General Directions for the administration of the GED® Test on paper
These directions are applicable to all GED® content area tests and should be read verbatim before any candidate begins taking any GED® content area test. If testing order differs from that in this booklet, read these directions aloud before the first test.
SAY: On behalf of the GED Testing Service, and [name of your local testing center], I welcome you today to GED® testing and wish you success in earning a [name of your jurisdiction’s credential].
SAY: (If applicable to the facility) Please check around your seat and on your person. Take all personal items, including tote bags, purses, pens, pencils, backpacks, calculators, jackets, coats, hats, food items, books, dictionaries, notebooks, scratch papers, and electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras, and any other non-approved items to the designated storage area before we start the testing session.
Pause and allow candidates time to store their possessions.
SAY: If during or after testing any of these items are found at your seat or in your possession, we will collect your test materials, your test fee will be forfeited, your test scores will not be released, you will be required to leave the testing area and you may be prohibited from taking the GED® test in the future. Now, let us review a few general guidelines. Please do not mark or write in the test booklets. You may leave the testing room only after you complete a test and we collect your testing materials and I have given you permission to get out of your seat and leave. If you have an emergency and must leave the testing room, we will collect all of your testing materials and you will not be allowed to continue on the test on which you are working. We will score the incomplete test. You will be allowed to start testing when the next test session begins.
SAY: There is some information that you need to know before you start the test. You should not spend too much time on a question whose answer you do not know; answer it if you can, and go on to the next question. It is to your advantage to answer every question. Your score is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. Even if you are not certain of the answer to a question, you may wish to mark the answer that appears to be the best choice. You must use a number 2 pencil when answering the questions in your answer document.
SAY: You will be recording your answers on the answer document, marking your selection by completely filling in the circle of the answer choice that you have chosen. Make no stray marks on the answer document. If you erase, do so completely. Make sure that every mark on the answer document corresponds to the number of the question and to your answer choice. Again, please do not write in the test booklet unless specifically directed. Are there any questions about recording your answers on the answer document?
Pause and answer any questions.
SAY: During testing, do not look at any other candidate’s answer document, do not talk, and do not make any unnecessary noise. If you appear to be copying answers, using notes, or acting suspiciously, we will collect your test materials, your test scores will not be released, you will be required to leave the testing area, and you may be prohibited from taking the GED® test in the future. Likewise, if your activity makes it difficult for others to concentrate on their work, we will collect your test materials, your test scores will not be released, you will be required to leave the testing area, and you may be prohibited from taking the GED® test in the future. The only items that should be on your desk are the materials we give to you.
Directions for the Mathematical Reasoning Test, Part 1
Mathematical Reasoning Test Part 1 and Mathematical Reasoning Test Part 2 must be administered on the same day.
Distribute only the Part 1 test booklet, answer document, note board, and dry erase marker. Do NOT distribute a calculator for Part 1.
SAY: On the Mathematical Reasoning test answer document, review the pre-printed information that appears at the top of the front page. Make sure that your name is printed correctly. Below your name, indicate if there have been any changes to your name since the last time you took a GED® test.
SAY: Below the identification information, the directions are as follows: Use a pencil with an eraser to complete this test. Make solid dark marks that completely fill the circle. Completely erase any answers you wish to change. Do not make any marks other than marking in the squares or writing in a number, when required. You may NOT use a calculator on Part 1 of the Mathematical Reasoning test. Calculators are allowed on Part 2 of the Mathematical Reasoning test.
SAY: The Mathematical Reasoning test is taken in two parts. The time allowed for the entire Mathematical Reasoning Test is 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete all questions for both Parts 1 and 2. Once you begin Part 2, you will not be able to return to Part 1. You should plan to spend no more than 10 minutes on Part 1 so that you have enough time to complete Part 2. I will make an announcement after 10 minutes has passed, suggesting that you consider moving on to Part 2.
SAY: If you are ready to move onto Part 2 after 10 minutes, raise your hand and an Examiner will come and collect your Part 1 test booklet, answer document, and the used note board. The Examiner will then give you Part 2 of the Mathematical Reasoning test, a new note board, and a calculator.
SAY: If you are not ready to move onto Part 2 after 10 minutes, continue Part 1, but remember that your total testing time is for BOTH parts in total. You will see the total test time on the directions page of your test booklet. Work carefully, but do not spend too much time on any one question. Be sure to answer every question.
