Taking the GED test

About the GED Test

The General Educational Development (GED) test is a standardized exam consisting of five content area tests: Language Arts-Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts-Reading, and Mathematics. The tests certify that the test-taker, who has not previously earned a high school diploma, has a high school level of knowledge and skills. For more information about the GED exam, visit the GED Testing Service.

The GED test can ONLY be taken in person through an Official GED Test Center. It CANNOT be taken online.

Classes are available to assist you with the skills and knowledge necessary to earn a GED diploma. Visit Program/Course Offerings for more information.

Eligibility to Test

Applicants must be at least sixteen years of age and NOT currently enrolled in a formal K-12 program leading to a high school diploma. If you are 22 years of age and under you must sign a disclosure form, indicating an understanding that earning the GED diploma will make you ineligible to receive some services through the public high schools .If you are age seventeen or under, both you and your legal parent/guardian must sign the disclosure.

Registering and Scheduling to Test

All applicants must register in person in Fall River, Taunton or Attleboro before they can schedule a date to test. BCC’s Official GED Test Center is located on 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA in L109. To speak with someone in the GED Test Center, call (508) 678-2811 x2156.

You will need a photo ID and a money order for the $65.00 non-refundable test fee. Cash, checks and credit are NOT accepted for any type of GED payment. If under age 18, you must provide a letter from the last school attended. A parent or legal guardian must be present with applicants under age 18. After completing your application forms, you may schedule your test dates or schedule later by calling the GED Test Center.

Special accommodations for testing can be requested by a person with a documented disability by contacting the Chief GED Examiner at (508) 678-2811 x2156.

For a list of scheduled test dates in Fall River, Taunton and Attleboro, visit GED Testing Dates (GED TestingDates.docx).

Taking the Tests

Only individuals with appointments may test. Test takers must arrive on time or be charged a “no show” fee. You must have the ID you presented at registration. You will not be admitted without proper ID and will be considered a “no show” for testing. DO NOT bring cell phones, handbags, bags, books, notebooks, papers, food or drink to the testing sessions. A calculator will be provided. There are no breaks once testing begins. A fee of $25 is charged for each missed test and must be paid prior to rescheduling.

Passing the Test

To pass the GED test, the test-taker must complete all five content area tests with a minimum total score of 2250 and a minimum score of 410 on each of the five content area tests. You must retake a test with a score below 410. You may retake tests to meet the total score requirement. The retest fee is $15.00 per test. If a test-taker takes all five tests within a year, he may have up to an additional two years to meet the passing criteria.

It takes about 2 weeks to correct tests. Scores are mailed to you once they become available. Once you meet the passing requirements, the GED Test Center will send you a transcript of your scores and the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will send you a diploma.

Official Transcripts

Once you earn your GED, the BCC Test Center will mail you an Official Transcript of your scores. Contact the Test Center if you require additional transcripts for an employer, college, or school.

GED Graduation

Individuals who earn a GED diploma through the BCC Test Center are eligible to attend the annual GED graduation ceremony. Remember to keep your address current with the Test Center in order to receive your invitation.