Earn Your GED

Official GED Exam

General Educational Development (GED ®) Testing is a program designed to prepare individuals who do not have a formal high school education to take a series of tests to qualify for a High School Equivalency Diploma.

To take the GED ® exam in PA, an applicant must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Not be enrolled in an approved or licensed secondary school
• Not have received a high school diploma
• Be a Pennsylvania resident (valid photo ID required)

Testers aged 16 or 17 must meet the above criteria AND provide the following to meet the requirements of Title 22 Pa Code §4.72:

• Completed Age Waiver form for the GED® AND one of the following documents:
• A court order that you must take the high school equivalency test (GED®); OR
• A letter from an employer, on company letterhead, stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test (GED®) to gain or maintain employment; OR
• A letter from a college or postsecondary training institution stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test (GED®) for enrollment; OR
• A letter from a branch of the Armed Services stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test (GED®) for induction; OR
• A letter from the director of a state institution in which you are a resident, patient or inmate requesting the high school equivalency test (GED®)

Candidates who pass a high school equivalency test prior to turning 18 will be issued a transcript. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma will be issued on their 18th birthday. No persons under the age of 16 are eligible to take a test of high school equivalency.

Schedule a Test
As of January 2014, the GED Exam is computerized through the service provider Pearson VUE. Tests are administered in the upper level of the Learning Resources Center (Library) in room 209. To view the test schedule, register to take the exam, and make payment for the exam, go to www.GED.com. The test center staff may no longer schedule or take payment for tests. Click here for detailed step-by-step directions.

FAQ

• Can I take GED preparatory classes?
  • Literacy Pittsburgh holds free classes in several locations, including CCBC. Call 724-773-7810 or 724-728-4860 x 207 to make an appointment or for further information.
• What is the minimum passing score?
  • The GED consists of four subtests in four subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. PA requires a passing score of 145 on each of the four subtests.
• Is retesting allowed?
  • For those testing in-person at a Test Center, if you did not pass one of your GED® test subjects, you can take two subsequent retests, with no restrictions between retakes. If you fail the third or any subsequent retest, you must wait 60 days for your next attempt. Additional state requirements may apply. Applicants are encouraged to attend GED preparation classes before retesting.
• How do I get a diploma?
  • Upon successful completion of the GED test, the PA Department of Education will issue a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. It will be sent to the address given by the applicant, along with a transcript. 
• How can I get a copy of my transcript?
  • In Pennsylvania, the best way to order your first and/or duplicate Diploma or Transcript is to go to DiplomaSender.com. Documents can be mailed, emailed, or faxed. Call 855-313-5799 if you prefer to order by phone – Additional fees may apply.

Important Contacts

• Contact the Pearson VUE call center at 1-877-392-6433 for technical questions and assistance with registration or the website.
• Literacy Pittsburgh holds free classes in several locations, including CCBC. Please call them at 724-773-7810 or 724-728-4860 x207 to make an appointment or for further information.
• Contact the GED Testing Center at CCBC at 724-480-3434 for questions about your appointment or for further information.

Commonwealth Diploma Program/30-College-Credit Option

A Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be issued to any Pennsylvania resident who does not possess a secondary school diploma and who is at least 18 years of age upon presentation of evidence of full enrollment and the satisfactory completion of a minimum of one full year or 30 semester hours of study at an accredited institution of post-secondary education located in the United States. An official college transcript is acceptable evidence to award this diploma. Applicants must complete and sign a request form certifying that they meet the criteria for an award of a Commonwealth Diploma. You can download the form, which includes all of the requirements, by clicking here.

To apply to CCBC, please send your GED transcript to the address below:

CCBC Enrollment Services

1 Campus Dr.

Monaca, PA 15061