NMC unveils new GED test

The Northern Marianas College recently unveiled the new GED test and said that 10 adult learners received their General Education Development credentials in December.

The new GED test was launched on Jan. 2, 2014. Those who did not complete their GED tests by Dec. 28, 2013, would have to start anew with the new test series.

According to NMC Adult Basic Education state director Lorraine Cabrera, 10 students received their GED credential between July 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2013.

During this time period, there were two students who also took the GED test using the computer-based testing.

According to Cabrera, the student who helped the ABE program launch the computer-based testing last summer garnered the highest total score to date. The student’s name was not disclosed.

“As a thank you for being the one to kick-start our computer-based testing and congratul¬ations for achieving extremely high test scores, I personally paid for the student’s diploma and transcript,” said Cabrera.

The version 2002 Series GED test was formally replaced with the new 2014 high school equivalency test, which took effect on Jan. 2. It is a four-part test; each part can be taken separately but students must pass all sections to receive their GED diploma.

Cabrera said that no one has registered to take the new tests yet. The Pearson Vue Testing Center is open on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm. Students have to go to http://www.gedtestingservice.com to schedule their tests. There are four tests and cost $30 each.

According to NMC, the 2014 GED test specifications have four content areas: reasoning through language arts; mathematical reasoning; science; and social studies.

Interested students have three opportunities to test per year, per content area.

The test is not available online and must be taken at official testing centers.

The ABE program at NMC has three components: adult basic education, English as a second language, and adult secondary education. Based on NMC records, there are nearly 3,000 students who have enrolled and availed of the services of the ABE program in the last five years.

ABE is for individuals seeking literacy according to basic levels. ESL is for those with limited English proficiency according to six levels; and ASE is for individuals seeking to earn a high school diploma either through GED (general educational development diploma), or the ASE (the adult school) program.

Federal grants fund the operation of the ABE program in the CNMI.