Wallace State set to help with new GED exam

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — With the changes in how the exam is administered and new fees, Wallace State Community College’s Adult Education program has taken steps to make sure students seeking to earn their GED are successful in their efforts.
The GED exam is the high school equivalency test that measures skills required by high schools and requested by colleges and employers. The test is divided into four subject areas: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies.
Wallace State has adjusted its curriculum to account for the changes in the GED exam and offers students the opportunity to earn vouchers that will decrease the cost to a more affordable level.
“We understand that many people may now be hesitant to take the GED exam because of the changes in the exam and the increased cost,” said Kelley Jones, director of Wallace State’s Adult Education program. “But ever since we learned the exam would be changing, we have been working on ways to make sure those seeking their diploma will be able to do just that. We have adjusted our curriculum to coincide with the new GED exam and taken steps to help reduce the costs for our students.”
The cost of the GED is $120, or $30 for each of the four subject areas of the exam. The voucher program lets students earn discounts on the cost of the exam as they progress through their classes and closer to the GED exam. The final result can be as much as $100 earned toward the exam, with the student paying the remaining $20. This is even less than the cost of the previous exam, which was $50.
GED classes are held at the main campus in Hanceville and at offsite locations in Blount, Cullman, Morgan and Winston counties. During orientation, it can be determined on which topics of instructions a student should focus. The same GED practice materials are also available online to help fit busy schedules.
There is no cost to take the classes and those who successfully earn their GED receive a scholarship for one college credit course of up to 3 credit hours at Wallace State or any public two-year college in Alabama.
“We know it can be intimidating to take classes after an extended time away from an educational environment, but we strive to offer our students the best chance at success so they can improve their personal, professional and financial outlook,” Jones said.
Anyone with questions about the GED program at Wallace State can call 256.352.8078 or visit www.wallacestate.edu/Programs/GED-Testing.