SAY: Turn to page 2 of your test booklet and read the directions and the sample questions provided, but do not turn past the sample pages of the booklet yet. Formulas that you may need will be provided by the Examiner. Not all of the questions will require you to use a formula and you may not need to use all formulas.
Pause and give a few minutes to allow review of the sample questions and general directions.
SAY: Open your test booklet to test question 1. The time starts now; you may begin.
Start timing the test administration immediately. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Write the beginning and ending time on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or flip chart. After the candidates start the test, walk around the room and check the answer documents to ensure that the candidates are in the correct section of the answer document. Quietly circulate often.
After 10 minutes
SAY: It is suggested that you complete Part 1 within 10 minutes; however, you are not limited to 10 minutes. Once you have completed Part 1, raise your hand and an Examiner will come to collect your Part 1 booklet, answer document, and note board.
Directions for the Mathematical Reasoning Test, Part 2
As candidates complete Part 1, collect the test booklet, answer sheet, and note board without disturbing others. Distribute the Part 2 test booklets, answer sheet, calculator, calculator reference sheet, and a new note board once Part 1 has been collected. Continue timing the test administration. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Circulate often and quietly.
SAY QUIETLY AND INDIVIDUALLY: On the calculator reference document are examples that can help you feel comfortable with the calculator while completing Part 2. Do you have any questions about the calculator directions?
Pause and answer any questions.
SAY QUIETLY AND INDIVIDUALLY: Your time is continuing from Part 1. Remember, you have a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes for both parts.
After 1 hour and 40 minutes
SAY TO THE GROUP: You have 10 minutes left to complete this test.
At the end of 1 hour and 50 minutes
SAY TO THE GROUP: Time is up. Put your pencils down and close the test booklet. Remain in your seats while we collect and check the test materials. Thank you for your participation.
Directions for the Reasoning Through Language Arts Test, General
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Parts 1 – 3, must be administered on the same day. The following is an overview of the RLA test that you must be familiar with prior to administering the test:
- The Reasoning Through Language Arts test is a 147-minute test, including a 10-minute break after Part 2:
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- Part 1 is 27 minutes
- Part 2 (the Extended Response) is 45 minutes
- A 10-minute break is given after Part 2
- Part 3 is 65 minutes
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- Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Reasoning Through Language Arts test must never be administered at separate times. Each candidate must have his or her own test booklet and answer sheet for the entire testing time. (Each part is a separate booklet that is handed to the test-taker and collected at the conclusion of each part of the test.)
- Each section is timed separately. If a candidate finishes one section in less than the allotted time and wishes to move to the next section he or she may do so if the administration is an individual rather than group administration. Under no circumstances may a candidate return to a previous section at any time after that section has been completed, even if additional unused time remains.
- For Part 2, all GED® candidates must write their responses to the Extended Response question on the answer documents and may not attach additional paper or use a second answer document if their responses exceed the space provided. Only the writing on the lined pages as directed in the answer document will be read and scored.
SAY: On the Reasoning Through Language Arts test answer document, review the pre-printed information that appears at the top of the front page. Make sure that your name is printed correctly. Below your name, indicate if there have been any changes to your name since the last time you took a GED® test.
SAY: Below the identification information, the directions are as follows: Use a pencil with an eraser to complete this test. Make solid dark marks that completely fill the circle. Completely erase any answers you wish to change. Do not make any marks other than marking in the squares or writing on the lined pages, when required.
SAY: The Reasoning Through Language Arts test is taken in three parts. The number of questions for each part can be found on the directions page of Part 1.
Directions for the Reasoning Through Language Arts Test, Part 1
Distribute the Reasoning Through Language Arts, Part 1, test booklets.
SAY: Again, you have 27 minutes to complete Part 1. I will tell you when you have 5 minutes left to finish Part 1. Open your test booklet to question 1. The time starts now; you may begin.
Start timing the test administration immediately. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Write the beginning and ending time on the chalkboard or flip chart. Quietly circulate often.
After 22 minutes
SAY: You have 5 minutes left to complete Part 1.
At the end of 27 minutes
SAY: Time is up. Put your pencils down and close the test booklet. Remain in your seats while we collect and check the test materials.
Collect the Reasoning Through Language Arts, Part 1, test booklets and answer document.
