The G.E.D. (General Education Development) is the High School Exam Equivalency diploma for adults who did not finish high school. Students must pass a standardized timed exam on 5 basic academic skills and the Illinois and U.S. Constitution exam to be granted a G.E.D. Diploma.

Once a candidate has successfully completed all six tests, he is issued a High School Equivalency Diploma by the Superintendent of the Education Service Region. The office in this area is located at 507 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL.

• The G.E.D. Test is given in all 50 states.
• Half a million people pass the G.E.D. each year.
• G.E.D. graduates are most likely to be employed, and they earn more than people without G.E.D. or high school diplomas.
• Each year, about 100 students earn G.E.D. diplomas after studying in JWCC classes.

The first step is to call for an appointment to register for your first class. Students should bring their social security card (and medical card for Public Aid clients).

Yes. Several service agencies in the area, such as the Department of Public Aid, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and JTPA may refer their clients to John Wood Community for G.E.D. Classes. A student does not need a referral, however, to begin G.E.D. classes.

G.E.D classes are held year-round. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available at several times and locations scheduled each semester.

Yes. A few students who have very good reading, math, and writing skills may not need to attend class before taking the G.E.D. Test. However, most people find that there are two or three subjects that they need review.

The classes are free to any adult who lives in the John Wood Community College District. Also, there is no charge for books. Books will be loaned to you, but they must be returned.

The only cost to students is a $50.00 for the G.E.D. test and diploma. These fees are charged by the Regional Superintendent of Schools. Applications and the test fees are due at least one week before the test.

Students attend because they want to, not because they have to. Most people come to class two or three times a week. Students may request to be put on "Hold" for up to two weeks if they cannot attend classes.

Much of the class time is spent in one-on-one instruction. The instructor will help students individually in whatever subjects they need to work on. Students at all different levels will be in class at the same time, so the one on one approach seems to work best. Students are encouraged to help one another whenever possible.

No grades are given for G.E.D. Classes. Students work to succeed on the G.E.D. Test.

Students do not need to buy books for G.E.D. classes. The classroom teacher selects the books the students will need. Each student's needs are different, depending on their skills. Books are loaned to the student, and must be returned on time and in good condition. Students may want to bring notebooks and pencils.

This is a difficult question to answer. A lot depends on the skills students have when they enter the program. It takes some people a very short time to complete. Others have taken one or two years or even longer to finish. In general, students with good reading and arithmetic skills have little trouble with the G.E.D. They can usually complete the class within three or four months from the time they start. A lot depends on the motivation of the person.

The instructor will know when you are ready, based on how you are doing in the class. Also, there are practice tests you can take which will predict whether you are ready to pass the test. Adult residents of the JWCC District who have not earned high school diplomas are eligible to take the G.E.D. Exam. Those under the age of 18 may be granted permission for early testing. They should speak with the Regional Superintendent of Schools regarding this. If grated permission, those under age 18 must present letters of waiver from the Regional Superintendent and their high school counselor to JWCC.

The G.E.D Test is timed and takes 5 to 7 hours to complete. It is given in two sections with part of the exam scheduled each day. The five sub-tests are: Writing Skills, Social Studies, Natural Science, Reading Skills, and Mathematics. Students are tested on broad concepts and general knowledge, not just on how well they remember details, definitions, and facts. Good reading and arithmetic skills are essential. All the questions on the G.E.D. and Constitution Test are multiple-choice. In order to pass, a person must answer about half the questions correctly.

The G.E.D Test is given approximately once a month at John Wood Community College in Quincy and various times in Pittsfield and other locations in our area. The test is usually given on a Friday or Saturday and dates are arranged in advance. Call JWCC for information about test dates at 641-4951.

Yes. They are. During each semester a new set of outreach classes begins. Locations vary each term. Please call 641-4951 in Quincy or 285-5319 in Pittsfield for current information on G.E.D outreach sites.

Adult Education