The GED examination has been in effect for over 60 years, and since then tens of thousands of individuals have gained their high school equivalency diploma. This diploma is recognized by employers and higher education institutions in the same manner as a traditional high school diploma. In Oregon the GED examination is overseen by the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, and in order to take the Oregon GED examination you must meet all eligibility requirements and successfully pass the five-part examination.
Oregon GED Test Eligibility Requirements:
The minimum age to take the Oregon GED examination is 16 years of age. Unlike other states that have a GED examination, Oregon does not feature any age waivers, thus if you are under the age of 18 you must meet one of the following requirements:
You must be enrolled in an Oregon Option Program to take the GED examination. If you are unsure what the Option Program is, please contact your local school or library branch. You may also qualify to take the Oregon GED examination if you are exempt from enrolling in your school district.
You may also take the Oregon GED examination if you are married or legally emancipated.
Those who are home schooled may also take the Oregon GED examination if you are with the Education Service District in the Option Program for In School Youth. You may also qualify to take the Oregon GED examination if you are unable to enroll in your school district.
Registering for the Oregon GED Examination:
To register for the Oregon GED examination you must first ensure you meet all of the aforementioned eligibility requirements, and then locate a testing facility nearest you. The American Council on Education offers a searchable database of all authorized testing facilities within the United States. Simply enter your zip code and a table will populate of all testing facilities.
Contact the testing facility you wish to visit and inquire about their registration policy. Typically, you will be told to visit the facility in-person and provide them with a completed GED Testing Application, government-issued photo identification and you must also attend an orientation meeting before being able to take the GED exam. As of 2011, you will be required to pay a testing fee from $75 to $150; the exact fee is determined on a local basis, thus testing fees may vary from facility to facility.
Passing the Oregon GED Examination:
The Oregon GED examination consists of five sections. These sections include: mathematics, social studies, science, writing and reading. You must successfully complete each of the sections have and have a minimum section score of 410 and an average section score of 450. You must also have a minimum total score of 2250 in order to gain your high school equivalency diploma.
SOURCES:
Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development: GED
http://www.oregon.gov/CCWD/GED/
Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development: Underage GED Testing Information
http://www.oregon.gov/CCWD/GED/PDF/TestingUnder18.pdf
Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development: GED FAQ
http://www.oregon.gov/CCWD/GED/PDF/GEDFAQ.pdf
American Council on Education: Find a GED Testing Center
http://www.acenet.edu/resources/GED/center_locator.cfm
