GED Program

GED Testing

The General Education Development (GED) Test is designed to appraise the educational development of applicants who have not completed their formal high school education.  It cannot take the place of a regular high school education.

In the event that one has not completed high school and wishes to determine his/her educational development or desires to pursue additional education, this section is intended to provide a systematic walk through to assist in making a decision whether to become an applicant to take the test and receive the High School Equivalency Certificate.

Illinios law authorizes the Illinois Community College Board to provide for the issuance of the High School Equivalency Certificate.  Recognized Illinois high schools are not authorized to issue a GED credential.  The law requires the Regional Superintendent of each county to administer the High School Equivalency Testing Program.  The Regional Office of Education for Adams and Pike Counties may be reached at 217-277-2080 in Quincy or 217-285-6714 in Pittsfield.

GED Preparation

While no formal preparation is required to take the GED Test, examinees may take advantage of preparatory courses offered through John Wood Community College. Classes are tuition free to eligible individuals. Contact the JWCC Adult Education office at (217) 224-6500 for additional information.

GED study guides are available at the local libraries and bookstores for those who prefer individualized study.

• $35 application fee paid to the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the purpose of taking the GED tests, and issuance of the certificate upon successful completion of the GED Tests and Constitution examination.
• Each GED Test, with the exception of the Language Arts: Writing Test, requires a $5 retest fee. A $10 retest fee is required for the Language Arts: Writing Test.

These must be paid at time of registration. Cash, check, or money order is the only acceptable forms of payment.

Special Accommodations

Not all individuals can be fairly tested under standard conditions. If you have a documented learning, physical or emotional disability, you may qualify for accommodations for a GED test administration. If approved, accommodations are provided at no additional charge. Contact the Regional Office of Education for more information (217) 277-2080.

Testing Requirements

The Adams/Pike County Regional Office of Education administers the GED Tests for Adams and Pike County residents who meet the following criteria as required by law:

• Applicants who are 19 years of age or older
• Applicants who are 18 years of age or older and are not high school graduates, but whose high school class has graduated
• A member of the Armed Forces on active duty, who is 17 years of age or older and is stationed in Illinois or is a legal resident of Illinois
• A ward of the Department of Corrections who is 17 years of age or older, or an inmate confined in any branch of the Illinois State Penitentiary or in a county correctional facility
• A female who is 17 years of age or older who is unable to attend school because she is either pregnant or the mother of one or more children
• A male who is 17 years of age or older who is unable to attend school because he is the father of one or more children
• A person who is 17 years of age or older who has been a school dropout for a period of at least one year
• A person who is enrolled in the youth education program sponsored by the Illinois National Guard
• A person who is 16 years of age who has a court order or is a ward of the state.

Constitution Examination

In addition to the five GED Tests, Illinois residents are required to satisfactorily pass an examination on American patriotism and the principles of representative government as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, as well as the proper use and display of the American Flag as provided by 105 ILCS 27-3 of The School Code of Illinois. Illinois and U.S. Constitution tests may be taken at any time at McHenry County College.

GED Subject Tests

There are five subject tests: Language Arts-Writing (Writing Skills), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts-Reading (Literature and the Arts). Examinees must obtain the minimum required scores on the GED Test and the Illinois and United States Constitution Test to secure the High School Equivalency Certificate.