GED in West Virginia

Are you interested in earning your GED in West Virginia? This widely recognized high school equivalency assessment evaluates your academic proficiency. Approved by the West Virginia Department of Education, this assessment provides adults a chance to demonstrate contemporary high school skills. 

Passing the GED test validates your academic knowledge and opens up numerous educational and professional opportunities. Successfully completing the exam shows your commitment to personal growth and readiness to tackle new challenges in your educational and professional journey.

To get started, you need to prepare for the test. You can take online prep classes to build your knowledge. Once you’re ready, schedule your test at a convenient time and place, and you’ll be on your way to unlocking a world of new possibilities.

West Virginia GED Testing Requirements

To obtain a GED in West Virginia, you must meet specific requirements that ensure you are eligible to take the GED test.

WV GED Age Requirements

In West Virginia, you need to be at least 19 years old to take the test. However, if you’re 16, 17, or 18, you can still take it provided you meet additional requirements..

Additional Requirements for 16,17 and 18-year-olds

For 16, and 17 year-olds in West Virginia seeking to take the GED test,  the following requirements must be met: Eligibility for GED Testing If you are officially withdrawn from school or homeschooled, you must:

• Contact your local adult learning center to schedule an appointment to take the GED Ready practice test.
• Complete the required documentation verifying your eligibility to take the test.
• Locate your nearest adult learning center here or by calling 800-642-2670.

High School Enrollment: If you are currently attending high school, you cannot take the GED test unless you are participating in the Option Pathway program at your home high school. For additional information, please contact your home high school directly.

Scheduling the Test: Once your documentation has been reviewed and approved, you will receive notification allowing you to schedule your test.

WV GED Residency Requirements

There is no residency requirement in West Virginia. If you choose to take the High School Equivalency exam in West Virginia, you will receive a State of West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma upon successful completion.  

Other states where residency is not required, include:

No High School Diploma

To be eligible for the GED test in West Virginia, you cannot already hold a high school diploma or be enrolled in any other school program. This ensures that the GED test is only used by people  who have not completed their high school education and are seeking to earn a high school equivalency certificate.

GED Official Practice Test (OPT) Requirement

In West Virginia, candidates seeking to take the GED® test must first achieve satisfactory scores on the GED Ready® practice test. This requirement applies to both adult education programs and Option Pathway students. To begin, candidates need to pass the GED Ready® practice test at an approved adult education center or through their Option Pathway program.

After passing, candidates must complete the necessary documentation to qualify for scheduling their official GED® test.  It’s essential to contact a local adult learning center to arrange to take the practice test. You can find your nearest center here  or by calling 800-642-2670.

NOTE: Scores obtained from GED Ready® practice tests conducted at home or outside approved facilities will not be considered valid.

West Virginia GED Identification Requirements for Testing Sessions

Before attending any testing session, you must present current, valid photo identification showing your name, address, birth date, and ideally a Social Security number. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Current valid driver’s license
• Valid Department of Motor Vehicles picture identification
• Valid passport
•  National ID or Military card
•  Correctional facility or MCS photo ID (only valid while you are a resident of the center)

Please note: The same identification used for registration must be presented on the day of testing without exceptions. The examiner reserves the right to request additional identification for verification purposes.

Cost of GED in West Virginia

In West Virginia, taking the GED test is free of charge for test takers. However, you must go through your local adult learning or Option Pathway program to schedule the test.

Two other states also offer free in-person testing

•Free GED Testing in Connecticut

•Free GED Testing in New York

Option Pathway WV

The Option Pathway in West Virginia offers an alternative route for students aged 16 to 18 to earn their high school diploma while still enrolled in school. This program allows students to combine Career Technical Education (CTE) courses with the GED or HiSET exams.

To participate, students must be approved by their school and complete four CTE courses related to their career interests. They also need to attend GED preparation classes and pass the necessary assessments.

Successful completion of the Option Pathway not only provides a high school diploma but also enhances students’ employability and eligibility for scholarships like the PROMISE Scholarship.

Approved GED Testing Centers in West Virginia

West Virginia residents seeking to earn their GED certification have several approved testing centers throughout the state where they can take the exam.  These centers are authorized by the West Virginia Department of Education to administer the GED test, ensuring a secure and reliable testing environment for candidates. 

