General Educational Development Test (GED)
First-Time Examinees
Retesting
Transcript Requests
**CHANGE TO GED REQUIREMENTS:16 YEAR OLD STUDENTS: PLEASE READ: NEW AGE MINIMUM FOR GED TEST**
Mandatory Attendance Age Law
According to ACT-2009-564, the mandatory attendance age for Alabama schools is raised from age 16 to 17, effective August 1, 2009. Anyone under age 17 now needs a certificate of exemption from the local superintendent in order to take GED (along with the parent’s/guardian notarized permission letter and school exit interview form) on or after the effective date.
- Under the new law, who may test?
- May test - If you are a 16 yr old examinee who withdrew and tested before August 1, 2009 and needs to re-test, then you are allowed to test. You must have the required registration documentation on file (withdrawal and notarized parental consent).
- May test - If you are 16 yrs old and registered to test with proper documentation showing withdrawal from school prior to August 1, 2009, and plan to test during August 2009, then you may still test.
- Under the new law, who is not allowed to test?
- May NOT test - At this time, we are unable to test a 16 yr old non-resident of Alabama because of the certificate of exemption required by the new state law.
- May NOT test- Anyone who is currently 16 yrs old and withdraws from school after August 1, 2009, you may not currently take GED.
For further clarification at this time, you may contact The Alabama State GED Testing Program at (334)293-4500 or (800)392-8086.
First-Time Testing Registration Information
I want to earn a GED Diploma. What is the first step I should take?
GED examinees are not required to take preparatory classes, however, advanced preparation is recommended. Adult Education through Calhoun Community College offers free classes to prepare for the GED examination. They can be reached at 256-890-4729.
Drake State Technical College also offers free Adult Education classes and can be reached at
256-551-5211.
You may also view sample questions and other FAQs about GED at www.gedtest.org.
How do I sign up for a test date?
All GED examinees MUST attend a registration session. At registration, examinees pay the test fee, show proper identification, watch informational videos, fill out paperwork, and ask any questions they have about the test. The session lasts about 90 minutes. A test date will not be assigned unless registration has been completed.
How can I find out upcoming registration dates?
Our automated phone system has current registration dates. Please call 256-824-6725.
Where is the testing center located?
Our office is located on the campus of UAH, off Sparkman Drive and Holmes Avenue. Our building is called the Business Administration Building. We are in room 226.
How much does it cost to take the GED test?
The fee is $50.00, payable in cash only.
What identification must I present?
All examinees must show current, government-issued photo I.D. (driver’s license, non-driver I.D., passport, or military I.D.) and social security card. Examinees under age 18 must also present an official exit interview form from the last school attended (must show drop date) and a notarized parent/guardian letter of permission.
How long after registration will it be until I take the test?
The test date will fall within two weeks from registration.
How long will I be at the test center on the test day?
Plan to dedicate your entire day to the test. We begin at 8:30 A.M. sharp and the test is typically finished by 4:30 P.M..
Is the GED test offered on Saturday?
UAH is a Monday test center. Alabama A&M University offers the GED test on select Saturdays throughout the year. Call 256-372-5645 for more information on their GED testing program. Calhoun Community College is also a GED test center. Call 256-713-4801 for more information about their program.
Where can I find out more information about the GED test?
More information can be found at www.acs.cc.al.us/ged or www.gedtest.org.
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Re-Test Policies
If I fail the GED test, do I have to take the whole test over?
No. Any section in which you scored lower than 410 MUST be taken over. If you passed each section, but your total points were less than 2250, then you can decide which sections to take to try and bring up your overall points.
How can I schedule a retest date?
Retest examinees do not attend a registration session. To schedule a retest date, stop by our office, pay the required fee, and we will sign you up for the next available test date.
I did not take the GED test at UAH but I would like to retest there. What do I need to do?
You must ask the original test site to send us a sealed copy of your scores. We cannot accept your copy. Though this is permitted, we encourage examinees to retest with the original test site.
What is the cost to retest?
Each section retested is $10.00.
How long must I wait to retest?
You will need to wait six weeks before you are allowed to retest.
How many times can I take the GED test?
You are permitted to test 3 times in a calendar year.
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Transcript Requests
How can I obtain a copy of my GED Diploma?
The State GED Office in Montgomery can issue a duplicate diploma. Call 334-293-4500 or
800-392-8086 to find out more.
I took the GED test at UAH. Can I obtain a copy of my score report from UAH?
Yes, the Testing Center at UAH maintains records of score reports and can provide copies upon request. You will need to stop by our office in room 226 of the Business Administration Building and sign a release form, show photo I.D., and pay $10.00 cash for each report needed.
How can I obtain a score report if I no longer live near UAH?
Examinees who are no longer local can request a copy by mail. A complete request will include:
- A letter stating your name, name when tested, date of birth, social security number and where the report should be sent. The letter MUST be signed and will be matched against the signature on file.
- A copy of your photo I.D.
- A money order for $10.00. Personal checks will not be accepted.
NOTE: Incomplete requests will not be processed
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