GED Scoring Revisions Could Affect Previous Test Takers; RichmondCC Offers New Testing Option

Feb. 4, 2016 - The GED Testing Service recently announced revisions to the passing scores, as well as performance levels for its high school equivalency tests. These changes, which will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2014, could result in many new high school equivalency diploma holders throughout the state of North Carolina.

The passing score for each GED area is now 145 instead of 150. This means if a student achieves a score of 145 or higher, he or she has passed that subject area. While this score change is effective immediately, GED score reports won’t be updated until March 1. The updated score levels will be reflected in a tester’s score report on www.GED.com, and testers who are affected by the change will be notified by email.

High school equivalency credentialing is offered through the College and Career Readiness Program at Richmond Community College.

If you scored between 145 to 149 on a GED test subject in the past, your status has changed from fail to pass, and there is no need to retake that test subject.

Students who will achieve their high school equivalency diploma because of this change to the GED passing scores will receive their credentials after March 1.

HiSET Is New Testing Option

Another change for students looking to earn a high school equivalency certificate is the option of taking the HiSET exam, instead of the GED.

The GED will still be an option, but the HiSET exam offers both paper based and computer based testing, unlike the GED, which is entirely computer based. The way the HiSET tests are packaged also makes it the lower cost option for test takers.

Free test preparation classes that will give students a brush-up on math, reading and English skills are available at all of the College and Career Readiness locations in Richmond and Scotland counties.