Here are some of the GED testing centers in West Virginia:

Beckley
Academy of Career & Technology – 390 Stanaford Rd – Beckley – WV 25801 – Ph: (304) 256.4615
Buckhannon
Upshur Co. Adult Learning Ctr – 46 Raspberry Way – Buckhannon – WV 26201 – Ph: (304) 472.3330/1544
Fred Eberle Technical Ctr – 208 Morton Ave – Buckhannon – WV 26201 – Ph: (304) 472.1544
Charles Town
Jefferson Co. Adult Ed (@Washington High) – 300 W Washington Patriots Dr – Charles Town – WV 25414 – Ph: (304) 885.5110
Charleston
Garnet Career Center – 422 Dickinson St – Charleston – WV 25301 – Ph: (304) 344.9177 Carver Career Center – 4799 Midland Dr – Charleston – WV 25306 – Ph: (304) 348.6142

Clarksburg
STEAM Ctr Harrison Co. – 445 W Main St – Clarksburg  WV 26301 – Ph: (304) 326.7312

Craigsville
Nicholas Co. Career-Technical Ctr – 512 Milam Ave – Craigsville – WV 26205 – Ph: (304) 545.6773
Delbarton
Mingo Co. Learning Center – 165 Bulldog Blvd – Delbarton – WV 25670 – Ph: (304) 475.3347
Dunbar
Ben Franklin Career Center – 500 28th St – Dunbar – WV 25064 – Ph: (304) 766.0369
East Charleston
WV Dept. of Ed. (Bldg 6, Rm 243) – 1900 Kanawha Blvd – East Charleston – WV 25305 – Ph: (609) 534.2486
Eleanor
Putnam Career-Technical Ctr – 300 Roosevelt Blvd – Eleanor – WV 25070 – Ph: (304) 586.2411/3494
Elizabeth
Wirt Co. High School – 431 Mulberry St – Elizabeth – WV 26143 – Ph: (304) 275.4241
Elkins
Randolph Technical Ctr – 200 Kennedy Dr – Elkins – WV 26241 – Ph: (304) 636.9195
Elkins Mountain School – 100 Bell St – Elkins – WV 26241 – Ph: (304) 637.0313
Ellenboro
Ritchie Co. High – 201 Ritchie Co School Rd (Ste 1) – Ellenboro – WV 26346 – Ph: (304) 869.3526
Fairmont
Marion Co. Adult Learning Ctr – 601 Locust Ave – Fairmont – WV 26554 – Ph: (304) 363.7323
Foster
Boone Career-Technical Ctr – 3505 Daniel Boone Pkwy (Ste B) – Foster – WV 25081 – Ph: (304) 369.8252
Grafton
Taylor County Technical Center – 115 Sam Bord Dr – Grafton – WV 26354 – Ph: (304) 363.7323
Grantsville
Calhoun/Gilmer Career Ctr – 5236 E Little Kanawha Hwy – Grantsville – WV 26147 – Ph: (304) 354.6151
Hamlin
Lincoln Co. High – 81 Lincoln Panther Way – Hamlin – WV 25523 – Ph: (304) 638.0832
Hinton
Summers Co. Public Library – 201 Temple St – Hinton – WV 25951 – Ph: (304) 466.6040
Huntington
Cabell Co. Career Technical Ctr – 1035 Norway Ave – Huntington – WV 25705 – Ph: (304) 528.5106
Spring Valley Career & Tech Ctr – 1640 Spring Valley Dr – Huntington – WV 25704 – Ph: (304) 272.5116
Keyser
Mineral Co. Technical Ctr – 600 Harley O Staggers Dr – Keyser – WV 26726 – Ph: (304) 726.4767
Kingwood
Preston High School – 400 Knight Dr – Kingwood – WV 26537 – Ph: (304) 376.2986
Lavalette
Stepping Stones – 1235 Buffalo Creek Rd – Lavalette – WV 25704 – Ph: (304) 429.2297
Lewisburg
Davis-Stuart School – 163 Cottage Dr – Lewisburg – WV 24901 – Ph: (304) 647.5407
Lindside
Monroe Co. Tech Center – 142 James Monroe Dr – Lindside – WV 24951 – Ph: (304) 466.1423
Martinsburg
