Hermiston High School has been certified to become an official GED testing site for the region and will open for testing on March 12.
The GED test has been entirely revamped and is now available on a computerized testing format, offering tests in both English and Spanish. According to GED Testing Services, the revised, and more rigorous GED program helps ensure that GED recipients have the skills and knowledge necessary to take the next critical steps in their life.
The new test takes about seven hours to complete and covers four subjects, measuring skills required by high schools and requested by colleges and employers. The four subjects are science, social studies, mathematical Reasoning, and reasoning through language arts.
“Being able to offer this test locally better meets the needs of our students, Hermiston community, and neighboring schools and communities who wish to take the GED test,” said Wade Smith, Hermiston School District deputy superintendent. “It is always our goal for all Hermiston students to earn a standard diploma. However, in some cases, a GED may serve as the best option, due to age and outside factors for some students and their families.”
HHS will be open for testing on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m., and testers may register for specific subjects to be completed at intervals during this timeframe.
To schedule and pay for the GED testing, interested individuals may register through the GED website.
Upon passing the GED test, an individual’s diploma or credential will be issued by their state. The individual will also receive a GED transcript to apply to college, start training, or get a better job.
The first GED test was created in 1942, and it is updated every 10-15 years. According to the GED web site, people with a high school credential earn $568,000 more in a lifetime, than people without a high school credential.
