Getting a GED in Arkansas
More than 50 official GED testing sites are available in Arkansas, and they are accessible to residents of any county in the state. The GED test in Arkansas is administered by the Arkansas Department of Career Education. GED preparation programs are also widely available through testing centers, community centers, colleges, and other schools.
Preparation Programs
Before being eligible to take the GED test in Arkansas, candidates must take and pass the Official GED Ready Test. This practice test is administered at approved GED testing centers and adult education centers throughout Arkansas. Programs that help individuals prepare for the practice tests and GED test are also available through adult education centers, community centers, colleges, and school districts around Arkansas. These programs help prospective GED test takers determine if more focused help is needed in certain subject areas. Individuals can also find additional GED instructional materials at bookstores or libraries.
About the GED
The GED test consists of four different tests: the Reasoning Through Language Arts test, the Mathematical Reasoning test, the Social Studies test, and the Science test. Candidates may take the Arkansas GED in English or Spanish. Candidates may repeat the GED exam up to three times in one calendar year until they achieve a passing score. Each Arkansas GED test is scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 200. The overall combined score for all sections must be at least 600, and individual section scores must not fall below 150.
Testing Requirements
Arkansas individuals who wish to take the GED test must be at least 18 years old. They cannot be enrolled in high school and cannot have a high school diploma. The test cannot be administered to anyone under the age of 16, but individuals who are 16 to 17 years old may take the GED test in Arkansas if they meet adult education attendance and enrollment policies. These are satisfied by passing a GED pre-test and having an official withdrawal letter from the last school attended.
Students who are home schooled or have extenuating circumstances, such as incarceration, hospitalization, or institutionalization, may also be allowed to take the test. All test takers must meet Arkansas residency standards. Individuals can prove their Arkansas resident status by presenting a picture ID or driver's license, property tax forms, or other presentable resident documentation.