Berkeley County Schools – 206 Lutz Ave – Martinsburg – WV 25404 – Ph: (304) 263.3897
James Rumsey Tech – 3274 Hedgesville Rd – Martinsburg – WV 25403 – Ph: (304) 754.7925
Montgomery
MCA-South CTC – 3145 Fayette Pike – Montgomery – WV 25136 – Ph: (304) 9821.0036
Morgantown
Monongalia Co. Technical Ed Ctr – 1000 Mississippi St – Morgantown – WV 26501 – Ph: (304) 291.9240
Moundsville
Marshall Co. Schools (GED) – 2700 4th St – Moundsville – WV 26041 – Ph: (304) 845.7890
Mt. Hope
Gene Sparado School – 106 Martin Dr – Mt. Hope – WV 25880 – Ph: (304) 877.6904
New Cumberland
Rockefeller Career Ctr (GED, HiSET) – 80 Rockefeller Circle – New Cumberland – WV 26047 – Ph: (304) 564.3337
Oak Hill
Fayette Inst. of Technology – 300 W Oyler Ave – Oak Hill – WV 25901 – Ph: (304) 469.2911
Fayette Adult Ed. – 912 E Main St – Oak Hill – WV 25901 – Ph: (304) 469.2911
Ona
Pressley Ridge@Grant Gardens – 2580 Grant Gardens Rd – Ona – WV 25545 – Ph: (304) 743.3974
Parkersburg
Wood Co. Technical Ctr – 1515 Blizzard Dr – Parkersburg – WV 26101 – Ph: (304) 420.9501
Petersburg
S. Branch Career & Technical Ctr – 401 Pierpont St – Petersburg – WV 26847 – Ph: (304) 538.2701
Philippi
Philip Barbour High – 25 Horseshoe Dr – Philippi – WV 26416 – Ph: (304) 457.4807
Pineville
Wyoming Co. Career-Technical Ctr – 1201 Bearhole Rd – Pineville – WV 24874 – Ph: (304) 732.8050
Princeton
Mercer Co. Techn. Ed Center – 1397 Stafford Dr – Princeton – WV 24740 – Ph: (304) 425.1896 or (304) 466.1423
Mercer County Workforce Ctr – 195 Davis St – Princeton – WV 24739 – Ph: (304) 466.1423 or (304) 425.1896
Point Pleasant
Mason Co. Career Center – 281 Scenic Dr – Point Pleasant – WV 25550 – Ph: (304) 675.3039
Ranson
Jefferson Co. Adult Learning Ctr. – 401 S Fairfax Blvd – Ranson – WV 25438 – Ph: (304) 725.3011
Romney
Hampshire Co. CTE Building – 157 Trojan Way – Romney – WV 26757 – Ph: (304) 822.5015
Spencer
Roane Co. Board of Ed. – 802 Madison Ave – Spencer – WV 25276 – Ph: (304) 927.6400
St. Marys
Mid Ohio Valley Technical Inst. – 2134 N Pleasant Hwy – St. Marys – WV 26170 – Ph: (304) 869.3526
Stollings
Ralph R Willis Career & Technical Ctr – 144 Vocational Rd – Stollings – WV 25601 – Ph: (304) 752.4687
Sutton
Braxton County High – 105 Jerry Burton Dr – Sutton – WV 26601 – Ph: (304) 765.7331 or (304) 466.1423
Upperglade
Webster County High – 1 Highlander Dr – Upperglade – WV 26266 – Ph: (304) 772 847.5638
Welch
McDowell Co. Tech Ctr (HiSET, GED) – 1 Stadium Dr – Welch – WV 24801 – Ph: (304) 549.8100
Wellsburg
The Bruin Bridge School – 1447 Main St – Wellsburg – WV 26070 – Ph: (304) 737.6804
Weston
Lewis County HiSET Ctr – 205 Minuteman Dr – Weston – WV 26452 – Ph: (304) 269.8315
West Union
Doddridge County High – 79 Bulldog Dr – West Union – WV 26456 – Ph: (304) 873.2521
Wheeling
WV Northern Comm. Coll. (GED, HiSET) – 1704 Market St – Wheeling – WV 26003 – Ph: (304) 214.8969
Wheeling Park High (HiSET) – 1976 Park View Rd – Wheeling – WV 26002 – Ph: (304) 243.0400

Can I Take the GED Test Online in West Virginia?

