Adult Education and Family Literacy

GED Testing

“Not all individuals can be fairly tested under standard administrations of regular print editions of the GED Tests. In such cases, accommodated administrations may be arranged at the request of the candidate and with the approval of the Chief Examiner and the GED Administrator…”

If you believe you may have a disability that could keep you from taking the GED Tests in the usual way, you may be able to receive reasonable testing accommodations. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, GED Testing Centers provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations to GED candidates with documented needs.

What are accommodations?
Accommodations are not intended to create an advantage for a person with a documented disability, or to perform the task for him or her. Instead, accommodations place an individual on an even playing field with other candidates, and provide an opportunity to demonstrate his/her knowledge, skills, and abilities on an equal basis to other test-takers. The passing score requirements are the same for all test-takers.

Who can request accommodations?
Accommodations may be available for people with the following:

1. Physical disabilities
2. Psychological disabilities
3. Learning disabilities
4. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

What accommodations are available?
Accommodations may include:

1. Use of an audiocassette edition of the test
2. Braille or large-print editions
3. Sign-language interpreter/ use of a scribe
4. Extended time
5. Supervised additional breaks
6. Testing in a private room
7. One-on-one testing at a health facility or at home
8. Use of a talking calculator
9. Use of a calculator on part two of the math test

Other reasonable accommodations may be approved if documentation supports the request.

Regardless of the nature of the candidate’s disability, it is essential that any accommodations be appropriate and specific to his or her needs. Unnecessary accommodations can actually hinder an individual’s ability to perform on the GED Tests. Before requesting a particular accommodation, a candidate should be familiar with it, have learned how to use it, and had the opportunity to practice in similar situations. This ensures that the candidate will be able to use the accommodation effectively during the GED Tests.

How do I request accommodations?
There are four different forms for requesting testing accommodations: Learning and Other Cognitive Disabilities, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity, Emotional/Mental Health, and Physical/Chronic Health Disability. You must fill out the appropriate form for your disability and the type of accommodations requested.

If you feel you may need accommodations, the testing center will assist you in filling out the appropriate form. You can obtain the necessary form from the GED Testing Center at which you plan to test, or you can download the form from GED Testing Service.

Once you have completed the proper form and gathered the necessary documentation, the testing center will forward the form and records to the State GED Administrator for a screening review. Each request is considered on an individual basis. Accommodation decisions will be made by either the State GED Administrator or GEDTS, depending upon the type of request and the nature of the accommodation. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal, after which a panel of GEDTS experts will review the request and make a final decision.

Are any accommodations available without documentation?
There are many accommodations available to a GED candidate without documentation or approval from GEDTS. Examples include:

1. Use of a large-print version of the test
2. Color overlays
3. Use of a straight edge (non-ruled)
4. Use of magnifying aids
5. Graph paper

The goal of GED Testing Service and each local GED Testing Center is to support individuals with disabilities, and ensure access, by providing reasonable and appropriate testing accommodations. For additional information and assistance, contact the Oklahoma GED Testing Center at which you plan to test. You can also check the official GED Web site.