New Online Proctored GED® Test Webinar for Educators

Our latest webinar provides updates about the student testing experience, related policies and additional resources for educators. 

August 2020 updates for the Online Proctored (O.P.) GED test include: 

Stats Update 

• 1,445 students have earned a GED credential through the O.P test as of August 4, 2020.   

Pilot and Next Steps for O.P.  

• The pilot phase is expected to continue through August and will transition to a more long-term offering when it is added formally by state agreements and contracts. 
• GED Testing Service (GEDTS) will not end O.P. delivery as an option in participating states between the transition period from pilot to longer-term testing option. *Some states may determine that they no longer want to offer O.P. beyond the pilot. 

Student Eligibility & Communications  

• Most states have turned on auto-eligibility for students who score a GED Ready “Green” score. *Some states have unique approval processes including DC, CT and SC. PA requires additional proof of state residency. 
• Currently students see O.P. information and registration information once they score a GED Ready “Green.” *Students in TX see this messaging prior to Green status. 
• Starting the week of August 17th, all students in auto-eligible states will see messaging about the O.P. test in their GED.com accounts. 

Whiteboard Tool  

• For test security reasons, students may not use physical scratch paper or dry erase boards on O.P. Test takers have access to an on-screen scratch pad and whiteboard for notetaking and math work. 
• With the new whiteboard tool, student can copy/paste questions, draw shapes and lines, zoom in and out, erase/clear, or resize and move the whiteboard around the screen. 
• Make sure students know where to practice with the whiteboard tool. 

Retakes and Retesting Reminders  

• Retests – due to a failed test launch/technical issues before the test is launched and the student does not see test items – are allowed on O.P.  
• Retests – due to an internet connection or VUE system issue, once verified, where students have seen test items – are allowed only in a test center. 
• Retakes – due to a failed test attempt – must be done in a test center. Students may request voucher on their GED.com account for a discounted retake in a test center. 

Retakes in the Future  

• GEDTS is working to configure systems to allow for at least one retake per subject through O.P. in the coming months (likely early October). 

Underage Testers 

• We are currently working with states to determine process and eligibility. Each state will determine eligibility by age. A few states could prohibit testing for those under 18, or for those under 17. 

Spanish-Language Testing Next Steps  

• We are currently exploring options and collecting feedback from programs and educators. Ultimately states will provide guidance to GEDTS and either ban or allow Spanish-language GED testing in O.P. with some English language test process components.  

Additional information about the O.P. test, including educator resources, is available in the full webinar and slide deck.