The following press release has been provided by the VT Department of Education:

Testing center opening on May 15, 2012 in Newport

Montpelier, VT — In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential, Vermont is partnering with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. Registration and scheduling will be available on Monday, May 14 and testing will begin on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

Registering, scheduling and testing on computer will provide a new experience for GED test-takers and continue to improve the GED testing system, which is a gateway for adults to find jobs or better paying jobs, enter workforce or college training programs, and better support themselves and their families.

Randy Trask, GED Testing Service’s president and CEO said, “Adult learners are often times juggling jobs, families, study time and transportation issues. GED testing on computer will be a significant step to make the scheduling and testing experience easier, more flexible and faster for adult learners across the state and eventually the country. We are so pleased that Vermont is our partner in this important endeavor.”

The GED test on computer is the same test content currently offered on paper. Its accompanying systems will provide an array of new benefits for both Vermont and GED test-takers. Some of the initial benefits include:

• One-stop online registration and scheduling available 24/7
• Flexible testing appointments for test-takers
• Instant test scores
• An introduction of basic keyboarding and computer skills
• Enhanced test security

“Vermont is proud to lead the way with GED testing on computer. Adding this new option for adult learners will provide immediate and long-term benefits,” said Toni Marra, Adult Education and Literacy Assessment Coordinator in Vermont. “From hospitals to construction sites, basic technology—including computer use and keyboarding skills—are common in the workplace today. Test-takers can now demonstrate mastery of these basic technology skills through the GED test on computer, learn immediately of their results, and be better prepared to enter the workplace.”

According to state GED program leadership, the computer-based test will initially be offered in one location across the state before it is eventually expanded. The testing center is located at:

• Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Newport, VT

Test-takers interested in testing on computer in this location should go to www.GEDcomputer.com.

Offering GED testing on computer also has an important role in increasing accessibility and flexibility for test-takers, since a double-digit increase in the number of GED test-takers is expected by 2013. A new GED assessment is schedule to be released in Jan. 2014, and a significant number of adults who haven’t taken or passed all five content areas will want to test before their scores expire when the new assessment begins.

While testing and scheduling on computer is a significant new benefit for test-takers, GED Testing Service warns consumers there are those who will attempt to bilk unsuspecting adults out of precious dollars by creating confusion online. “The GED test – whether on paper or computer – must be taken in-person at an official GED testing center.” said Trask. “Potential test-takers should not respond to individuals or so-called “institutions” offering an on-line GED test.”

For more information about GED testing on computer please visit www.GEDtestingservice.com. Also, please visit education.vermont.gov to learn more about the GED testing program in Vermont.

Additional resources

• Video short – The GED® test is not online
• Web pages to help identify and report possible scams
• Article about dangers of online high schools – Florida Center for Investigative Reporting
• To learn more about the new GED Assessment

About GED testing in Vermont

Vermont has 12 official testing locations throughout the state. On average 1,000 people each year take a test, with about 600 of them completing all five tests to earn their GED. To learn more about the GED testing program in Vermont, please visit www.education.vermont.gov.

About GED Testing Service

GED Testing Service (www.GEDtestingservice.com and www.GEDtest.org) is a joint venture between Pearson and the American Council on Education (ACE). This business will drive the future direction, design, and delivery of the GED testing program. Building on the goals of the GED 21st Century Initiative™, the two partners will combine their collective expertise and resources to develop a new GED test aligned with emerging national and state standards that will assure colleges, universities and prospective employers that adults who have passed the GED test are prepared to compete and succeed in a global economy. The GED test is used by all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. insular areas, Canadian provinces and territories, the U.S. military and federal correctional institutions for the purpose of awarding a high school equivalency credential. Nearly 800,000 GED tests are taken each year, and in 2010, more than 470,000 individuals were awarded their high school credential through the GED testing program.