Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Register at the Tennessee Technology Center at Ripley for an orientation session.  The Center is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm. During orientation, you will receive information about the adult education program and take the TABE assessment so we can know your educational level, and help set goals for your participation in the program.

What are the requirements for entering Adult Education?

You must be at least 18 years of age and must have withdrawn from public/private or home school.  If you are age 17 and wish to be admitted to the program, you must provide a signed and notarized “Eligibility for Enrollment in Adult Education” with the appropriate documentation of withdrawal. This form is available at the Adult Education office.

How much does it cost for the Adult Education classes?

The classes are FREE! We have a number of different classes available at different days and times to suit most scheduling needs.  We will work with you until you have learned the skills you need to progress to the next level.

Funding is provided through a grant with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Adult Education.

What is the TABE test and why do I have to take it?

The TABE test is an assessment of your Reading, Mathematics, and Language skills.  All state approved Adult Education providers in Tennessee use this test to assess incoming students’ educational levels.  The analysis from your test is used to help determine an appropriate educational track for you.

What is the TABE test like?

The TABE test is a standardized, multiple-choice test with Easy, Medium, Difficult and Advanced levels. The level of test you will take is determined from a Locator test. The Locator test matches your current educational abilities to the appropriate level of the TABE. You will complete both the Locator and the TABE Survey during one of our weekly 4-hour enrollment sessions.

When will I get the results of my TABE test?

You will learn the results of your TABE test at your first scheduled class session. An Adult Education teacher will talk with you individually about your test results and help you plan your next steps toward your GED. You will be re-assessed when you and your teacher agree that you have mastered the identified areas in Reading, Math or Language.

What do my TABE scores mean?

Your TABE test results will tell us if you already have the skills you need to prepare for the GED test or if you need to work on basic skills first.  We look for minimum scale scores of 540 on a D level test in all three subject areas to indicate your readiness for GED level work.  Scale scores at this level and higher will mean a minimum of 12 hours of instruction in the Adult Education program to cover select topics at the GED level. Lower scores will mean you should plan to spend more than 12 hours in class until you achieve skills at this level or higher.

How do I know when I am ready for the GED?

You and your teacher will decide when you are ready to sign up for the Official GED Practice Test (OPT).  The OPT is required before you take the GED test.  It is also a good way to determine how ready you are for the GED.

What do I need to know to pass the GED?

You need to be able to read, to apply information from reading in a variety of subject areas (math, social studies, science, literature, non-fiction), to use math in problem solving, to edit written English, and to write an essay on an assigned topic.

How long will it take me to get ready for the GED?

That depends on you and how long it takes you to acquire the skills you need to pass.

Why do I have to take the Official Practice Test?

Tennessee, like many other states, requires GED candidates to take the Official Practice Test (OPT) before taking the Official GED Test.  The Official Practice Test is offered free through authorized Adult Education providers to qualifying candidates who have completed a course of study in the Adult Education program. The Official Practice Test is very similar to the Official GED Test in style and content, but it is about half the length of the GED Test. 

What happens after I have taken the Official Practice Test?

Once you have taken the OPT, you will attend a counseling session so you will understand the results of your test and your options. If your OPT scores do not meet the state recommended scores, you should return to class to work on improving your scores, or you can elect to receive a transcript of your scores. 

How do I register for the GED test?

To register for the GED Test, you must have an Official Practice Test Transcript notarized by a state approved Adult Education provider, Two forms of ID (one must be a valid state-issued picture ID), test fee of $55 to an Official GED Testing Center to register and make an appointment for a test date.  You must register at least three days before the scheduled test date.  You cannot register and test on the same date.  If you are 17 years old, you will also be required to provide a notarized “Eligibility for Enrollment in Adult Education” form when you register for the GED test.

The GED Testing Center at the Tennessee Technology Center in Ripley is located in the Multi purpose rooms of the building.  It may take up to 30 minutes to fill out the paperwork to register for the GED test. 

What should I expect from the GED Test?

As with any test, you should plan ahead to get a good night’s sleep, and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the test center on your assigned test date. Latecomers will not be allowed to test.  If you have met the recommended scores on the OPT test, you have an excellent chance of passing the GED test.  To pass the Official GED Test, you must have an average score of 450 (total score 2250) with no subject score less than 410.

What can I do with my GED?

The GED Diploma is a nationally recognized equivalency for the high school diploma.  Most employers and colleges accept GED diplomas as equal to a high school diploma.  You can expect to qualify for jobs, promotions, and college entrance, just as you would if you had graduated from an accredited high school.  The GED test standards are set high in order to give the test validity.  As a GED graduate, you can take pride in knowing that 40% of high school graduates are unable to pass the GED exam that you passed.

Do you have any tutors to help me in addition to my scheduled class time?

We encourage individuals to seek outside assistance if needed, but this assistance does not replace the required number of hours with the Lauderdale County Adult Education program. The Adult Education program has volunteers that assist in various capacities. Contact the Adult Education Supervisor for more details.