GED - General Educational Development

Q: What is a GED and why should I get one?
A: The GED (General Educational Development) tests were developed by the American Council on Education to enable students who lack regular high school diplomas to demonstrate they have the basic academic skills of a high school graduate.

Q: I want to get my GED; where do I find information to do that?
A: You will find informationregarding obtaining the GEDby calling (239)377-0984.

Q: How long does it take to get a GED?
A: This varies for each individual student, depending on how much you need to study.

Q: What is on the GED test?
A: The GED is actually a battery of tests which assess skill levels in reading, mathematics, language (grammar and essay), social studies, and science.

Q: This sounds like a lot of tests; do I have to take them all at once?
A: No. While some students may opt to take the full battery at once, others may take the tests in any combination, or individually.

Q: How much will it cost to take the GED test?
A: The full battery costs $45. Each individual test costs $9.

Q: How often is the GED test offered?
A: The GED test is offered once a month all year long in Naples, and once a month from September through May in Immokalee.

Q: How often can take the GED test?
A: A candidate has three chances to test in a particular subject in one calendar year.

Q: What scores do I need to pass the GED?
A: The possible scores on each GED test range from 200 to 800. Candidates need to score at least 410 to pass any one subject. However, in order to pass the complete battery, you'll need a total score of 2,250 in all five subjects.

Q: What times are the GED tests held?
A: In Naples: 5:15 PM- 10:00 PM
In Immokalee: 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Q: What materials (pencil, paper, calculators)should I bringwhen Itake the GED test?
A: You must bring a Florida drivers license or Florida photo ID, Social Security Card.

Q: How old do you need to be to take the GED test?
A: Generally, people need to be at least 18 years old. Students who are 16-17 years old may take the GED if a parent or legal guardian completes and signs the "GED Testing Out-of-School-Youth" form available in the Resource Room at Lorenzo Walker.

Q: Can I be registered in high school and still take the GED test?
A: No. In order to take the GED test you must be officially withdrawn from high school. The only exceptions are students who are registered in the "GED Exit Options" program at Beacon High School.

Q: How do I sign up for the GED test?
A: You may sign up during the day or evening in the Resource Room at Lorenzo Walker. The test itself is given at Barron Collier High School.
Daytime: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 8:00 AM- 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM- 1:30 PM
Tuesdays, Thursdays: 1:00 PM-1:30 PM or 3:00- 5:00 PM
Evenings: Monday-Thursday: 6:00-8:00 PM

Q: When should I sign up for the GED test?
A: If you call the information line, 239/377-0984, a recording will tell you when the Naples tests are being held. If you want the dates of the Immokalee tests, you may leave a message at 239/377-0981. You'll need to sign up at least a week before any test.

Q: What do I need to bring to the GED test?
Bring a Florida ID (driver's license or government identification) when you sign-up and when you go to take the test. Bring your checkbook with you or cash in the exact amount for the test(s) you want to take. Testing centers do not provide change and do not accept credit cards. Be prepared to spend 20-30 minutes filling out the paperwork.
If you are 16-17 years old, you will need to present the completed Out-of-School Youth form (which you pick up earlier) or you will need to bring your parent/guardian with you.

Q: I don't think I'm prepared to take the GED, what should I do?
A: You're welcome to register for our study program by first signing up for and attending a new student orientation. If you're 16-17 years old, you'll need to bring your parent or guardian to a parent/teacher conference before you sign up for orientation.

Q: How do I set up a GED parent/teacher conference?
A: No appointment is necessary, just show up during the following times:

For the day study program:
Parent/teacher conferences are held twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 AM or 2:00 PM during the regular school year.

For the evening study program:
Parent/teacher conferences are held daily, Monday through Thursday between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM year round.

Q: Do I need to register for GED orientation?
A: Yes. Stop by or call the reception desk at 239/377-0900. If you're interested in studying during the day, tell the receptionist you'd like to sign up for a daytime orientation. If you're interested in studying during the evening, tell her you'd like to sign up for an evening orientation

Q: What will happen during the GED orientation?
A: Orientation includes completing registration forms and learning about the GED study program as well as the actual GED test. Immediately following orientation you will begin an assessment test called the TABE test.

Q: When are GED orientations held?
A: New GED students for the day program are accepted during the regular school year.
GED orientations for the day program are held on Monday morning. Please call to put your name on the list and to verify we having the orientation. You should report to the reception desk at 8:15 AM.

New GED students for the evening program are accepted year round.
GED orientations for the evening program are held every Monday evening year. Report to the reception desk at 5:15 PM.

Q: What are the hours of remediation lab (study program)?
A: Daytime program: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays- 8:00 AM- 2:10 PM
Tuesdays, Thursdays- 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Evening program: Monday-Thursday- 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Q: What is the purpose of the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) and when is it given?
A: The TABE test is designed to determine your current skill levels in reading, mathematics, and language. The TABE test is a timed multiple choice test. You will begin the TABE test on Monday, orientation day, and return on Wednesday to finish the TABE test.

Q: Should I be concerned about the TABE test?
A: No. The purpose of the TABE is for you and for the GED teachers to find out how ready you are to take the GED test. If your scores indicate that you are ready, you may sign up for next GED test. If not, we will strongly suggest you sign up for our study program. In that case, the GED teachers will use your TABE scores to design your individualized study plan.

Q: How long will I have to study?
A: The GED study program is open-ended and individualized to student needs. The duration of study is determined by students' progress. Normally most students need to study a minimum of six weeks before they can qualify for the GED tests.

Q: What if my schedule won't allow me to study for the GED test at the school. What can I do?
A: Currently LWIT is developing an at home study program for students not able to attend our in school program. You will need internet access.

Q: In case I have other questions, what should I do?
A: You may call the LWIT information line at 239/377-0984. You may also call the Florida Department of Education at 877/352-4331 or visit their website at: www.firn.edu/doe/workforce/ged_students.htm

GED orientation and registration information