Why Teachers Can’t Sit For the GED Test
Here at GED Testing Service we do understand that educators want to provide instruction for their students that accurately prepares them for the GED test.
We are also aware that many instructors and tutors create accounts and access student tools to get a better understanding of the preparation process and the student experience. But there is one avenue instructors can not explore—signing up for and taking the GED test.
When an educator signs up for and sits for the GED exam they are violating candidate rules and potentially harming the integrity of the test. Only students that have not credentialed are allowed to take the GED test. Educators that sign up for the test are violating the candidate rule agreement that they agree to when scheduling a test. These actions are also prohibited by GED testing policy and state rules.
Educators are also not allowed to utilize actual information or items that they or students report about after the test. For example—a student comes back and tells the teacher what they remember about a couple of test questions, then the teacher types up the questions and answers and uses them in instruction. Debriefing with a tester about test questions is a violation of the testing agreement with GED Testing Service, it’s important to be a role model of good behavior. Don’t encourage testers to talk about exact test items, it is okay for them to discuss general topics on the test.
Educators are allowed to create a mock GED testing account (you can not schedule an actual test) and see what students experience when signing up for GED test subjects. You can do this by creating an account with your First Name and use “Candidate” as your Last Name. By doing this the account will be flagged at GED Testing Service as a mock account and will not interfere with any data collection that we do related to testers.
These rules are in place to keep the testing process fair for all students who sit for the exam. We do encourage you to use item samplers, sample questions, study guides and tutorials for additional insight on what is included on the test.
Please visit our GED.com webpage dedicated to Educators and Administrators for resources to guide your instruction, free classroom materials, an archive of professional development webinars and much more.
—CT Turner, Senior Director of State Accounts & Government Relations for GED Testing Service
Without taking a GED “Ready” test, an educator cannot understand the pace and presentation of the online test versus the untimed, paper-based study materials that many of us use. We cannot appreciate the drop-down calculator, the Math formulae reference sheet, nor the varied presentation and response formats. So, I am assuming that your comments refer to the actual GED test and not the “Ready” tests used in preparation. I would never want to be instructed for any activity by someone who had not, themselves, passed the test or at least experienced it.
Hi Steve,
Yes, this article only refers to the operational GED test. Instructors are allowed and encouraged to take GED Ready practice tests.
In 2014 we were given the opportunity to take a free GEDReady. I wanted to access my account to be able to know how to navigate the Dashboard and to know what helps are available to the student. Recently, I have not been able to access it. It is not plausible to explore the site while the student is in his/her account. I remember a couple of years ago I could access my account and had found some awesome videos! However, I can’t remember where I found them to help my students access them in their accounts.
I already have an account that I have used to take several ready tests for my own personal understanding of the GED design. About once a year I take a Ready test in each subject to see how things might have changed or just to reinforce my current classroom practices. However, my account is under my real name. Is there a way to delete my current account in order to create one using Candidate as my last name?
I’m glad you published this because I was thinking of taking the GED in Spanish to have proof of my Spanish language proficiency. Of course, I already have a high school diploma. I am guessing that this type of “credentialing” is forbidden?
Hi Elena,
You are not eligible to take the GED test if you have already earned a high school diploma.
If I plan to get my GED and after go to college and earn a degree to teach Adult Education such as HiSeT or GED, will I not be able to have a career in teaching GeD classes because I took the GED test?
Hi Monica!
We are happy to hear that you are pursuing a degree to teach GED classes. There are many GED graduates that are now teachers and tutors, helping others earn their credential. Your perspective and experience will be an inspiration to other GED students. This article refers to current teachers sitting for the test while teaching classes.