How may I renew my GED Certificate?

Exam: GED Test - General Educational Development Test: Social Studies, Language Arts - Writing, Science, Language Arts - Reading, Mathematics

The General Education Development (GED) diploma remains viable forever, just like a high school diploma. The GED certificate is not similar to a driving license or a visa that you have to renew after some time. It takes hard work and determination to acquire one in the first place. You might have sacrificed a lot to pass the test regardless of how long you have waited to sit for the test. When test results come out, and you realize that you have passed, you will rejoice.

However, you might not be content with your scores and may want to retake the test. Normally, those who fail the test must retake the test in order to get their GED certificates. On rare occasions, those who have passed the test can retake the test and eventually improve their score. The bad news is that, not all states will allow you to renew your certificate just because you want to improve your average score or specific subject scores. Most states have very strict policies regarding the renewal of the GED certificate, and most individuals do not qualify to renew their certificates. You must present a good reason for renewing the GED certification other than having scored poorly. The following are circumstances when you are eligible to renew your GED certificate.

When you transfer from one state to another that has different requirements of the GED certificate

Relocating to another state that has different standards and policies regarding the GED test could present some problems.

For instance, you could move to another state and realize that you do not meet their requirements of passing the GED test yet you had passed in your former state. You will have problems landing jobs in this new state while competing with those who have passed the test according to the state’s pass mark. In this case, you will need to consult the state department of education in your former state as well as the one in your new state. While some states will require you to retake all the sections of the test, some will require you to only retake sections that your scores are poor. You can renew the GED test certificate by retaking specific subjects that you had performed poorly or the entire test. You will end up renewing your GED certificate to meet the requirements of your new state.

When an employer requires you to retake your GED test

For you to succeed in retaking the test hence renewing your certificate, you must show that your employer requires you to do so. You must have proof that renewing your certificate is necessary for you to advance your career. If you present enough evidence that your scores in the current certificate are a hindrance to the advancement of your career and your life, you stand a chance to retake the test despite having passed. The proof required is a confirmation by your current employer or a potential employer that the job requirements need better scores or certain assessment that the GED test you sat for did not assess.

To begin with, you need to consult the department of education in your state to understand the policies and procedures of renewing your GED certificate. In spite of this, you will be required to provide detailed information by filling out special paperwork and explain that failure to retake the test adversely affects your career.

When a college requires you to retake the GED test

You could also be dreaming of enrolling to your course of choice in college. In spite of most colleges accepting GED certificates for entry, some may require higher scores than you have in your current GED certificate. What is more, GED tests change over time; what the test assessed when you sat for it could not be relevant to the course you want to take. The college could require you to renew your GED certificate to meet their specific requirements. In this case, you will have an easier time negotiating to retake the test. What is more, the college will have to make a request in writing to proof that you intend to renew your GED certificate since it is important in advancing your education. As in the case of an employer requiring a retake of the test, there must be substantial proof that you intend to renew the certificate not because you are not happy with the scores, but because the college you intend to join requires you to do so.

Whatever reason you have to renew your GED certificate, you must produce evidence that you want to renew the certificate as a requirement by a college or employer. You must consult with the department of education in your state. You must retake the entire GED test or specific parts of the test.

Factors to Consider when renewing the GED certificate

You should remember that the GED tests are subject to change. The complexity of the test could have changed, and your score could either go up or go down. For instance, if you took the test ten years ago, you might not have used a calculator for the math test yet you have to use one in recent tests.
You should also remember that it might cost you more than the initial GED certificate cost.
You should consider whether you have ample time to complete the current test before it changes to another. Mostly, the education system introduces a new GED after every ten years. If you register for the GED five months before it expires, you might not complete it, and you will have to wait for the new GED test.

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