Eligibility to Test As of November 2012, all test takers in Florida are eligible to take both paper-based and computer-based versions of the exam. If a candidate has already tested on a paper-based format (PBT), the candidate is now able to have the scores from previous administrations combined. If a candidate has taken a paper-based test previously, the candidate must provide the same ID number Social Security Number (SSN) or Assigned Number (AN) that was used for their paper-based administration. The testing office will be able to combine records automatically if certain key records, including ID number, are identical for CBT registration and a previous PBT administration. If a candidate has only taken a computer-based test and would like to switch to a paper-based test (PBT) for subsequent administrations, the candidate must continue to use the testing ID assigned to them for their GED CBT administration. It is important to verify the testing ID prior to submitting PBT answer sheets to the scoring office using the Florida Records website, https://ged.fldoe.org/login.asp, and searching by name. If you have a candidate who notifies you that the scores from a previous PBT administration have not been combined, please contact Diane Vaccari at diane.vaccari@fldoe.org. Alternate Language Format Availability As of March 7, 2013, the Spanish format of the GED test is available for CBT. During the registration process, test-takers will have the ability to choose the Spanish format. Number of CBT Forms Available Forms available in CBT are different from forms available in PBT; there is not an overlap. For the English version there are currently six (6) CBT forms available. For the Spanish version there are currently two (2) CBT forms available. Test Registration Initial Registration The primary method of registration of CBT candidates will be: 1) Pearson VUE call center (1-877-EXAM-GED or 1-877-392-6433) 2) Online GED Testing Service (GEDTS ) registration tool (www.gedcomputer.com) Testing centers may choose to provide supported registration locally for candidates through staff at their institutions. In addition, testing centers will be able to schedule testing sessions for groups (for example, a special session for GED Exit Option testers) using the Pearson VUE scheduling system. Candidates will have up to 24 hours before the beginning of a testing session to schedule an exam. As part of the registration, candidates will create a profile with a user name and password. If a candidate forgets the user name and password, he/she may call the Pearson VUE call center. Revised April 23, 2013 Page 1
Candidate Rescheduling/Cancellation See Section 5.5 of the GED Testing Service Policies & Procedures Manual for the 2002 Series GED Test on Computer. Candidates will be permitted to reschedule or cancel an exam up to 24 hours before their scheduled appointment time. A candidate may reschedule their exam appointment through the Pearson VUE call center or through the online system. If a candidate attempts to reschedule their exam with less than a 24 hour notice, the candidate will forfeit their testing fee if he/she does not show up for the testing center appointment. If a candidate has an emergency within the 24 hour non-cancellation period, he/she may contact the Pearson VUE call center to determine whether an exception for an unavoidable emergency or candidate illness will be made. All appointments with accommodations must be rescheduled or canceled through the GED Testing Service accommodations coordinator. Errors made by Candidates in Registration Forms The candidate can correct errors by contacting the Pearson VUE call center directly. Some errors may cause candidates to be placed in an exception queue which requires Florida testing office staff to clear the candidate to test. If an error has been made that places a student in the exception queue, the testing center staff or the candidate may do the following: 1) Send a registration form change request to Diane Vaccari at diane.vaccari@fldoe.org 2) Include the candidate s name, birthday, and information regarding the error in registration, including the correct information for the form The most common error is students answering yes to the following question on the Florida Registration Form: Are you enrolled in a GED options program? If a student answers yes, the registration will be routed to the exception queue. The only candidates who should answer yes to this question are those who are enrolled through their district in the Exit Option program. Use of Candidate Social Security Number to Test Currently, the GEDTS Registration Form has a requirement that a candidate provide an ID number when registering to test. If you receive any inquiries from candidates who do not have or do not want to provide their social security ID number, you may let them to know that they should complete their registration by entering 999999999 with the social security number field. NOTE: The social security number will not be the candidate s primary testing ID because that information is not verified by the testing center. Candidates will be assigned a GEDTS ID through the registration system. In addition, the Florida testing office will assign a Florida CBT ID to the candidate upon receipt of the demographic and score information from GEDTS. Procedures for Changing Florida CBT ID to Social Security Number Revised April 23, 2013 Page 2
