GED South Carolina: What You Need for a South Carolina GED

How to Earn the GED Credential

Am I Eligible for the GED Diploma?

You're eligible for a GED if you're at least 17 years old, not enrolled in school and do not have a high school diploma from an accredited school. If you're still in school and are at least 17, contact your guidance counselor for more information. If you're currently enrolled in an adult education program and are at least 17, you may take the GED test. Until you reach the age of 19, or if you're 19 and have been enrolled in school for the current school year, you must submit a South Carolina Verification of School Withdrawal form signed by the principal or attendance supervisor of the last school you attended.

If you meet the above requirements, contact the South Carolina Department of Education to register for the GED test. They encourage you to register online on their website (www.ed.sc.gov). Out-of-state residents who wish to test in South Carolina should contact the South Carolina GED Testing Office for registration information.

Where and When Can I Take the GED Test?

There are many GED testing locations available in cities throughout South Carolina. By contacting the South Carolina Department of Education website, you'll find a monthly schedule of all dates, times and sites. The test is offered on Saturdays as well as during the week.

First-time test takers may take all five tests at once. Alternatively, you may take the mathematics and writing tests the first day, and the social studies, science and reading tests later. Even if you divide up the testing days, you must register for all tests at the same time.

What's on the GED Test?

The GED is a 5-part test measuring general knowledge and thinking skills in the following areas:

• Language arts, reading
• Language arts, writing
• Social studies
• Science
• Mathematics

The tests are multiple-choice with one essay. You are allowed seven hours to complete the entire test. You will earn a South Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma by passing all five tests with a minimum of 410 and an average score of 450, equaling a 2250 total score. The South Carolina Department of Education reports that approximately 70% of the people who take the GED test are able to pass (www.ed.sc.gov).

How Can I prepare for the Test?

If you haven't been in school for a while or stopped attending high school, it's a good idea to study for the GED. Your local adult education office can give you a GED practice test and help you prepare for the examination. They also have information about GED lessons available through classes, online and by television.

What Happens if I Don't Pass the GED Test?

If your total score is 2150 or above, you can retake individual tests as many times as you need until you get a passing score of 410, and a total score of 2250. If your total score is under 2150, or if you scored a zero on the language arts-writing test, you'll usually have to take the entire GED examination again.