College of Western Idaho (CWI) update for GED testing
The GED test was first developed in 1942 to help returning World War II veterans finish their high school studies. Today, the GED test is offered as part of a start-to-finish program for adult learners.
- Scroll down to the "GED Prep" drop down if you are looking for assistance in preparing for your GED. These services are offered through Adult Education programs at our Community Learning Centers, not at Testing Services. When you are ready to test, you will schedule through your GED.com account. If you need assistance with scheduling, please contact Testing Services.
Steps to complete your GED:
Register:
- Sign up for a free account at GED.com
- If you are 16-17 years of age, you will complete a youth waiver and return it to us:
- Email: cwiproctor@cwi.edu
- Mailing Address: College of Western Idaho, P.O. Box 3010, MS 2800, Nampa, ID 83653
- If you require disability accommodations for the GED exam, these must be obtained before scheduling. To fill out the necessary paperwork, or for questions about accommodated GED testing, please visit GED's Accommodations page.
Schedule & Pay:
- Use your GED.com account to schedule & pay for your exams
- Take your GED exam at one of our two testing locations
Day of the Test
Identification
You will be required to present valid, government-issued ID prior to beginning your exam. You may have a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport booklet. A passport card will not be accepted for testing.
Per GED policy (checkout step #2 on GED.com): "You will be required to provide one or more valid forms of identification on the day of the test. The ID must be government-issued and non-expired. It must also include your name, address, date of birth, signature, and photograph."
If you do not have proper identification when you arrive for your exam, you will be turned away. This may result in a forfeiture of any exam fees paid. If you are unsure if your ID will be accepted, please contact us prior to your exam time as you may need to obtain a new ID before your arrival.
Test Details
You may schedule your exams separately, in any combination, or all together.
GED sections and time limits are as follows:
Language Arts - 150 minutes (3 parts)
- 3 minutes of instruction and review
- 45 minutes for the written essay
- 10 minute break between parts 2 and 3
Social Studies - 70 minutes
- 2 minutes of instruction and final review
- No breaks
Math - 115 minutes (2 parts)
- 2 minutes of instruction and review
- 3 minute break to retrieve calculator
Science - 90 minutes
- 2 minutes of instruction and final review
- No breaks
The cost for the GED is $30 per exam (4 sections = $120). Retakes are available for $10 each for your second and third attempts. After three failed attempts, a test taker will need to wait 60 days before they can retest. (4th attempt returns to $30 with 5th and 6th attempts at $10 each.)
Minimum score of 145 required to pass each section. Total passing score is 580 or higher.
For ADA Accommodations in taking the GED, please visit GED's Accommodations page.
Scores & Transcripts:
Beginning September 28, 2020, the Idaho Division of Career and Technical Education (IDCTE) will transfer Idaho’s GED® credentialing service from DiplomaSender to Parchment.
This move provides many benefits for Idahoans who complete the GED®, including:
- Students who pass the GED will be immediately sent an email notification with links to download electronic versions of their documents and instructions for ordering paper copies.
- Students will receive one complimentary printed copy of their transcript and diploma; additional copies can be purchased for $15 each.
- Students can download their credentials electronically so they can share them with potential employers or academic institutions.
- Over 90% of U.S. admissions offices have a Parchment Receive account. This allows admissions offices to receive and download electronic documents from Parchment securely.
- Since Parchment connects directly with GED®, students who take the test after 2014 don’t need to create an additional account. They can sign in to Parchment using their GED® credentials.
- Students who passed the GED prior to 9/28/20, can go to: Grads and Transcripts for information on ordering their documents from Parchment.
Parchment offers many benefits over DiplomaSender, and test-takers will be able to access their electronic credentials faster and more efficiently.
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GED Prep
Preparing & Studying for your GED:
To take FREE preparation classes or use our Adult Education resources to help you complete your GED, please visit CWI's Adult Education or call:
- 208.562.2575 (Ada County Center)
- 208.562.2068 (Canyon County Campus)
You may also use GED.com to purchase study materials including GED Ready practice tests. GED Ready practice tests cost $6.99 each. Use your "My Score" results to study specific materials for your needs.
Connect to a GED Prep Center near you when you register at GED.com.