Southeast Community College’s Testing Center has announced that the current version of the General Educational Development test, or GED, will expire at the end of 2013. The current version, known as the 2002 Series GED test, will be replaced with the new 2014 GED test on Jan. 2, 2014.

Those who have taken the 2002 Series GED test, but not passed all five parts, have until the end of 2013 to pass or they will need to start over again in 2014 with the new GED test in order to receive their high school credential.

“The GED test opens doors to college, better jobs, the respect adults deserve, and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential,” said Mark Bayliss, coordinator of SCC’s Lincoln Campus Testing Center. “So we want to be sure that everyone is aware of this deadline. GED test-takers must act now to finish and pass before the current test expires.”

Bayliss said the following closeout information was important:

• Dec. 20 is the last date to take a paper/pencil or computer-based test at SCC’s Lincoln Campus, 8800 O St.
• Paper pencil/computer-based test series can now be combined.
• GED has also revised the three exam attempts per year. Testers can now retake a subject more than three times a calendar year. However, the 60-day retake policy still applies.

“We have added additional testing hours to offer more opportunities for individuals to complete the test series before Dec. 20,” Bayliss said.

State law requires that a 60-day wait period is mandatory for individuals who have failed a test. The only acceptation is if you’re working with an approved GED instructor and they waive the 60-day requirement. Individuals can still test in other subjects while waiting the 60 days.

For more information, persons are asked to contact SCC’s Lincoln Campus Testing Center at 402-437-2715.

Interested GED test-takers can find more information at finishtheGED.com.