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More Illinoisians Could Enroll In Higher Ed With Lower GED Test Score

GED Testing Service

The minimum score requirement for the General Educational Development test – or GED – changed for those who took it in the last couple of years.

The new minimum passing score for the GED is 145; it used to be 150. That means that, if you scored higher than the new minimum and took the test after Jan. 1, 2014, you now are considered to have passed and might have earned your high school equivalency.  

GED spokesman C.T. Turner says the change affects about 1,400 Illinois residents. He says the retroactive change recommendation was made to align with the new test that went into effect in 2014. 

“The test itself isn't changing, and so [we] thought it was very fair to look at someone who took the GED test since January of 2014 -- so the exact same test,” Turner said. “It wouldn't be fair if we said the passing score moving forward was 145 and then just two months ago or a year ago someone took the test and they only got a 148 and they didn't pass the test.” 

Test officials say the lower passing test score means more Illinois residents could pursue higher education and possibly get college credit before enrolling.

Turner says one in ten Illinois test-takers already score within the “college ready” realm. That means they scored 175 or better on one subject or more. 

The decision to change the minimum passing score was a result of data analysis from tests that traditional high school juniors and seniors take. 

“So, it pretty much is, you know, let's take a look at the current data we have, take a look at the passing rate, what is happening with the people that are actually supposed to do it, and then move forward,” said Jennifer Foster, adult education deputy director for the Illinois Community College Board.

Foster says Illinois test-takers who scored between 145 and 149 will receive a letter about their test status. 

NPR Ed previously reported about 20 million people earned the high school equivalency since 1942. That's when the test was created as an educational passport for GIs returning from World War II.