Central Oregon Community College has begun offering the General Educational Development—or GED—test. The first tests were given this week at the COCC Crook County Open Campus in Prineville.
The High Desert Educational Service District had offered the test until last July, when it discontinued the service due to budget constraints. In the interim, Jefferson County ESD has been offering the service in Madras only.
“A high school education or GED certificate is a minimum requirement for most employment, for attaining higher levels of education, and for fostering prosperity in the region,” said Karin Hilgersom, vice president of instruction. “COCC is committed to making the GED testing service locally available to our District’s residents.”
GED testing will also be available in Bend and Redmond starting this month. Testing locations in La Pine, Warm Springs and Madras will also offer the service within the next few months. COCC has hired Floy Sitts to oversee the GED testing program in Central Oregon.
Partnership to End Poverty has pledged to contribute $20,000 to offset the costs related to starting the program. “The Partnership to End Poverty recognizes the critical link between education and employment and earnings. A high school diploma or GED is the foundation to future economic success,” said Scott Cooper, executive director of the Partnership to End Poverty. “We applaud the leadership COCC has shown in restoring the availability of the GED throughout the region, and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate in making this happen.”
The GED consists of five timed tests. Except for math and writing, the tests can be taken in any order. Tests are given by appointment only. More than one test can be taken on a given day, and all five tests must be completed at one location. Attending an Orientation Session prior to the first test is required.
The cost of the GED test is $120, which covers all five tests, the state fee and processing fee. Additional fees may apply.
There are several ways to prepare for the GED tests. COCC’s Adult Basic Skills program offers classes in basic reading, writing and math at the COCC Crook County Open Campus. The cost of each class is $20 per term. For information, call 541-504-2950 or visit COCC’s website http://abe.cocc.edu/. In addition, GED preparation books are available at most libraries, and GED practice tests are available in English and Spanish at www.GEDPractice.com.
Since the start of the testing program, more than 15 million people—or one in seven high school graduates—have earned GED certificates. For general information about the GED testing procedure, visit http://tutortest.cocc.edu/GED/default.aspx. For specific questions, contact Floy Sitts, the GED Examiner, at 541-383-7701 Ext.2271 or email [email protected].
For candidates with certain disabilities, large-print and audio versions of the tests are available. For more information on testing accommodations, call COCC’s Disability Services at 541-383-7583.

(COCC press releases)