If a candidate would like to change the assigned Florida CBT identification number to a social security number (SSN), the candidate must mail a request to change their Florida CBT identification number to a social security number to the Florida GED Testing Office. The request must include: 1) Candidate name, date of birth, Florida CBT identification number, and signature 2) Legible photocopy of their government-issued photo ID and Social Security Card 3) If the candidate needs a corrected transcript that includes the SSN, a transcript request must accompany the request for identification number change and include the fee. The transcript request instructions are found here: http://ged.fldoe.org/diploma.asp. Exceptions for Underage Tester students Underage testers are not eligible to test in Florida without confirmation of an age waiver being granted by the district in which the candidate resides or attends school (Section 1003.435(4), Florida Statutes). Candidates will be asked to confirm their age at the time of registration for the test. Underage candidates will have their registration halted until the candidate completes and submits a Testing Eligibility Exception Form that has been signed by the superintendent, or a designee assigned by the superintendent, in the district in which the candidate resides or attends school. Candidates will be sent an email with the information on the completion of the Testing Eligibility Exception Form, a link to the form, and a link to the GED District Underage Testing Contacts. The links are also posted here: http://ged.fldoe.org/computer-based.asp Here are the procedures for GED CBT underage tester approval: 1. After receiving the email from GEDTS, the tester contacts the underage testing contact for the district in which he lives or goes to school from the link provided in the e-mail. 2. The district underage testing contact provides the tester with the district s requirements for underage GED testing. 3. Tester meets the district s requirements. 4. The district underage testing contact and the tester complete the Testing Eligibility Exception Form, including the signature of the superintendent or superintendent s designee. If a designee is to be used, your superintendent must submit a letter of designation to the Florida GED Testing Office. Once on file, the letter of designation does not need to be included with each Testing Eligibility Exception Form submitted. If your superintendent changes, make sure to send a new letter of designation. Once approved for testing in CBT as an underage tester, the approval is permanent for any/all GED subtests. 5. The district underage testing contact faxes or e-mails the completed Testing Eligibility Exception Form to 850-245-9065 or flgedhelp@fldoe.org. 6. Once received by the Florida GED Testing Office, as long as the tester has completed their registration, the tester will be cleared to schedule their GED CBT. Please allow 3-5 days for processing by the Florida GED Testing Office. Please note: If a candidate lies about his/her age at registration and takes the GED test, the test scores will be invalidated by the Florida GED Testing Office. Revised April 23, 2013 Page 3
Exceptions for Exit Option students At this time, no testing for Exit Option students on CBT is anticipated for the launch. Development of this process is still underway. Exit Option candidates will be directed to the exception queue during the registration process and will not be permitted to schedule an exam directly through the web site. Accommodations Candidates planning on taking the CBT must complete the online registration declaring that they are requesting accommodations. All accommodations for CBT will have to be approved by the staff of GEDTS. For candidates who are requesting accommodations and plan to take the CBT GED tests: 1) Since candidates are not able to see the scheduling system once they request accommodations, it is not clear that they would know how to contact the Chief Examiner for the CBT site. Given this issue, candidates may submit their paperwork directly to my office without the signature of the Chief Examiner. 2) GED Administrator TM will conduct a preliminary review to ensure the request packet is complete. 3) GED Administrator TM will send all CBT accommodations requests to GEDTS for review. When a candidate is notified by e-mail that an accommodations decision is reached, he/she will call GEDTS to discuss the decision. The GEDTS accommodations staff person who speaks with the candidate will answer questions and inform the candidate of next steps (scheduling). GEDTS needs the candidate s accommodations paperwork in order to complete this step. See section 8.2 of the GED Testing Service Policies & Procedures Manual for the 2002 Series GED Test on Computer for complete details on the process for test-takers requesting accommodations. If a candidate was already approved for accommodations in the PBT format, the GED Administrator TM will forward the file to GEDTS. The candidate s approval will be valid for either CBT or PBT, unless there is something that was approved for PBT that cannot be delivered with PBT (such as audiocassette). If a candidate has requested accommodations, the registration will be placed in the exception queue until their paperwork is submitted to GED Administrator TM and then submitted to GED Testing Service for review. If a candidate accidentally requests accommodations and then changes his/her mind about the request, he/she can follow the procedure outlined above for correcting the registration form. Once this correction is made, the candidate should be able to complete their scheduling process. Revised April 23, 2013 Page 4