No, you cannot take the GED test online in West Virginia. The GED test is only available in person at official testing centers in the state. Three other states that also do not offer online GED testing include:

•  New York
• Hawaii
• Florida

West Virginia GED Test Retake Policies

WV Waiting Periods 

In West Virginia, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes of the test. However, you must show proof of meeting eligibility requirements to your local adult education or Option Pathway teacher. Once you have taken a test subject three times, you must wait 60 days before retaking it.

You are allowed to attempt a specific subject up to six times per year. If you fail to cancel a test within 24 hours (a no-show), there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before you can retake that subject area test.

Cost of Retakes in West Virginia

In West Virginia, if you purchase a GED® test subject but do not pass, you are eligible for one discounted retake. You have 365 days from your initial full-price test to take advantage of this retake opportunity.

This offer allows one full-price test followed by one discounted retake per subject until you pass. Additionally, in West Virginia, there are no extra costs associated with GED® test retakes.

Discover: Pay for Ged Without Taking the Test

Can I Reschedule my GED Test Appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your test appointment at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. Failure to do so will result in the appointment being marked as a missed test, and you will need to wait 30 days before scheduling another test.

What Happens If I Miss my GED Test Appointment?

If you fail to attend your test appointment, you will need to wait 30 days before scheduling a retest for the missed subject or subtest.

West Virginia GED Transcript Request

Upon successfully passing the GED test , you will receive a West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma and an official transcript of your scores. 

To obtain the diploma, you are required to create an account with DiplomaSender and order your transcript and diploma. The initial transcript and diploma are provided at no cost, but there may be a fee for requesting replacement documents.

How to Prepare for the GED Test in West Virginia 

Thorough preparation is important for success in the GED exam, especially considering its increasing level of difficulty. Adequate preparation not only boosts confidence but also provides valuable understanding of the exam’s structure and material, thereby increasing the chances of passing.

Several effective preparation methods exist, including , enrolling in online GED prep courses, and enrolling in an adult education or Option Pathway program. By committing time and effort to preparation, you can significantly increase your likelihood of passing the GED exam and demonstrating your academic capabilities.

In-Person GED Classes in West Virginia

There are many GED prep classes in West Virginia that can help a student confidently prepare for the four GED sub-tests or the five HiSET sub-tests. You can choose a traditional preparation class available in your local area.

GED Online Prep Classes in West Virginia

You can begin your GED preparation by enrolling in online GED prep programs such as Prepsaret. Prepsaret offers detailed GED prep notes online that help you grasp important knowledge and content to pass each of the test subject areas. 

These notes provide a comprehensive understanding of the material, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.  We offer the study notes and practice questions for all the subjects: 

• GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test
• GED Social Studies Practice Test
• GED Science Practice Test
• GED Math Practice Test

Additionally, Prepsaret provides free practice questions  that simulate the actual GED exam experience. These tests help you identify areas where you need improvement and build your confidence in taking the actual exam.  With Prepsaret’s online GED study materials, you can effectively prepare for the exam and achieve your GED goals. 

WV GED Test

The West Virginia GED test is a high school equivalency exam that allows adults to demonstrate academic skills equivalent to a high school graduate. The test is a comprehensive examination created to gauge proficiency in four key subject areas:

• Reasoning through Language Arts
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Science
• Social Studies

Tailored for adults who didn’t finish traditional high school, this exam provides them with an opportunity to demonstrate their academic abilities and acquire a recognized credential equivalent to a high school diploma.

Moreover, the GED test is structured to assess skills and knowledge typically expected in high school and sought after by colleges and employers.

Successful completion of the GED exam awards students with a widely recognized high school equivalency credential accepted by the majority of employers, colleges, and universities across the United States and Canada.

Check Out: Colleges That Accept the GED Credential

WV GED Scoring

The GED scoring system uses a scale from 100 to 200, with each of the four sub-exams requiring a minimum score of 145 to pass. This scoring method is non-compensatory, meaning candidates must achieve at least 145 on each sub-exam individually, rather than relying on an average score across all exams.

