Nov 5, 2012 - State Board for Community & Technical Colleges ... basic technology skills, Washington's Community and
www.GEDtestingservice.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Sherry Nelson | Communications & Outreach Associate State Board for Community & Technical Colleges
[email protected] | 360/704.4308
Armando Diaz | Public Affairs Specialist GED Testing Service
[email protected] | 202/471.2157
November 5, 2012
SUCCESS ON THE GED TEST IS NOW JUST CLICKS AWAY IN WASHINGTON STATE Adults opt for new benefits that come with testing on computer (Olympia, Wash.)— In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential and basic technology skills, Washington’s Community and Technical Colleges and state GED testing centers recently partnered with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. “As society integrates technology into almost every facet of life, and the job market continues to be shaped by technology, adults will need basic technology skills to be successful,” said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. “Moving the GED test to computer helps adults demonstrate necessary basic technology skills and makes their testing process easier and more efficient. We are so pleased that Washington community and technical colleges are partnering in this important endeavor.” The computerized GED test launched on Monday, October 30th, 2012, in three locations across the state and more centers will be phased in over time. The three locations were: Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Boulevard, Centralia, WA Central Washington University, 400 East University Way, Ellensburg, WA Online registration and scheduling for the computer-based test is now available and adults in Washington will still have the option of taking the paper tests until the end of 2013. The GED test on computer is the same test currently offered on paper and pencil, and GED tests must be taken in-person at an official GED testing center. The GED test is never offered online. Test-takers will benefit from a new streamlined process that will help them move quicker into jobs or training programs. These benefits include: Online scheduling and registration that is available 24/7. More testing flexibility for test-takers: They can choose when and where to take their test. Instant unofficial score reports: Faster results mean adults can apply for jobs or immediately begin studying if they need to retake a subject area. Enhanced test security.
GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (“ACE”). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.
"We are proud of adult learners who improve their lives by earning a GED credential," said Marty Brown, executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. “Computer-based delivery brings new levels of flexibility and service to test-takers, makes the GED test more accessible, and opens doors to further education and enhanced employment options." "Central Washington University Testing Services is excited to be one of the first sites in Washington to offer the computerized GED exam,” said William Thelen, CWU director of testing services. “It provides an opportunity for community members to advance their education and job goals." Since the national launch in January, more than 17,500 computerized GED tests have been delivered in at least 30 states and the District of Columbia. Many test-takers across the country have taken advantage of the new benefits. “The computer test was easy to use and the instant score report helped motivate me to finish the rest of the sections,” said Eric Martinez, who was one of the first individuals in Nebraska to take the GED test on computer. GED Testing Service expects even more states to offer the test on computer by the end of the year. States currently offering the GED test on computer are preparing for the new 2014 GED test, which will only be available on computer. Offering the test on computer before January 2014 allows testing centers to become familiar with the new system and better prepare test-takers. Adults in Washington interested in taking or learning more about the GED test on computer, should visit www.GEDtestingservice.com. –###– Additional resources GED Testing Centers in Washington state www.sbctc.edu/public/_y_gedtestingctrs.aspx Video short – Great Things in Motion; Why the GED testing program is changing www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/great-things Video short – The GED test is not online www.GEDtestingservice.com/notonline State-specific statistics can be found on our website www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/historical-testing-data About GED Testing Service The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma. About the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is led by a Governor-appointed board and provides leadership, advocacy, and coordination for Washington’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges. Each year, nearly 500,000 students train for the workforce, prepare to transfer to a university, gain basic math and English skills, or pursue continuing education. Visit our website at SBCTC.edu.
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