Vouchers Vouchers are prepaid certificates that enable testing centers, corporations, academic institutions and other organizations to provide financial assistance to test-takers. The following types of vouchers are available for purchase for Florida GED CBT testing: Single Use Voucher (1 module) = $26.00 Single Use Voucher (40% of one module) = $10.40 Multi-Use Voucher (25% of 5 modules) = $32.50 Multi-Use Voucher (40% of 5 modules) = $52.00 Multi-Use Voucher (50% of 5 modules) = $65.00 Multi-Use Voucher (75% of 5 modules) = $97.50 Multi-Use Voucher (100% of 5 modules) = $130.00 These vouchers may be purchased through Pearson VUE at the following site: www.pearsonvue.com/vouchers Candidates may redeem multiple single use vouchers when registering and scheduling an exam (i.e., the vouchers are stackable). For candidates who are using a multi-use voucher and do not schedule sufficient exams to use the full value of the voucher, the value of the voucher will remain on their account and may be applied to future uses. A voucher is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Testing Day Procedures Late Arrivals Testing centers will have the local authority to determine how to handle candidates who arrive after their designated appointment time. The testing center should have locally adopted written policies and procedures for how to handle these circumstances. No Shows Candidates who do not show up for their testing appointment will forfeit the testing fee for the session. If an extraordinary circumstance occurs, the candidate must contact the Pearson VUE call center to discuss the situation with them (1-877-EXAM-GED). Scoring Reports for Writing Currently, candidates will need to check their online account with GEDTS within 3-5 days after completion of the writing test. Functionality for sending an email to candidates may be added at a later date. If a candidate has trouble logging in to the registration, he/she may go to the following link for an FAQ: https://www.gedtestingservice.com/loginhelp/ Revised April 23, 2013 Page 5
Mathematics Test and On Screen Calculator An on-screen calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30XS Multiview scientific calculator) will be automatically available on the computer when a candidate sits for the test beginning September 4, 2012. In addition, the TI-30XS is the calculator that will be used on the new 2014 GED test. With the addition of the on-screen calculator, candidates will have two options (outlined below) when sitting for the GED Mathematics Test on computer. Option #1: Candidates may use the newly added on-screen TI-30XS calculator. The calculator will be automatically available on the computer when a candidate sits for the GED Mathematics Test. Option #2: Candidates may bring their own FX260 calculator to the testing center. Candidates will not be allowed to bring in any calculator other than the approved FX260. Only the on-screen calculator will be provided in GED testing centers. If a testing center has FX260 calculators available, this calculator may be provided upon request. The GED CBT center is under no obligation to have this calculator available. Important Notes About Stopping a Test Please take note that we have been notified that on a few occasions, CBT scores have been invalidated and testers have had to take the subtests again at no fault of their own. The invalidations have been due to the test administrator (TA) ending the testing session prior to the tester completing all subtests they had originally scheduled in that particular appointment. Even though the testers had the printed unofficial results, they had to reschedule the tests; Pearson VUE did reschedule at no cost. Under no circumstances should the TA stop a test appointment in which a tester has completed only a portion of the subtests scheduled in that appointment. Here are the two scenarios that have taken place: Re-tester scheduled two tests in order to improve his overall score to >2250. He had >410 on each subtest. He took the first test, received his unofficial test score print out and decided that since he scored high enough to reach >2250 that he did not want to take the next test that he scheduled. He understood that he wouldn t get a refund for it. The TA called Pearson VUE technical support (PVTS) who said the testing session could be stopped. However, PVTS didn t explain that if the session was stopped, the test already taken would not count. Tester missed the start of a testing appointment that included all 5 subtests due to not being able to find the location. The TA contacted PVTS to see if the tester could complete as many tests as possible if they started them late. PVTS said yes the tester could take as much of the test as possible. The tester finished 3 subtests before the test center had to close. The testing session was stopped as directed by PVTS. Again, PVTS didn t explain that if the session was stopped, the tests already taken would not count. After discussing this with GED Testing Service, it appears that when a testing appointment is stopped, the scores of any subtests in that session are invalidated. Beware that PVTS either doesn t know this or doesn t share that information when they are called about these situations. Based on the scenarios above PVTS has given these TAs bad information that has caused testers to have to retest. Therefore, you must not stop Revised April 23, 2013 Page 6
