When you are unable to receive your high school diploma through traditional methods, you may apply for and take the GED examination in your state. The GED is a series of five subject area examinations and upon passing these exams you are awarded a high school equivalency diploma, which is viewed by employers and higher education institutions the same as a traditional high school diploma. If you live in Pennsylvania, the GED examination is overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and in order to sit for this test you must meet all eligibility requirements set forth by the state.
Pennsylvania GED Test Eligibility Requirements:
Before you are able to register for the Pennsylvania GED examination you must meet all of the requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You may register for the examination if you are a legal resident of Pennsylvania, which must be proven by providing the GED testing facility with proper documentation.
The minimum age for taking the Pennsylvania GED examination is 16 years old; however, if you are under 18 you must meet specific underage requirements. If you are 16 or 17 years old, then you must provide the Pennsylvania GED Testing Facility with a written request from a college admissions office, employer, director of state institution or a military recruiter requesting you take the GED examination.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must also provide the GED Testing Facility with a written statement from your school principle or superintendent stating that you have been officially withdrawn from school.
If you are 18 years of age or older you must not be currently enrolled in school. Of course, in order to take the Pennsylvania GED examination you must have not received a high school diploma or a GED from any other state.
Registering for the Pennsylvania GED Examination:
To register for the Pennsylvania GED examination you must first locate a testing facility nearest you. The Pennsylvania Department of Education offers a list of all authorized testing centers within the state, which may be located in the Sources section below.
After you have found the testing facility, you must bring documentation to prove your Pennsylvania residency as well as your identity. The documentation must also provide the testing facility with your date of birth, current address, name, current photograph and your signature. For example, a Pennsylvania driver’s license or identification card will satisfy the documentation requirements. If you do not have a Pennsylvania-issued identification card or driver’s license, refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Education website for documentation instructions.
Upon successful registration, you will be required to pay an examination fee. Every GED testing facility determines the examination fees; however, the fees typically range in the $55 to $75 range.
SOURCES:
Pennsylvania Department of Education: GED Test Taker Information
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/commonwealth_secondary_school_diploma_ged%C2%AE/9084/ged%C2%AE_test_taker_information/522863
Pennsylvania Department of Education: Search GED Test Sites in Pennsylvania
http://www.ged.ed.state.pa.us/GEDOnline/TestCenterOL/wfTestCenterList.aspx
Pennsylvania Department of Education: Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma and GED FAQs:
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/commonwealth_secondary_school_diploma_ged%C2%AE/9084
