Expanded High School Equivalency Testing Options to Be Available in 2022 and Beyond

Expanded high school equivalency computer-based testing options will be available to test takers in 2022 and beyond under a contract with the GED Testing Service (GEDTS), Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. Beginning this month, GEDTS will provide the state’s High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. The GED exam is a well-recognized test of the academic knowledge and skills needed for college and career readiness as defined by the Department’s standards for adult education. With its computer-based testing options, GEDTS will provide greater flexibility and increased access to the exam for more of New York’s students.

“Accessibility and rigor are the pillars of a successful high school equivalency program, and the testing administered by the GED Testing Service provides both,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “The GED is free to all and provides opportunities for students in every stage of life to advance their goals, opening doors to higher education and successful employment.”

“Obtaining a high school equivalency diploma is a critical step toward employment, postsecondary education, or training,” Commissioner Rosa said. “By expanding the accessibility of the testing program, we are opening doors for many New Yorkers that may not have otherwise benefited from this opportunity.”

The GED Testing Service is currently used by over 40 states and offers a student-focused approach to equip learners for success. Highlighted features of the GEDTS program in New York State include to:

• Offer exams at no cost to test takers, which will ensure that cost is not a barrier;
• Deliver the HSE exam primarily through computer-based testing (CBT) with paper-based testing (PBT) available, including for test takers in incarcerated settings, as required;
• Use of a fully integrated online system known as GED Manager for CBT and PBT exam administration by NYSED, test centers, and adult education preparation programs; 
• Provide test takers “one-stop access” to the GED Testing Service website where they will be able to locate test centers, testing schedules, and register and schedule tests entirely online if they meet regulatory requirements;
• Provide more timely access to CBT scores for test takers; and
• Allow for a more streamlined approach to approve test centers, expanding the number of approved test centers in the state.

To allow for a seamless transition to the new testing system, support is being offered by Pearson VUE, and GEDTS and the NYSED HSE Office will continue to provide training and guidance.

Please see the Department’s High School Equivalency website for important information and recorded training sessions on the registration, scheduling, administration, and processing of exams.