Earning Your High School Equivalency in Indiana
In 2014, Indiana replaced the General Educational Development (GED) exam with the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) from Data Recognition Corporation (DRC).
The TASC is made up of five subtests - reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. Test-takers will encounter multiple-choice questions, reading tasks, constructed response, and technology-enhanced items. The TASC is available in both paper- and computer-based formats. Students can take the exam in either English or Spanish. Completing all five subtests takes about seven and a half hours.
Eligibility and Scoring
Indiana requires those who take the TASC to be residents of the state for at least 30 days prior to the day of testing. Test-takers must not already have a high school diploma or equivalency and must be 18 years or older. However, students aged 16 and 17 may be eligible to sit for the exam if they can provide official documentation of their withdrawal from school. More information can be found on the state's Department of Workforce Development website.
The highest score for each TASC subtest is 800. Passing the TASC in Indiana requires a score of 500 on each of the five subtests and a score of at least 2 on the writing section's essay.
For those needing to retake a section of the TASC, Indiana allows two retakes before a six month waiting period.
Preparation
DRC recommends that students prepare before taking the TASC exam. To that end, the TASC website lists a variety of test preparation options, including workbooks, online courses, sample tests, study guides, and mobile study apps.
Others might be interested in in-person courses, which can typically be found by contacting one of the many Adult Education centers in the state. Indiana's Department of Workforce Development provides a list of centers on its website.
Why Take the TASC in Indiana?
Increasing your knowledge and gaining an education is an asset in improving your way of life. Earning your High School Equivalency Diploma is an important step in opening new doors to a better job or a secondary education. Getting your high school equivalency diploma by passing the TASC can also lead to higher-paying salaries. Those individuals who have earned their diploma make, on average, $8,000 more a year than someone without a diploma.
Need help preparing for the GED? Check out Study.com's GED Test Prep study guides, complete with bite-size video lessons, practice tests, informational resources, and more to make sure you ace the exam!