testing sessions in which a tester has not finished all subtests scheduled and has already completed one or more subtests. The testing appointment should be allowed to run out and then the TA should end the test session. When determining whether to admit a late tester, you must make sure your center will be open long enough to allow the tester to complete all subtests scheduled in the testing session. If you are not the TA for your site, please share with your TA and any Pearson VUE proctors at your GED CBT testing center. Post-Administration Procedures Distribution of Official Documents Only candidates who complete all five sub-tests will be issued an official transcript. Candidates may obtain non-certified copies of their testing results from the online system (http://www.gedcomputer.com). Official documents (credentials, diplomas) will be mailed for distribution by the staff at the agency sponsoring the Pearson VUE testing center; the staff designated to receive these documents will be identified by the Chief Examiner for the agency sponsor. Testing centers will be provided with supporting documents that include a report with the mailing address provided by the candidate for official documents. In addition, a list of incomplete testers will be provided since these candidates will not have an official transcript included in the packet. Conversion of CBT Scores from Other States/Jurisdictions Conversion of CBT Scores for Candidates Seeking to Test in Florida At present, GEDTS is not producing an official transcript of CBT scores. Candidates who test in another state or jurisdiction and then seek to test in Florida will be required to provide an official transcript from the jurisdiction in which they tested. Testing centers will need to follow the following procedures for conversion of scores: For candidates who are seeking to combine CBT scores from another state or jurisdiction with a paper-based administration in Florida. The candidate must provide the paper-based testing center with an official transcript showing the out of state scores or scores from a GED CBT site. The candidate should not send the transcript directly to the state office. When obtaining the official transcript from the candidate, ensure it has one or more of the following to show it is official: o An original signature of an examiner or state administrator o A verification code o An embossed seal of the state or testing center o Security paper If an official transcript from another state is not provided or the candidate only has an unofficial transcript: Revised April 23, 2013 Page 7
Have the candidate complete Section I of the GED Score History Report Request form (available in AccessPoint) except for the METHOD portion (NOTE: Complete Section II of the form and the METHOD portion in Section I Fax or e mail the form to GEDTS as instructed at the top of the form Wait for GEDTS to e mail or fax you the score history report Once the candidate has tested at your site, send in with the transmittal that has the tester listed (notating inclusion on transmittal) one of the following: o The official out of state transcript OR o The signed GED Score History Report Request form, the score history report provided to you by GEDTS, and if provided, the unofficial transcript o Florida GED CBT scoring report for verification of information to combine records For candidates who are seeking to combine CBT scores from another jurisdiction with a CBT administration in Florida: Candidates who have begun the 2002 GED Test Series through another jurisdiction s CBT program may take a computer-based test in Florida through any testing center which has begun public testing. To have the scores transferred to Florida, candidates will have to go into the GEDTS registration system and update the personal information in their profile to indicate that they are seeking a diploma from the state of Florida. GED Testing Service will handle the electronic transmission of scores to Florida when the candidate takes a CBT version of the test in Florida. Information Links for Test Takers Registration Link for Taking a CBT format (see link at the bottom of the page) http://www.gedcomputer.com Main Test Takers Site http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers Locating a Testing Center http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/take-the-test Tutorial on Taking the GED tests on computer: http://www.gedtestingservice.com/educators/ged-test-on-computer Logging In FAQ: https://www.gedtestingservice.com/loginhelp/ Revised April 23, 2013 Page 8
