GED Wisconsin: Learn About the Wisconsin GED Test

Wisconsin GED Requirements

Eligibility

According to the GED section of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, www.dpi.wi.gov, a person must be a resident of Wisconsin for voting purposes, OR have lived in the state for at least 10 days, OR be a migrant worker or the child of a migrant worker in order to be eligible for Wisconsin's GED. You cannot be currently enrolled in a public or private high school and be eligible for the GED.

Furthermore, to take the GED, you must be at least 18 years 6 months of age OR your freshman (9th grade) class must already have graduated from high school for you to take the GED. Still, there are exceptions. You are able to take the GED at 17 years of age if one of the following requirements is met:

• You have been incarcerated in a correctional institution and you have written permission from the educator in the correctional institution.
• You are enrolled in the federal job corps program and you have written permission from the educator in the program.
• You have written notice that you were excused from regular school attendance, and you have been continuously enrolled and attending a WTCS or CBO program.

Structure

The GED exam is separated into five of the following subject areas:

• Language Arts, Writing
  • Comprised of a 45-minute essay composition
• Language Arts, Reading
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

Scoring

Each section of the exam is graded from a minimum of 200 to a maximum score of 800. A minimum score of 410 is required on all sections for a total of 2050. Those who fail the exam may retake it in its entirety or only the sections where a score below 410 was attained. There is a four month waiting period before the exam, or any individual section, may be retaken.

Registration and Fees

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction provides list of Wisconsin approved testing centers, www.dpi.wi.gov. If you are an adult taking the GED for the first time you pay $15.00. Be aware this may not include fees from the testing center itself. The Department of Public Instruction also provides up to date information regarding required paperwork and other fees related to taking the GED examinations.

Preparation

Visit your local library or bookstore to view the available GED practice materials. Inquire at your local community college or adult learning center for information about GED prep courses.