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General Educational Development (GED) Testing
NEKLS has been approved by the Vermont Department of Education (VDOE) and the American Council on Education (ACE) as a GED testing center. NEKLS complies with all VDOE and ACE policies and standards required of testing centers. The ACE conducts continuous research to assure that the GED does demonstrate educational skill acquisition and comparability to the skill level of high school seniors. In order to earn the GED certificate, candidates must pass five tests: Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts - Reading, and Language Arts - Writing. There are three versions of each test. The multiple versions allow a candidate who does not obtain a passing score to retest. Candidates may retest up to three times in a calendar year. No candidate may test more than three times in a calendar year. The minimum passing score for a single test is 410. However, since candidates must obtain a minimum total score on all five of 2250, than the average for each test is required to be 450. The VDOE determines the fee for testing. Currently, it is twelve dollars ($12.00) per test.
Upon submission of the scores by NEKLS to the VDOE, candidates meeting scoring criteria will be awarded a GED certificate. VDOE is responsible for maintaining all GED records and for providing transcripts as requested by candidates. Information on transcripts and the procedure for requesting may be obtained from VDOE. The switchboard telephone number is 1-802-828-3135. NEKLS operates four testing sites; Newport, Canaan, Barton and St. Johnsbury. All sites are in Vermont. Generally testing is scheduled weekly at each site. Special test times may be arranged, depending on need. All sites are handicapped accessible. Tests are available in English, French and Spanish. Tests may be conducted by an audio version depending on demonstrated need and time limits may be adjusted, again, based upon demonstrated need. Each session begins with an orientation. The examiner explains the test taking procedure and behavioral requirements. Candidate questions are answered at this time. Indication of procedural violation or wrongdoing will be reported immediately by the Chief Examiner to the VDOE. Questions regarding the NEKLS testing program should be directed to the NEKLS GED Chief Examiner who can be reached at 1-802-334-2839 or nekls@vtlink.net. Eligibility standards for admission to GED candidacy are set by the ACE. VDOE and NEKLS must comply with eligibility standards. Waiver requests must be approved by VDOE and ACE. NEKLS cannot grant waivers. Eligibility is limited to persons over the age of sixteen (16) who are not enrolled in high school. High school graduates are not eligible for GED candidacy. Persons who have earned high school diploma equivalencies may be eligible for candidacy. Permission must be granted by VDOE. Persons with diplomas from unaccredited high schools may be eligible for candidacy when approved by VDOE. Currently, VDOE requires that candidates be Vermont, New Hampshire or surrounding state residents. Canadian citizens may be granted candidacy in Vermont. Non-citizens are held to the same eligibility standards as citizens. Candidates must present two proofs of identity, including one with a picture. The GED is generally accepted as equivalent to a high school diploma for purposes of admission to post-secondary institutions, technical program and the military. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the candidate to verify acceptance before making commitments.
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