MPCC prepares for major GED testing changes

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- The American Council on Education's GED Testing Service is spreading the word that the current version of the GED test will expire at the end of 2013.

The current version, known as the 2002 Series GED test, will be replaced with the new 2014 GED test on Jan. 2, 2014. Those who have taken the 2002 Series GED test, but not passed all five parts, have until the end of 2013 to pass or they will need to start over again in 2014 with the new GED test in order to receive their high school credential.

"We currently have about 140 students scattered throughout the Mid-Plains Community College 18-county service area who have started the GED process, but have not completed the testing," said Robin Rankin, MPCC Director of Adult Education. "We want to be sure that everyone is aware of this deadline."

Rankin noted that it is not too late for individuals who have not started taking the tests to complete them before the new series goes into effect.

"They have almost a whole year to complete them," she said, adding, "We will add more (GED prep) classes if needed to accommodate students. Potential students may call (308) 535-3637 for an Area class listing."

According to Kathy Fickenscher, Area Career Center Coordinator/Evaluator and GED Chief Examiner at North Platte Community College, several major changes are set to take effect with the 2014 GED test.

"In the new Series, there will be four tests instead of five and they will be computer-based, rather than pencil and paper as they have been in the past," she said. "Also, the price of the tests will go from $10 to $30 each, making it $120 for all four tests."

Fickenscher noted that a benefit of the computer-based testing will be that testers will get immediate scoring results from all tests except Literature. On the other hand, the new tests may prove to be more challenging than those previously used.

"The next real big push in education is making everyone career and college ready," she said. "We have a greater percentage of people who are not college and career ready and that is truly going to hurt our workforce in the not too distant future. It is important for us to start working on those things and addressing them now."

Fickenscher said the college will be adding computer-based testing as an option in six to eight weeks. It should be noted that anyone who starts the tests using the pencil/paper version will be required to complete the tests that way. The same goes for computer-based testing.

Additionally, the fee structure will change to the new prices on April 1, 2013. Those who opt to take the GED tests this year will still be required to take five tests and MPCC's last 2002 Series GED test will be Dec. 19, 2013.

"To anyone who has already started the GED test, your future is calling. By passing the GED test, you can answer that call," said Randy Trask, president and CEO of GED Testing Service. "You owe it to yourself. Don't miss the chance to turn one small step into your next big opportunity in life."

For more information, contact Fickenscher at (308) 535-3621 or email fickenscherk@mpcc.edu.