Pennsylvania (PA) GED Information and Requirements
Students who are over the age of 18 and have not graduated from high school are generally qualified to take the GED examination in Pennsylvania. Many postsecondary educational institutions require either a high school diploma or the GED equivalent for admission. Keep reading to learn more about obtaining a GED in Pennsylvania.
How Can I Earn a Pennsylvania (PA) GED?
The GED, or General Educational Development test, was originally developed in 1942. Its purpose is to certify a high school level of education for students who did not graduate from high school. Nearly all universities and colleges accept a GED for purposes of admission, and most U.S. employers regard a GED diploma as equivalent to a high school diploma. In Pennsylvania, the official credential awarded upon passing the GED exam is the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. Some Pennsylvania school districts may offer to exchange this credential for a high school diploma.
GED Requirements
In order to take the GED test in Pennsylvania, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of Pennsylvania, have not graduated from high school and be able to show documents proving their identity. In some circumstances, applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age are able to take the GED test. They must be able to provide written verification that they have withdrawn from school and a letter from an employer, college or postsecondary school, branch of the Armed Services or state institution indicating the student needs to hold a GED credential.
Students can prepare to take the GED exam with free classes located throughout Pennsylvania. The GED test can be taken at over 150 locations in Pennsylvania. More information on GED preparation and testing can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Education website (www.portal.state.pa.us).
Passing the GED
In order to pass the GED, students must receive a minimum total of 2250 points on all five GED tests. Applicants may score no lower than 410 points on any individual test. Applicants are allowed to retest on any individual test they do not pass. Each test can be taken only three times per year. Individual test areas include:
- Reading
- Writing
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social studies
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