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The Lifelong Learning Center
310 South Curtis Street
Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 549-8765

 

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GED

Completing the General Educational Development test demonstrates the attainment of skills normally acquired through completion of a high school program. The GED test is available to adults who have not received a high school diploma, are not attending high school, are at least 16 years of age, and are Montana residents. If you need assistance getting ready to take the GED call 549-8765 for information on free instruction.

Who can take the G.E.D.?
The G.E.D. is available to Montana residents who are 16 years of age or older who are not enrolled in an accredited high school and do not have a high school diploma.

What does the G.E.D. measure?
The G.E.D. Tests measure the major academic skills and knowledge associated with a high school program of study, with increased emphasis on workplace and higher education.

Where can I take the G.E.D.?
The G.E.D. is administered by Missoula County Public Schools Adult Education Division located at the The Lifelong Learning Center at 310 South Curtis, Missoula, MT 59801.

How long is the G.E.D.?
The G.E.D. exam is comprised of the following five tests:G.E.D. Information

  • Language Arts, Reading
  • Language Arts, Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

You may take one or more tests on the scheduled testing dates. If you take all five tests on one day, it will take approximately 7 1/2 hours.

When can I take the G.E.D.?
The G.E.D. is administered approximately 20 times each year. Quarterly registration and examination schedules are listed in the Adult Education Division Catalog and online by clicking on the classes tab then the GED catagory.

What if I am not ready to take the G.E.D.?
Instruction and assessment is available to assist you in preparing to take the G.E.D. through the Adult Basic and Literacy Education Program. You can reach the ABLE program by calling 549-8765.

G.E.D. Registration Requirements

All persons wanting to take the G.E.D. are required to register in person at least one working day before a scheduled test, however test sessions fill quickly so register early.

What form of Identification is required?
All persons attending G.E.D. Registration must have proper identification issued from a State or Government Entity. The identification also must be an official card, current, in good condition and contain the following information:
     Name
     Address
     Date of Birth
     Signature
     Photograph
Examples include a current driver’s license, valid passport, military ID’s or official state ID cards.

How do I verify that I am a Montana resident?
Proof of Montana residency can be verified with a Montana Driver’s License, Montana State Identification Card, Tribal Identification, or one of the following that has your name and your local mailing address:
     Pay check or stub
     Rent or utility bill
     Bank Statement

What if I was Home Schooled and want to take the G.E.D.?
In addition to the G.E.D. Registration Requirements, if you are under the age of 19 you will need a letter of approval from your Home School official. You must bring the completed letter with you when you attend G.E.D. Registration. Call 549-8765 to obtain a sample letter.

Additional GED Registration Requirements by Age

If you are 16 years of age
    1. Current State or Government issued picture identification
    2. Social Security Number
    3. Proof of Montana Residency
    4. $61 GED Testing Fee
    5. Completed Waiver of Minimum Age Requirement Form.
You can obtain this form and instructions regarding how to complete the process by calling 549-8765. You cannot register until the waiver is approved by the State of Montana GED Program.

If you are 17 or 18 years of age
    1. Current State or Government issued picture identification
    2. Social Security Number
    3. Proof of Montana Residency
    4. $61 GED Testing Fee
    5. Letter or Withdrawal Form from Last High School
Please check your letter and make sure it contains all of the following required information:

  • MCPS former students must have the letter that contains the signed release from guardian.
  • The letter must be an original on school letterhead signed by the principal and must contain the following information:
    • The date the letter was signed;
    • Student information such as legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number and the last date of attendance or official withdrawal date; and,
    • If the withdrawal date is less than 90 days, the letter must give permission for the student to take the G.E.D.

If you are 19 years of age or older
1. Current State or Government issued picture identification
2. Social Security Number
3. Proof of Montana Residency
4. $61 G.E.D. Testing Fee

How much does it cost to take the G.E.D.?
The fee to take the G.E.D. is $61 and is due at G.E.D. Registration in the form of cash, check, Visa or Mastercard. Retest fees are based upon the individual tests and will be discussed at G.E.D. Registration.

How long will it take to get my results?
You will be able to log in and look at your scores within a week of testing. To schedule a retest on one or more tests you will need to attend G.E.D. registration.

What if I have taken a portion of the GED someplace other than Missoula MT?

  • If you started the GED before January 2002, the test has changed and you will need to retake all parts of the GED.
  • If you started the GED after January 2002 out-of-state, you will need to establish Montana residency and request an official copy of your transcript. The official transcript must be mailed directly to The Lifelong Learning Center, 310 S Curtis, Msla MT 59801 from the state where you tested. A list of state GED contacts can be found at American Council on Education
  • If you took part of the GED after January 2002 within the state of Montana but not in Missoula, obtain a copy of your official transcript by following the directions below and have it mailed to The Lifelong Learning Center at 310 S Curtis, Msla MT 59801. Bring the documentation required for your age group and the fee to GED Registration.

What if I need a copy of my G.E.D. transcript?
To maintain the confidentiality of your G.E.D. records, the only way to receive your transcript is by sending a letter that contains the following information:

  • The name on your transcript
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your Date of Birth
  • The approximate date you tested
  • Self-addressed, stamped envelope Mail the letter to: G.E.D. Program PO Box 202501 Helena, MT 59620-2501

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