The scoring range is divided into four distinct sections, each with significant implications for the candidate’s academic prospects:

1. Below Passing: 100-144 – Students who score in this range need to retake the section of the exam.
2. High School Equivalency: 145-164 – This is the passing score for each subject. Students who score in this range have performed at a level comparable to that of high school students upon graduation.
3. College Ready: 165-174 – Students who score in this range have demonstrated college-level skills and may be exempt from placement exams or some lower-level classes.
4. College Ready + Credit: 175-200 – Students who score in this range have demonstrated exceptional skills and may be eligible to earn up to 10 college credits or skip certain college entrance exams.

GED Language Options in West Virginia 

Candidates pursuing their GED credential in West Virginia have the choice to take the test in either English or Spanish.  This bilingual flexibility enables test-takers to select the language that aligns with their comfort and proficiency level, including the option to combine both languages to achieve their credential.

How to Register for the GED Test in West Virginia

• To start your GED journey, start by creating an account on the official GED website at www.ged.com. This crucial step grants you access to the testing platform and allows you to schedule your exams. Ensure you use an email address that you regularly check, as your GED certificate will be sent to this email upon successful completion of the tests.
• Once you have created your account, login and navigate to the “Schedule Test” section. Here, you can view available test dates and times for each subject area. To optimize your options, it is recommended to select only one or two subjects at a time, as all four subjects cannot be taken on the same day.
• Next, process your test payments online through the GED website. After your registration and payment are complete, you will receive an email from the GED Testing Service (GEDTS) with important pre-test information. Carefully review this email to ensure you are well-prepared for your upcoming exams.

HISET Test in West Virginia

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) serves as an alternative to the GED  for people seeking a high school diploma equivalent in West Virginia. Both tests provide a pathway for those who did not complete traditional high school to earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential.

HISET Requirements

• To take the HiSET exam in West Virginia, candidates must be at least 16 years old, but those aged 16 to 18 need additional permissions, such as parental consent and school board approval.
• All test-takers must pass the HiSET Official Practice Test before registering and present a valid government-issued photo ID on test day

HISET Cost in WV

West Virginia is one of the few states that offer the HiSET exam entirely free of charge to residents, making it a highly accessible option for those seeking to earn their high school equivalency credential.

Some other states, such as Massachusetts and Maine, also provide the HiSET exam for free to their residents. This further expands the accessibility of this high school equivalency option.

West Virginia GED Testing Accommodations for People Living with Disabilities

West Virginia provides testing accommodations for people with disabilities who are taking the GED test. These accommodations are designed to ensure that test takers with disabilities have equal access to the test and can demonstrate their knowledge and skills without any undue barriers.

Types of Accommodations

The GED test offers several types of accommodations to support test takers with disabilities:

1. Extra Testing Time: Test takers with disabilities may be granted extra time to complete the test, which can help them manage their time more effectively and complete the test without feeling rushed.
2. Extra Breaks: Test takers with disabilities may be allowed additional breaks during the test to help them manage their energy levels and stay focused.
3. Separate Testing Room: Test takers with disabilities may be accommodated in a separate testing room to minimize distractions and ensure a more comfortable testing environment.
4. Assistive Technology: Test takers with disabilities may use assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or speech-to-text software, to help them complete the test.
5. Braille and Large Print Materials: The GED test is available in Braille and large print formats for test takers who are visually impaired.

How to Request for GED Accommodations WV

To request accommodations for the GED test in West Virginia, follow these steps:

1. Create an Account: Create an account on GED.com.
2. Indicate Need for Accommodations: When creating your account, indicate that you need accommodations by selecting “Yes” to the question about accommodated testing.
3. Submit Accommodations Request: You will receive additional information on how to submit an accommodations request. This typically includes submitting documentation from a healthcare provider or other relevant documentation.
4. Processing Time: Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis and typically takes 30 days to process after you submit the required forms.

What Do I Do if My Accommodation Request Gets Denied?

If your accommodation request is denied, you can appeal the decision. To appeal, click on the “Request an Appeal” button in the Accommodations System and include additional documentation along with the appeal form.

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