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Hernando Today

GED Testing Fees To Spike

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By LINNEA BROWN

Hernando Today

Published: September 20, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Want to get your GED credential?

It's not going to be cheap.

Due to the first state-mandated increase in years, officials at the Hernando County School District's Adult and Community Education office are being forced to raise fees for locals hoping to take the General Educational Development (or GED) tests, or a series of tests in five subject areas that certifies a person has high school-level academic skills.

With increases taking effect Nov. 1, the current fee of $50 has been raised to $70, and the retakes for those who have failed a section of the GED test will now cost $14 instead of $10. Additionally, duplication of diplomas and transcripts will go from $7 to $10.

In some cases, the $50 fee was already a hardship - and the increase to $70 will be an additional burden, said Harry Wilson, coordinator and chief examiner for the state-funded program, headquartered at Brooksville's Nature Coast Technical High School.

Locally, officials offer tests to 21 test-takers at least once a month, and sometimes as often as three times per month, depending on need.

However, the district also offers free classes and diagnostic screenings to help students prepare for the test, and Wilson said he hopes the fee increase will simply boost the number of students enrolling in preparatory courses prior to taking the test, rather than discouraging anyone outright.

"I'm hoping that now people will just prepare a little bit better," he said. "Instead of just plopping down $50, they'll have more time to prepare so they're not wasting money."

Originally created after World War II to help veterans return to the workforce, only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED.

Common reasons people take the GED include homeschooling or dropping out of high school early. Those who take the test under the age of 18 must have special permission indicating a hardship, while others take the test as adults, determined to "finish school" by obtaining a diploma.

Many people quit school, then return to take the GED after realizing they need a diploma to better their employment chances, he added.

"A GED or diploma opens so many doors," Wilson said. "Especially now with the (slumping) economy, it's almost impossible to get a job without one."

An estimated one of every seven people with a high school diploma has a GED, as well as one in 20 college students, according to a 2006 study by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education.

Anticipating that the increase may cause a financial hardship for some local test takers, the school district has already volunteered to provide a need-based scholarship program.

For more information, call the district's adult education office at 352-797-7091.

Reporter Linnea Brow can be reached at 352-544-5289 or lbrown@hernandotoday.com.

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