Padd Solutions

Testing is a reality that some would rather delete from our experiences. You get tested to start school and to get out of school. There are tests for employment, parenting, driving a car, and just about everything else. Some tests are easy. Sometimes the environment for taking a test can make the test seem difficult.

The Testing Center at AC does try to make the testing environment not to strict. The testing aides are pleasant and helpful. There are the signs posted about the consequences of cheating. The cameras in the corners are obvious. Spacious testing desks and carpeted floor make for a nice facility. For the GED test, it is very different.

Lots of people have to take the GED test. Most take the GED because they did not finish high school. International and immigrant students may be required to take the GED. Some are forced to by the state due to criminal behaviors.

There are several facilities available to study for the exam. Lots of study guides and test prep books. They all are very helpful.

Because the degree, whether high school equivalency or GED, is so necessary, I was intimidated by the test and I avoided the test for the longest time.

When I went to the Testing Center to start the GED testing, I almost walked out and said "Forget it!"

The GED test itself is not difficult. Easier to take if you have done any of the prep programs available for free. Due to some people's inability to understand and follow instructions, everyone who takes the test has to experience a hard line of instructions and stern testing aides.

Here are some things GED testers need to take into consideration when in the GED testing zone.

• When you go for the test, the testing aide will take up the phones, bag them, and place them in a box. You are instructed to turn off your phone. If your phone goes off during the testing, you are out. No refund. You have to retest later and pay a retesting fee. Do not take your phone with you. Leave it in the car or at home.
• Leave your whiney-butt-high-school-foolery indifferent attitude, at the door. No one really cares about your latest tattoo or how your newest dealer scammed your first score with him. I can understand why the lovely testing aides have to act like those mean teachers you skipped out on at high school.
• Bring every piece of identification requested, every time, to every test. Repeat.

Currently the Testing Center is participating in a GED computerized test experiment. It does not count towards your GED scores. Participating in the experimental test will get your GED costs refunded and then some. Taking the computerized GED gives you an idea of what the real tests are like.

Paula Sosebee, is the GED Coordinator, and can answer all your questions.

I am not quite ready for the English Composition CLEP. Still studying and preparing. I will let you know how the CLEP test will go. Nola Bartling is the CLEP Coordinator.