Please make your request well in advance of the GED tests scheduled writing date(s) so that special arrangements can be confirmed.
Test Rules
You must comply with the following test rules. Violation of any test rules may result in dismissal from the testing session, cancellation of scores obtained in that testing session, and the imposition of a waiting period before retesting is allowed.
- Student Identification
Personal identification with a signature and a photograph are required. The following are acceptable: driver’s licence, passport, employment identification card, immigration papers, or student identification card. No candidate may attempt to write a test under a false or fictitious identity, or knowingly provide false information on an application form.
- Time
Candidates shall obey all writing instructions and must immediately stop writing when the instruction is given. Candidates who are not present at the designated start time shall not be allowed any additional time. No candidate shall be permitted to leave the examination room until at least one-half hour has elapsed after the beginning of the test.
- Entrance to the Examination Room
If any candidates wish to leave the examination room after the first half-hour but before the writing time has elapsed, they shall deliver their answer sheets to the chief examiner and shall not be allowed to re-enter the room until the writing time allowed for the test has elapsed.
- Materials Exchange
Neither copying nor exchanging of materials between students is allowed. Notes in any form, papers, or books may not be used while writing the tests. Candidates must not talk, whisper, or exchange signs with one another.
- Discussion
Candidates may not discuss the test with the chief examiner, except if a test is incomplete or illegible. Candidates shall not ask the chief examiner for an explanation or clarification in reference to any questions on the test.
- Materials
HB pencils are recommended to record answers on the multiple-choice answer sheets. The final copy of the essay must be written in blue or black ink and must be completed on the pages provided. The use of a dictionary is not allowed. The writing centres will provide calculators for the GED Mathematics Test, Part I.
Test Results
Results on each of the five tests are given as standard scores ranging from 200 to 800. The scores compare your results with those from a recent national sample of senior high school students.
You will earn a High School Equivalency Diploma if your standard score on each of the five tests is 450 or higher.
Results Statement
A Results Statement indicates your standard score on each of the five tests. The Results Statement will be mailed to you. Results will not be given over the telephone.
Diploma
Providing that you pass all five tests, your High School Equivalency Diploma will be issued and mailed in a separate envelope from the Results Statement. Accompanying your Diploma will be a Statement of Courses and Marks. The Statement of Courses and Marks will indicate your GED tests scores and the results of any high school courses completed in Alberta.
Transcripts
Students must submit a written request and a fee to obtain an official transcript or to have a transcript forwarded to a post-secondary institution or a prospective employer. The Transcript Request form is available from high schools, post-secondary institutions, or the Transcript Unit of Alberta Education.
Transcripts may also be requested online. Please refer to this document’s Accumulated Credits section for Alberta Education contact numbers.
Please Note:
- If you are applying to an Alberta post-secondary institution please consult with them, or check their website before you order a high school transcript as they may be able to order a transcript for you at no cost.
Rewriting
You may rewrite any of the five tests if your score is lower than 450. A rewrite cost will apply. The centre where you intend to rewrite the test(s) will be able to tell you the exact amount.
The test you rewrite will be different than, but equivalent to, the one that you originally wrote. It is recommended that at least four months elapse before you rewrite and that you undertake formal or private study during that period.
