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Learn more about your options for completing your high school credentials. Attend a free information session to speak with program representatives and find out which program fits your needs.
The GED Test is a national test which measures your knowledge and thinking skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. You will receive your equivalency certificate, accepted by most employers and colleges, after passing all five parts of the test.
The GED Tests are standardized on a regular basis using a national sample of graduating high school seniors. The passing GED scores are normed so that 40% of graduating high school seniors cannot pass the test.
GED Tests |
Number of Questions |
Time Limit |
| Language Arts Writing |
50 questions, 1 essay |
120 minutes |
| Language Arts Reading |
40 questions |
65 minutes |
| Social Studies |
50 questions |
70 minutes |
| Science |
50 questions |
80 minutes |
| Math Part 1 |
25 questions |
45 minutes |
| Math Part 2 |
25 questions |
45 minutes |
Frequently asked questions: |
| Am I eligible? |
To register for the test, you must be at least, 18 years old, a resident of Fairfax County, and legally withdrawn from school. For those under 18 or homeschooled, see exceptions. |
| When are the tests? |
The test is given every month. See test schedule. |
| How much does the test cost? |
$35.00 registration fee plus a one-time fee of $10 for first-time test takers. Total cost is $45. |
| Is the test offered in Spanish? |
Yes, see schedule.
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| Can I retake the test? |
Yes. You may retake the sections of the tests you did not pass. However, you may only take the test up to three times in one year. The cost for retaking a section is $10 per section. |
| Is there a practice test? |
Yes. A four-hour practice test is offered monthly. See schedule. |
| Will I get a diploma? |
You will receive a high school equivalency certificate that is equivalent to a high school diploma. |
| How do I register? |
Call 703-503-6442 for more information. To register in person, go to an Adult and Community Education Center with a current, official, government-issued picture ID; proof of social security number; proof of current address; and $45 ($35.00 registration fee plus $8.50 one-time fee for first-time test takers). |
| How do I prepare? |
- Go to an Information Session to determine your options for preparing for the tests.
- Get a volunteer tutor.
- Take practice GED test.
- Use a GED preparation book available at bookstores
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- Join a language arts, math, or GED prep class .
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Age requirement exceptions
In general, you must be 18 years old to take the GED. If you are 16 years old or over you may apply for a waiver if:
- You have a letter signed by the school board’s designee stating that you withdrew from school AND have him/her permission to take the test.
- You have taken the GED pre-test and have earned 2,250 total points with an average of 450 points per section. No score can be lower than 410 points on any single sections
- You must have studied for the GED for at least six months. Or you must have one of the following:
- A letter from an employer or the military saying you meet all qualifications for employment, except that you need to complete high school.
- A letter from a post-secondary school accepting you for admission, except for your needing to complete high school.
In general, you must be 18 to take the GED.
If you are homeschooled, you may apply to take the GED before age 18 if the school board’s designee writes a letter saying that your parent has followed the requirements for home schooling for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
GED Contact Information: E-mail lshafer@fcps.edu or call 703-503-6442.
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| What is the National External Diploma Program (EDP)? |
This is a two-part program leading to an adult high school diploma. You will demonstrate your reading, writing, and math skills through a series of tasks and projects. You may work at your own pace, completing most of the work in the privacy of your own home.
- Have your skills evaluated to see if you are ready to start
- Identify your best work skills and strengths
- Have the support of a personal advisor and assessor
- Work to identify your best employment options
- Use work, family, and community activities to show what you know
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Part 1 – Meet with an advisor to identify your reading, writing, and math skills. If you need to improve skills, you can:
- Get support in a study group
- Meet with a tutor one-on-one
- Study in a learning lab (tutors available)
- Enroll in a class to improve your skills
Part 2 – Work to successfully complete each of five EDP task booklets as take-home projects.
Meet with an assessor weekly to demonstrate what you have learned from completing the tasks.
Note: Advisors and assessors meet clients at various locations throughout Fairfax County.
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| How does the program work? |
First review your reading, writing, and math skills with an EDP advisor. Then learn how and where to brush up on any skills that may need improvement. Finally, work one-on-one with an assessor to demonstrate your skills by completing a series of five task booklets while working at your own pace. When finished, a diploma is awarded.
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External Diploma Program Study Groups
Designed for adults getting ready to begin EDP and for those already in the program who want some extra help. Take home learning packets to improve your skills in reading, writing, and math. Use our free resources to help complete task booklet activities. Talk with tutors about the help you need. These services are available when you join an EDP Study Group. Come as often as you wish – it's all free.
Orientation to External Diploma Program
For adults beginning the EDP program, this orientation provides an opportunity to learn about EDP vocabulary and task booklet directions. Improve your organizational skills to finish the program more quickly. These single session workshops are offered both at Bryant Adult Center and Falls Church High School.
Most people are able to finish in 6-8 months. Tuition varies according to family household income. If you are interested in completing high school through the National External Diploma Program, call the EDP office.
EDP Contact Information: E-mail mgiese@fcps.edu or call 703-207-4014.
This school offers you all the courses needed to earn a standard high school diploma. Work in small, self-paced classes.
You have several options for earning the credits you need to graduate:
- Take up to four courses at once, all taught by certified Fairfax County Public Schools teachers
- Take college courses for both high school and college credit
- Take correspondence or independent study courses with the support of an advisor
- Participate in History on Location Saturday mini-courses
- Work with trained volunteer tutors
- Take advantage of high-tech computer labs
- Work on an independent study with the help of an advisor
- Complete courses by mail
- Take community college courses
- Choose from other individualized options
- Call 703-503-6463 for more information on Credit by Objective options
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| Frequently asked questions: |
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| How old must I be? |
18 years or older |
| Where do I go? |
Woodson Adult High School
Room V-20
4105 Whitacre Road
Fairfax, VA 22032 |
| Will I get a diploma? |
Yes |
| How do I get started? |
You may attend an Information Session prior to registering. You can take up to four classes at a time. Register for classes: January, March, May, August, and October. Hours: Monday - Thursday from 2:30 – 8:30 pm and Friday from 10 am – 4 pm. |
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| Woodson Adult High School contact information: e-mail bgodoy@fcps.edu or call 703-503-6407.
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