GED Testing

The G.E.D. (General Educational Development) Test is offered each month at Harper College on the following dates:

Saturday, April 6: Re-testers only
Saturday, April 27: Re-testers only
Friday/Saturday, May 3 & 4: First time testers
Friday/Saturday, May 17 &18: First time testers
Tuesday, June 4: Re-testers only
Friday/Saturday, June 7 & 8: First time testers
Tuesday, June 18: Re-testers only
Thursday/Friday, June 28 & 29: First time testers
Tuesday, July 16: Re-testers only
Tuesday, July 23: Re-testers only
Friday/Saturday, July 26 & 27: First time testers

GED Registration Instructions

Cook County residents may choose to take the test battery at Harper College or at another test site. Applicants may register for the G.E.D. Test by completing an application and calling 847.328.9795, Cook County GED, www.cookcountyged.org.

GED Application Instructions

Carefully read and complete the GED application.
You may request a testing session by writing the name and date of the session you prefer in the lower left corner of the application. Requesting a site does not guarantee that you will be registered for it.
Mail the top (white) copy with a money order for the correct amount to the address on the top of the application. Money orders must be made payable to ISBE-GED. Print your name, social security number and application number (from the upper right hand corner of your application) on your money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. If you have a letter from your high school or adult education class, which proves you have passed the Illinois Constitution requirement, you may include it with your application. (Keep a copy of the letter for yourself).
It will take at least three weeks for you to be sent either an admission ticket to the session you requested or a letter informing you your site was not available. Do not call GED until three weeks have passed since you mailed in your application.
After you have received your admission ticket, report to your testing center on the assigned date. YOU MUST BE ON TIME TO BE ADMITTED and if you are scheduled for a two-day session, you must appear on the first day. Bring a pen, two pencils and two forms of identification, one of which must be a valid government-issued photo I.D.
After you have tested, you will receive your scores through the mail in about 3 weeks. Scores are not given out over the phone. Harper College never receives test results. If you are eligible for a certificate, you will receive one with your score report. You may request an additional High School Equivalency Certificate for an additional $10 fee.

Test Battery Information:

Students taking the GED tests for the first time must take all five tests; Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, plus the U.S. and Illinois Constitution Test if not previously passed.

Students who have passed the Constitution test should have their letters of proof with them when they arrive to take the tests.

The maximum amount of time students are allowed for each test is:

Language Arts-Reading: 65 minutes
Language Arts-Writing: 120 minutes
Social Studies: 70 minutes
Science: 80 minutes
Mathematics: 90 minutes
Constitution Test: 60 minutes

Please note: Harper does not administer the test in Spanish.

U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution test is given in the Center to be used for GED requirement. There is no fee for this test, as long as the student has registered with the Cook County GED, www.cookcountyged.org.

GED Testing Procedures at Harper College

Please arrive promptly.

If you are new to Harper College, we suggest you make a "dry run" so that you can locate the College and your testing room without delay on the day of the test. Please park in the student/visitor parking lots only. Cars parked in staff or handicapped lots will be ticketed and possibly towed away.
View the campus map.
Bring a valid, current, signed, government-issued photo ID. This includes a drivers license, state ID, IDHS card, passport or consulate ID.

Important. Please note.

THE EXAMINER AT THE TEST SITE HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE YOUR ADMISSION BASED ON INSUFFICIENT IDENTIFICATION. If you are not sure you have proper ID, contact the GED office BEFORE the Reschedule Deadline. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR IDENTIFICATION AT HOME.
You are highly encouraged to complete preparatory classes before attempting the GED test.
Breaks may be taken between tests, but be prepared for a long testing day. Food service may not be available at your testing time, so bring a snack.

Retest Information:

To re-register for the test(s) you must pay the registration fee of $50 for the entire battery or the fee per test as listed on the application.
You may choose which of the tests (any or all) to take over. The best score is counted for each test; so students may gain points but will not "lose" points by re-taking a test. A minimum score of 410 (but an average of 450) is required in each test to pass; passing is 450 x 5 or 2250. Students needing to retest the writing skills test must complete the multiple-choice portion as well as the essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm not sure if I'm eligible to take the test.
A: Call 847.328.9795

Q: Why is it taking so long to get my results?
A: Call 847.328.9795

Q: What room is the test given in?
A: Call 847.925.6541

Q: I can't make the test. I need to reschedule it.
A: Call 847.328.9795

Q: Where can I take preparatory classes for the GED?
A: Call 847.925.6223, Harper College Academic Resource Center, Room F338, or
call 800.321.9511, Illinois Adult Literacy Hot Line.

Q: Where can I find books to study on my own?
A: Call 847.925.6275

Q: Will I be given a calculator for the Math test?
A: Yes. You may not use your own calculator.

Q: How can I get more information?
A: www.cookcountyged.org, www.gedillinois.org, or 847.328.9795

Q: Where can I find other testing dates or locations?
A: www.cookcountyged.org

Q: Are there online study guides?
A: http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=GED_TS