GED (General Education Development Diploma)

Hear how the GED has changed the lives of former students:

GED Test Expiring 12/31/13

GED testing centers in the Black Hills are encouraging adults who have started the GED process to finish in 2013, because the current test will expire at the end of the year.

Adults can earn a GED (General Education Diploma) by studying for, and passing, a battery of five tests. The GED is the equivalent of a high school degree. The current version of the GED exam, known as the 2002 Series GED test, will be replaced by a new version on January 2, 2014. It is likely that anyone who has taken one or more parts of the exam, dating back to 2002, will likely find their results still on file. That means if someone has already passed some of the tests in past years, they won't have to start over in those subject areas if they resume GED work in 2013.

"The GED test opens doors to college, better jobs, the respect adults deserve, and satisfaction that comes from earning a high school credential," said Renee Peterson, Adult Education GED Program Coordinator at the Career Learning Center of the Black Hills. "So we want to be sure that everyone is aware of this deadline. GED test-takers must act now to finish and pass before the current test expires."

Key dates in 2013 related to GED testing are:

November 15: Registration deadline for repeat test-takers wanting to use the current system, and also for new test-takers wanting to use that system.
December 16: Last day to take the GED exam in its current form.

"Support is available, right here in the Black Hills area," Renee Peterson stressed. "We can help adult learners get prepared to take the parts of the GED test they still need to pass. We want them to succeed." More information is available by calling the Career Leaning Center, 394-5120. The Center is part of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, which is an extension of 12 western South Dakota public school districts, and GED preparation classes are offered free in several area communities.

The GED test has led to better jobs and entrance to post-secondary education institutions for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults took the GED test, and the diploma earned by those who passed is accepted by virtually all United States colleges and employers.

"To anyone who has already started the GED test, your future is calling," said Randy Trask, president and CEO of GED Testing Service. "By passing the GED test, you can answer that call."

As the creator of the official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure the program continues to be a reliable and valuable system. More information is found at GEDtestingservice.com.

About the GED Program

The GED is a national exam developed by the American Council on Education and administered by the Career Learning Center of the Black Hills (CLC).
Earning a GED Certificate shows that you have knowledge and skills that are comparable to those of people who have graduated from high school.
Earning a GED may qualify you for a higher paying job or it can help you to go on to further training at a technical school, college, or university.

GED Preparation Classes

The first step for a new student is to attend orientation. After orientation, each student takes a diagnostic assessment. Then, new students enroll in an available eight week class session. During the class, students receive intensive instruction in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

GED Test Requirements

The minimum age for GED testing is eighteen (18). Students enrolled in a Home-School Program or in a High School GED program MAY be exempt from the minimum age requirement. Please call Laura Hawley or Renee Peterson at 394-5120 for more information.

Rapid City
Career Learning Center of the Black Hills
730 E. Watertown St.
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-394-5120
Contact: Renee Peterson rpeterson@clc.tie.net

Belle Fourche
2315 Dakota Avenue
Belle Fourche SD 57717
Contact: Ceci Estes cestes@clc.tie.net
Cell: 381-5598

Custer
527 Montgomery
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-4144
Contact: Stephenie Rittberger srittberger@tie.net

Hot Springs
DLR Southern Hills
2500 Minnekahta Avenue
Hot Springs, SD 57747
605-745-5101
Contact: Stephenie Rittberger srittberger@tie.net

Lead
Lead High School
Room 214
320 South Main St.
Lead, SD 57754
Contact: Ceci Estes cestes@clc.tie.net
Cell: 381-5598

Sturgis
Main Office:
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
2885 Dickson Drive
Sturgis, SD 57785
Contact: Ceci Estes cestes@clc.tie.net
605-347-4467
Cell: 381-5598

Spearfish
BHSSC Educational services Facility
2910 4th Avenue
Spearfish, SD 57783
Contact: Ceci Estes cestes@clc.tie.net
Cell: 381-5598