Directions for the Reasoning Through Language Arts Test, Part 2
The following is an overview of Part 2 of the RLA test that you must be familiar with prior to administering the test:
- Extended Response Prompts
- The Extended Response question integrates reading and writing in meaningful tasks that require candidates to support their written analysis with evidence drawn from given source text of appropriate complexity provided in the test.
- Extended Response Score
- The Extended Response score will be provided to the candidate via the score report.
- See additional guidelines regarding test-taker responses which may contain sensitive material in the Appendix to this document.
After Part 1 materials have been collected and checked, distribute the Reasoning Through Language Arts, Part 2 test booklets
SAY: Again, Part 2 has one Extended Response question. You have 45 minutes to complete Part 2, and there will be 10-minute break after Part 2. I will tell you when you have 10 minutes left to finish the Extended Response question.
SAY: Open the test booklet to the directions page. Here are directions and guidelines to use as you answer the Extended Response question. Following these guidelines as closely as possible will ensure that you provide the best possible response. When you have completed reading the directions and guidelines, please close your test booklet and do not open it again until you are instructed to do so.
Pause for approximately 2-3 minutes while test-takers reach the directions and guidelines.
SAY: Are there any questions about the directions or guidelines?
Pause and answer any questions
SAY: When told, you will open your test booklet and see the passage and Extended Response question.
SAY: You have a lined section labeled PLANNING SPACE FOR EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION on pages 2 – 4 of your TEST BOOKLET to draft your response.
SAY: The scorers only score responses written on the lined section of the TEST BOOKLET labeled ANSWER SPACE FOR EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION. Please be sure to write your final response here.
SAY: Are there any questions?
Pause and answer any questions.
SAY: Open your test booklet. The time starts now; you may begin.
Start timing the test administration immediately. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Write the beginning and ending time on the chalkboard or flip chart. Circulate often and quietly.
After 35 minutes
SAY: You have 10 minutes left to complete Part 2.
After 45 minutes
SAY: Time is up. Put your pencils down and close the test booklet. Remain in your seats while we collect and check the test materials.
Collect the Reasoning Through Language Arts, Part 2, test booklets and answer sheets.
After materials have been collected and checked
SAY: You may now take a 10-minute break.
Directions for the Reasoning Through Language Arts Test, Part 3
At the conclusion of the break
SAY: I will now distribute the Reasoning Through Language Arts, Part 3, test booklets and answer sheets. Do not open the booklets until I give you instructions to do so.
Distribute the Reasoning Through Language Arts, Part 3, test booklets.
SAY: You have 65 minutes to complete Part 3. I will tell you when you have 10 minutes left to finish Part 3.
SAY: Open your test booklet. The time starts now; you may begin.
Start timing the test administration immediately. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Write the beginning and ending time on the chalkboard or flip chart. Circulate often and quietly.
After 55 minutes
SAY: You have 10 minutes left to complete Part 3.
At the end of 65 minutes
SAY: Time is up. Put your pencils down and close the test booklet. Remain in your seats while we collect and check the test materials. Thank you for your participation.
Directions for the Science Test
SAY: I will now distribute the Science test and answer document. Do not open the Science test until I give you instructions to do so.
Distribute the Science test booklet, answer document, calculator, calculator reference sheet, note board, and dry erase marker.
SAY: On the Science test answer document, review the pre-printed information that appears at the top of the front page. Make sure that your name is printed correctly. Below your name, indicate if there have been any changes to your name since the last time you took a GED® test.
SAY: Below the identification information, the directions are as follows: Use a pencil with an eraser to complete this test. Make solid dark marks that completely fill the circle. Completely erase any answers you wish to change. Do not make any marks other than marking in the squares or writing in a number, when required. You MAY use a calculator on the Science test.
SAY: You have received a calculator reference document. These examples are to help you feel comfortable with the calculator while completing the test. Do you have any questions about the calculator directions?
Pause and answer any questions.
SAY: You have 88 minutes total to complete the Science test.
SAY: I will make an announcement when there are 10 minutes left.
SAY: Open your test booklet. The time starts now; you may begin.
Start timing the test administration immediately. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Write the beginning and ending time on the chalkboard, whiteboard, or flipchart.
Quietly circulate often.
After 78 minutes
SAY: You have 10 minutes left to complete the test. Please work accordingly.
At the end of 88 minutes
SAY: Time is up. Put your pencils down and close the test booklet. Remain in your seats while we collect and check the test materials. Thank you for your participation.
