GED in Minnesota

Are you ready to unlock the doors to new opportunities and a brighter future? In Minnesota, the General Educational Development (GED) test is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals. With the GED, you can earn a high school equivalency diploma, opening the door to higher education, better job prospects, and a more fulfilling life. 

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, pursue a new passion, or simply gain the confidence that comes with a high school diploma, the GED is an accessible and achievable path forward. To help you get a GED, we’re here to give you the best GED test prep materials.

Minnesota GED Requirements

To take the GED test in Minnesota, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. First, you must not have a high school diploma or any equivalent credentials, such as a high school equivalency diploma or a high school completion certificate.

Additionally, you must not be currently enrolled in any school program, whether it’s a public, private, or home school. There are also other requirements, such as residency and age criteria, which are set by the Minnesota GED Office.

Minnesota GED Residency Requirements

No Residency Requirement: There is no requirement for test-takers to be Minnesota residents. Test takers from any state or country can take the GED test in Minnesota.

However, if the closest testing center is in a different state, test-takers will need to check the residency requirements for that specific state:

Currently, Minnesota residents have the option to take the GED in North Dakota and GED in South Dakota, but not in Wisconsin.

Other states where residency is not required, include:

Minnesota GED Age Waiver

Minnesota residents aged 17  can take the GED tests if they qualify for an Age Waiver. To apply for an age waiver, use the form provided by the Minnesota GED Office. You must present the approved waiver form at an official testing center to be permitted to test.

MN Age Waiver Eligibility

To qualify for the Age Waiver, applicants must not be enrolled in high school and must meet at least one of the following conditions:

1. Dropped from School: The applicant has been dropped from their school’s attendance rolls for at least one full calendar year.
2. Graduated Class: The applicant’s high school class has graduated.
3. Employer Requirement: A prospective employer has provided a signed and dated letter indicating that the applicant must successfully complete the GED tests to qualify for employment.
4. Postsecondary Institution Requirement: A postsecondary institution or financial aid office has provided a signed and dated letter indicating that the applicant must successfully complete the GED tests for acceptance or financial aid.
5. Military Requirement: The military has provided a signed and dated letter indicating that the applicant must successfully complete the GED tests to qualify for enlistment.
6. Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program: An ABE program or recognized educational, social service, or correctional agency has indicated that successful completion of the GED tests is part of the applicant’s written individual learning plan. Additionally, the applicant must provide documentation showing they have taken at least three of the five Official GED Practice Tests with a standard score of at least 500 on each.

Minnesota Age Waiver Application Process

To apply for the Age Waiver, applicants must complete the official Age Waiver form, which can be obtained from the Minnesota GED Office. The completed form must be submitted along with any required documentation to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Submission Methods:

• Email: Send a scanned copy to the designated email address.
• Mail: Send to the Minnesota Department of Education at the specified address.
• Fax: Fax the completed form to the provided number.
• In-Person: Drop off the form at the Minnesota Department of Education office.

Important Considerations

• Parental Consent: If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian’s signature is required on the application form.
• Testing Restrictions: Applicants must not be currently enrolled in any high school program to be eligible for the waiver.
• Approval Notification: If approved, an “Approval for Waiver of Minimum Age” will be mailed to the applicant. If denied, the agency will be notified of the reasons for ineligibility.

How Much Does the GED Test Cost in Minnesota?

The cost of the GED test in Minnesota varies depending on whether you take the test at a testing center or online. 

The Cost for GED Testing at a Test Center

The cost of the GED test at a testing center in Minnesota is $144 for the complete test. If you want to take only one or two sub-exams, the cost is $36 per sub-exam.

Cost of Online GED Testing in Minnesota

The online GED exam costs $36 per sub-exam, making the total cost for the entire battery $144.

GED Ready Tests: To qualify for online testing, you must pass four GED Ready tests, which are practice tests designed to help you prepare for the actual GED exam.

Each GED Ready test costs $6.99, adding an additional $28 to the total cost. This brings the total cost for online testing to $172.

When scheduling your GED test, payment must be made online using a debit or credit card. This is the preferred method of payment in Minnesota.

Minnesota Free GED Testing for First-Time Test-Takers

For a limited time, first-time test-takers can take the GED test for free in Minnesota. This offer is available for those who have a current Minnesota address or take the test at a Minnesota testing site while living in a border town.

Eligibility: To qualify for the free test, you must be a first-time test-taker and meet the terms and conditions set by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Washington DC also offers discounted GED testing, similar to several states such as:

• Ohio (For first time students)
• Arkansas (Applies for those taking the GED at a testing center.
• Maryland (For first time test takers)

Online GED Test MN

The GED test is now available online in Minnesota, allowing candidates to take the exam from home. This Minnesota GED online option offers the flexibility to choose a time and location that best suits the test-taker’s convenience. 

To qualify for online testing, candidates must score “green” (Likely To Pass) on the GED Ready practice test, which helps identify areas where additional preparation is needed. In order to achieve a ‘green’ score, candidates can enroll in online GED test prep courses, which provide comprehensive review materials and practice tests to help them prepare adequately.

To ensure a smooth and secure online testing experience, test-takers must meet specific technical requirements. These include:

• A private, quiet workspace free from distractions
• A reliable internet connection with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps
• A dedicated computer with a webcam and microphone
• A valid government-issued ID for verification purposes

Before the scheduled exam time, test-takers must log in at least 30 minutes in advance to verify their ID, workspace, and computer. This ensures that all necessary checks are completed before the test begins.

