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GED Test / HSE

 

Turning Point offers the GED test for a High School Equivalency (HSE) degree to the general public, as well as to students at prep programs in the community.  We only offer the test in English.  For a complete listing of all NYC test centers, click here.

 

If you have already signed up, you can find our test dates and times by clicking here, and searching for Turning Point.  If you show up for a test without a seat reservation, you may or may not be able to test, depending on availability; you will also need to meet age and ID requirements (see below).

 

Read below for how to sign up, as well important information about age requirements, and helpful resources to study or to get connected to a prep program.

  • Signing Up
  • Waitlist
  • Results
  • Test changes coming in 2014 (very important for previous test takers!)
  • Helpful links

 

Signing up for the GED Test

We highly recommend studying with a prep program before you take the GED test.  Only about 45% of people who didn’t study in a prep program pass the GED test.  Meanwhile, about 70-90% of prep students pass the test.  Classes pay off!  Click here to read about Turning Point’s classes.

 

The GED test is free.  However, there are age and ID requirements.  Check the New York State website for complete information; below is a helpful summary:

 

  • If you have previously taken the GED test:  you must include a copy of your official transcript, along with your application.
  • If you are 19 years of age or older:  Fill out the “Attachment A”, found here.  Our office also has copies of this form for pick up.
  • If you are 17 or 18 years of age:  Read this webpage carefully, especially section 4.  If you qualify, then fill out both an “Attachment A” and “Attachment B”.   Our office also has copies of these forms for pick up.
  • If you are 16 years of age:  There are very rare cases in which New York State will allow you to test – most 16 year olds cannot.  Click here for details.

 

  • Mail your application to our address, or drop it off in person.  We do not accept faxed or scanned applications.

Turning Point Education Center

GED Testing Office, 3rd Floor

423 39th St., 3rd Fl.

Brooklyn, NY 11232

 

  • On the days of the test, all test takers must have a photo ID.  Driver’s license, passport, military, or other forms of government (national or foreign) identification which show name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph are all acceptable.
  • On the days of the test, all test takers must have proof of New York State residence.  This can be proved via your photo ID (above), or by separate proof (such as a bill in your name, or a postmarked USPS letter).
  • All pertinent information is posted on this website or on the New York State website.  As such, and due to limited staff time, we cannot take phone calls.

 

Wait list

When we receive your application, your name will be placed on the waitlist.  You will receive a letter in the mail when a test date has opened for you.

 

There is currently between a 3 and 9 month wait.  If you are only taking part of the test, then your wait will probably be shorter.  Although we test about 1500 people each year, there are many people who sign up for the GED test.  We will work hard to give you a test date as soon as possible.

 

Results

After the test, results take between 6-8 weeks to be processed by New York State. As soon as the New York State Education Department mails us your results, we will mail the results to you (using the mailing address on your GED test application).  We do not keep results or copies of results at Turning Point.

  • Click here to check the result of your GED Test via the NYS website.  You’ll need your SS# and DOB.
  • To request a duplicate copy of your GED diploma/transcript from NYS, click here. (Turning Point does not keep copies of your results).

 

Test changes coming in 2014 (very important for previous test takers!)

We usually say “GED” and mean the diploma that successful test takers get.  In fact, the GED Test is simply a tool that the government has approved to award High School Equivalency (HSE) degrees.  When someone says, “I got my GED!”, they actually mean: “I got my HSE!”

 

In 2014, the current GED test will no longer be the tool used for HSE degrees.  This means a few important things:

  • If you’ve taken the test since 2002, but didn’t pass all the sections, then you have until this year (Dec. 2013) to pass using your current scores.  After Jan. 2014, your previous scores will no longer be valid.
  • We don’t know exactly what the new test will be that NYS will use to issue HSE degrees (as of December 2012).
  • We do know that the new test will be more difficult, and probably different, as it becomes aligned with the Common Core.
  • So – if you are close to passing your GED test, now is the time to study and pass the test!

 

Helpful Links

Be careful signing up for programs that make you pay money for GED classes and/or training certificates!  Many of our students waste financial aid on programs that never help them – and then don’t have financial aid left when they try to enter college.  For useful information, go to:  Know Before you Enroll, a program out of the Mayor’s Office of NYC.