General Education Development (GED)

The GED test measures the academic skills and knowledge expected of a typical high school graduate. Recognized throughout North America, the GED testing program has served as a bridge to educate over 15.2 million people. About one in seven high school diplomas issued in the US each year is based on passing the GED tests. Passing the GED ranks a person in the upper 25th percentile in terms of class rank.

• 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 Process

GED students begin by attending an orientation. After the orientation, students take a diagnostic assessment (TABE) to determine their academic strengths and weaknesses. Next, each student develops a learning plan with an instructor. Then, each student sets a class schedule and begins preparing for the test. When they are ready, students complete the GED test registration packet and schedule the GED exam.

GED Orientation

Orientations are held every Tuesday at 11:30 AM. At these sessions, those planning to take the GED test are presented with relevant information regarding pre-testing, GED preparation, and the GED exam. There is no need to register in advance for Orientation. Our office is located at 730 East Watertown Street, Rapid City, South Dakota. Contact us at 605-394-5120 with any questions.

GED Preparation

The Career Learning Center of the Black Hills (CLC) offers classes for those people preparing to take the GED test. Classes are provided at no charge. Daytime and evening classroom hours are available. A minimum of six hours per week is recommended. Classes are also held in Custer, Hot Springs, Belle Fourche, Spearfish, and Sturgis.

GED Test Registration

It is the policy of the Career Learning Center to require the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment for anyone wishing to take the GED test.

Registration is required for those who are ready to take the GED Test. The registration is scheduled several times each month. Call the Career Learning Center for specific times and dates.

The GED test is administered at the Career Learning Center on scheduled week days, evenings, and Saturdays each month. Call 605-394-5120 for more specific information.

GED Test Fee

The GED test fee is $75.00 and Registration is $20.00. All test applicants must present a photo ID and Social Security card at registration and at the time of each test. GED, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language classes are provided at no charge to eligible participants.

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

Custer
147 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57747
605-673-4144
Contact: Stephenie Rittberger srittberger@tie.net

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

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

Spearfish
Black Hills Education Connection
210 East Colorado Blvd.
Spearfish, SD 57783
Contact: Ceci Estes GED Coordinator cestes@clc.tie.net
Cell: 381-5598

Belle Fourche
613 6th Avenue
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Contact: Ceci Estes GED Coordinator cestes@clc.tie.net
Cell: 381-5598