Directions for the Social Studies Test
SAY: I will now distribute the Social Studies test and answer document. Do not open the Social Studies test until I give you instructions to do so.
Distribute the Social Studies test booklet, answer document, calculator, note board, and dry erase marker.
SAY: On the Social Studies test answer document, review the pre-printed information that appears at the top of the front page. Make sure that your name is printed correctly. Below your name, indicate if there have been any changes to your name since the last time you took a GED® test.
SAY: Below the identification information, the directions are as follows: Use a pencil with an eraser to complete this test. Make solid dark marks that completely fill the circle. Completely erase any answers you wish to change. Do not make any marks other than marking in the squares. You MAY use a calculator on the Social Studies test.
SAY: On page 4 is a calculator reference document. These examples are to help you feel comfortable with the calculator while completing the test. Do you have any questions about the calculator directions?
Pause and answer any questions.
SAY: You have 68 minutes total to complete the Social Studies test. I will make an announcement when there are 10 minutes left.
SAY: Open your test booklet. The time starts now; you may begin.
Start timing the test administration immediately. Record the time candidates begin working in the surveillance log. Write the beginning and ending time on the chalkboard or flip chart. Circulate often and quietly.
After 58 minutes
SAY: You have 10 minutes left to complete the test. Please work accordingly.
At the end of 68 minutes
SAY: Time is up. Put your pencils down and close the test booklet. Remain in your seats while we collect and check the test materials. Thank you for your participation.
APPENDIX
Guidelines for Test Centers, Extended Response Scoring Sites, and Jurisdictional Administrators for Handling GED® Extended Responses of a Sensitive Nature
In general, every effort must be made to keep the responses written by candidates to the Extended Response prompts secure at all times. However, situations occasionally arise when a candidate’s response contains content that threatens harm or violence to self or others, discusses criminal activity, or otherwise addresses issues of a sensitive nature that give the reader a legitimate basis for concern. In these cases, examiners, test center personnel, GED Testing Service trained Extended Response readers, and jurisdictional administrators will need to decide whether any actions are warranted. When deemed appropriate, oral and written notification should be given to state legal authorities and to relevant GED® personnel. Such notification should be made promptly upon discovering the sensitive nature of the Extended Response.
CONCERNS REGARDING SENSITIVE EXTENDED RESPONSES SHOULD BE SHARED ONLY WITH THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A LEGITIMATE NEED TO RECEIVE SUCH INFORMATION.
NOTE: Notifications to GED Testing Service should be directed to GEDTS Technology Operations at [email protected].
GED® Testing Centers
If a test administrator believes that a candidate’s Extended Response suggests an intention to cause harm to the candidate himself, herself, or others, or to damage property or commit other crimes (including acts or threats of terrorism), or that the candidate has been the victim of abuse or an assault by another:
- The testing officer should immediately notify the jurisdictional administrator, orally and in writing, and copy GED Testing Service with the notification.
• If possible, the testing officer should contact someone who knows the candidate better, such as a teacher or guidance counselor, to determine if there is reason to believe that the claims or threats are real.
Most states have laws that require that certain officials report cases of neglect or abuse involving minors. While these statutes may not be applicable to individuals who review responses, GED Testing Service believes that such cases should still be reported to a counselor or the state agency.
If state authorities (police, other law enforcement officers, state’s attorney, or an officer of the court) request the original response, the testing officer should comply with the request as long as it is contained in a valid subpoena or other appropriate legal document. Copies of the subpoena or written request must be sent immediately to the jurisdictional administrator and GED Testing Service. The testing officers must advise the jurisdictional administrator and GED Testing Service of any actions or outcomes that result from the reporting of sensitive responses.
GED Jurisdictional Administrators™
If a jurisdictional administrator receives a sensitive response from a GED® testing center the administrator should:
- Contact the jurisdiction’s internal legal department for advice, including advice on complying with any applicable state or provincial laws.
- Act upon the advice of the jurisdiction’s legal department and if appropriate, contact the state’s/province’s agency that protects minors (if the candidate is under age 18).
- Comply with any subpoena or other appropriate legal document if state authorities (police, other law enforcement officers, state’s attorney, or an officer of the court) request the original response. Copies of the subpoena or other written request must be sent immediately to GED Testing Service.
- Notify GED Testing Service, orally and in writing, of all actions or outcomes that result from the reporting of sensitive responses and provide a copy of the original response.