Marketing Materials GED Testing Service has developed web copy for testing centers to update their online resources to assist candidates in locating testing information. The district or college sponsor may choose to use this copy on their web site. In addition, web banners have been created and are available. Marketing materials are available for download in Brand Central: http://www.gedtestingservice.com/educators/brandcentralinfo. Brand Central can also be accessed by Chief Examiners through AccessPoint>Resources>Brand Central. In addition to free downloadable materials, there are materials available for purchase. Some online GEDTS Marketing Materials are also available here: http://www.gedtestingservice.com/educators/resources-educators Revised April 23, 2013 Page 9
Testing Center Numbers for CBT Sites Testing Center Pearson VUE Site ID DOE System ID (Test Center plus addendum number) Alachua County School Board of Alachua County 65784 26099 Traffic Safety Center 3501 NE 12th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 955-7795 Baker County 65680 43099 Baker County School District Career & Adult Education 523 West Minnesota Avenue Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-0403 Broward County 66266 21099 Atlantic Technical Center 4700 Coconut Creek Parkway Coconut Creek, FL 33063 (754) 321-5191 Broward County Sheridan Technical Center 66266 21099 5400 Sheridan Street Bldg 1, Room 139A Hollywood, FL 33021 (754) 321-5577 Charlotte County 56288 67099 Charlotte Technical Center 18150 Murdock Circle Building A, Room 075 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (941) 255-7500 Citrus County Withlacoochee Technical Institute 52963 34099 1201 W Main St Inverness, FL 34450 (352) 726-2430 Ext. 4361 Columbia County 66190 41299 Florida Gateway College 149 SE College Place Bldg 17 Room 1 Lake City, FL 32025 (386) 754-4378 Desoto County South Florida State College Building B Second Floor 600 W College Dr. Avon Park, FL 33825 (863) 784-7214 (863) 784-7327 54015 03099 Revised April 23, 2013 Page 10
Testing Center Pearson VUE Site ID DOE System ID (Test Center plus addendum number) Duval County 24629 35099 Florida State College@Jacksonville Downtown 101 West State Street Room A1020 Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 633-8321 (904) 632-5077 Duval County 66016 35097 Florida State College@Jacksonville Deerwood Ctr 9911 Old Baymeadows Road Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 997-2629 (904) 997-2619 Duval County 65200 35098 Florida State College@Jacksonville Kent Campus 3939 Roosevelt Blvd Building A102 Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 381-3754 Duval County 67355 35096 Florida State College@Jacksonville North Campus 4501 Capper Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32218 (904) 713-6014 Escambia County Pensacola State College 49953 65099 Testing Center Bldg. 6 Room 635 Student Services Building 1000 College Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32504-8998 (850) 484-1354 (850) 484-2146 Flagler County 57739 11099 Flagler Technical Institute 1 Corporate Drive Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 447-4345 Hardee County South Florida State College Building B Second Floor 600 W College Dr. 54015 03099 Revised April 23, 2013 Page 11
Testing Center Pearson VUE Site ID DOE System ID (Test Center plus addendum number) Avon Park, FL 33825 (863) 784-7214 (863) 784-7327 Highlands County South Florida State College 54015 03099 Building B Second Floor 600 W College Dr. Avon Park, FL 33825 (863) 784-7214 (863) 784-7327 Holmes County 67380 13099 Washington-Holmes Technical Center 757 Hoyt St. Chipley, FL 32428 (850) 638-1180 Lafayette County 66784 46099 Lafayette Adult Education 160 NE Hornet Dr. Mayo, FL 32066 (386) 294-2446 Lee County 67556 23098 Dunbar Community School 1857 High Street Fort Myers, FL 33916 Phone: (239) 335-1555 Lee County 66287 23099 Lee County Public Education Center 2855 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33966 (239) 335-1555 Leon County 67278 79099 Leon County Schools Adult & Community Education 2863 Trojan Trail Tallahassee, FL 32311 (850) 922-5343 Monroe County 55331 37099 Florida Keys Community College 5901 College Rd. Key West, FL 33040 (305) 809-3250 Osceola County 67645 38099 Adult Learning Center Osceola 2320 New Beginnings Road Kissimmee, FL 34744 Phone: (407) 518-8140 Ext. 29220 Seminole County 64036 75099 Revised April 23, 2013 Page 12
Testing Center Pearson VUE Site ID DOE System ID (Test Center plus addendum number) Seminole State College 100 Weldon Blvd., A-107 Sanford, FL 32773 (407) 708-2019 (407) 708-2020 Seminole County 66163 75098 Seminole State College 100 Weldon Blvd., D-108 Sanford, FL 32773 (407) 708-2019 (407) 708-2020 Volusia County 65522 18099 Daytona State College Daytona Beach Campus 1200 West International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 506-3899 Volusia County 200049707 18098 Daytona State College DeLand Campus Bldg. 7, Room 117 1155 County Road 4139 DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 785-2029 Walton County Northwest Florida State College 54993 59099 100 College Blvd Bldg. B, Room 111 Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 729-6499 (850) 729-6016 Washington County Washington-Holmes Technical Center 757 Hoyt St. Chipley, FL 32428 (850) 638-1180 67380 13099 Revised April 23, 2013 Page 13