Minnesota Online Exam Requirements for Underage Students

For underage students (17years old) taking the GED test online in Minnesota, there are specific requirements regarding parental consent and supervision:

• A parent or legal guardian must be present during the pre-test check-in process to provide consent and authorize the underage student to be recorded during the testing session.
• If the parent or guardian is not present at the pretest check-in, the exam session will be revoked, and the underage student will not be able to proceed with the online test.

In addition to Minnesota, two other states that allow 17-year-olds to take the GED exam are the Virgin Islands and Wisconsin In these locations, specific eligibility criteria must be met for younger candidates.

Minnesota GED Testing Locations

Minnesota has several official GED test centers where test-takers can take the exam in person. They provide a secure and monitored environment for test-takers to complete the exam. These centers are located in various cities across the state and provide a convenient location for test-takers to take the GED exam. 

Here are some of the GED testing centers in Minnesota:

How to Get a GED® in Minnesota

To earn your official GED credential, the first step is to register and create an account on GED.com. This account gives you access to a range of services designed  to support your journey:

• Access to Study Materials: With a GED.com account, you can access a variety of study materials, including practice tests, study guides, and other resources to help you prepare for the GED test.
• Test Scheduling: You can schedule your GED test through your account, choosing from in-person test centers or online testing options.
• Test Results: Your account allows you to view your test results, which is essential for tracking your progress and identifying areas for improvement.
• GED Ready Practice Test: You can take the GED Ready practice test through your account, which helps you assess your readiness for the actual test.
• Class Locator: Your account provides access to a class locator, which helps you find in-person GED preparation classes near you.

When setting up your GED account, be sure to input your complete legal name and provide precise address and contact details. This is crucial because the name you use will be reflected in your result records.

Additionally, you must meet all the GED and Minnesota state requirements as outlined, along with successfully passing all four GED subject tests. Thorough preparation using online resources and practicing with online practice tests can enhance your likelihood of passing the examination.

Read more: how do you get a GED?

State of Minnesota GED

The GED ) test in Minnesota is a four-subtest exam that assesses a candidate’s knowledge in various subjects to determine their high school equivalency. 

The four subjects on the GED test are:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) – tests reading and writing skills
• Mathematical Reasoning – tests quantitative problem-solving and algebraic skills
• Science – tests knowledge of life, physical, and earth sciences
• Social Studies – tests knowledge of history, geography, economics, and civics

The test is designed for people who did not complete their high school education and wish to earn a high school diploma equivalent. The GED is available in English and Spanish, and the passing score for each subject is 145. It can be taken online or in-person at the Hubbs Center. 

State of Minnesota GED scores

The GED test has four performance levels:

• Below Pass (100-144): This level indicates that the test-taker has not demonstrated the necessary skills to pass the test.
• Pass/High School Equivalency (145-164): This level indicates that the test-taker has demonstrated a basic level of proficiency in the subjects.
• GED College Ready (165-174): This level indicates that the test-taker is ready to take college-level courses.
• GED College Ready + Credit (175-200): This level not only certifies that the test-taker is ready for college-level courses but also provides 10 credit hours to be used once they enter college.

It’s important to note that each subject test must individually meet or exceed the passing score of 145 to pass overall.

Achieving a high score on the GED exam opens up various educational opportunities, from high school equivalency to college readiness and potential college credit.

Adequate preparation is key to achieving a higher score. Utilize online GED study guide to enhance your readiness and increase your chances of passing the GED test.

Importance of Earning a GED in Minnesota 

1. College Acceptance

In Minnesota, a GED is seen as equal to a high school diploma by most colleges and employers. This means that individuals who have earned their GED can get accepted into college, providing them with the opportunity to further their education and career prospects.

2. Job Market Competitiveness

Having a GED gives individuals a competitive edge in the job market. Many employers require a high school diploma or GED for job applications, and having one demonstrates a baseline knowledge relevant to almost every industry. Check out the best jobs for high school graduates.

3. Increased Earnings Potential

Earning a GED can lead to higher salary earnings. Employees without a GED have less leverage when it comes to increasing their earnings, while those with a GED can access higher-ranking and higher-paying job positions.

This highlights the significant impact that obtaining a GED can have on your life. It expands your eligibility for numerous job openings, enhances your likelihood of securing employment, and establishes a route to further education. 

Moreover, a GED enhances vital life skills and bolsters confidence, ultimately positioning you for success in both personal and professional pursuits.

Applying for Accommodations in Minnesota

• Disability Accommodations: To apply for disability accommodations, you must create an account on GED.com and follow the instructions provided. The GED Testing Service provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodations.

Accommodation Categories

The GED Testing Service categorizes accommodations into four categories:

• Psychological and Psychiatric Disorders
• Physical and Chronic Health Disabilities
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)
• Learning and Other Cognitive Disabilities

Documentation and Approval

• Required Documentation: Documentation for ADHD can now be up to five years old, whereas previously it was limited to three years.
• Approval Process: The approval process for accommodations typically takes up to 30 days. Teachers can help students apply for accommodations and can volunteer to be their advocate.

Testing Accommodations

• Extra Time and Breaks: If approved, extra time and breaks can now be scheduled online. Other accommodations, such as use of a private room, assistive technology, a reader or scribe, still need to be scheduled by phone.

PANDA: PANDA, a supplemental service provider for the Minnesota Department of Education’s ABE Office, can assist with the accommodation process. Contact PANDA by emailing [email protected] or calling 763-504-4095.

Related post: GED in Michigan

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