Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

How to prepare

Regardless of your ability, you’ll perform better on the tests if you know what to expect before the testing day arrives. The State of Oregon doesn’t require you to attend a preparation class before your test, but it’s highly recommended that you do!

To prepare, you can attend a class or prepare on your own:

• To take a class, visit Adult Education
• To prepare on your own:
  • Use the official practice test.
  • Go to oslis.org and select the following respectively (important – this allows you to register as a non-PCC student):
    1. Secondary Student
    2. Find Information
    3. Core Skills, Test Prep, & More: Learning Express
    4. Version 3.0 Logo (do not choose 2.0)
    5. You will now enter the Welcome to Learning Express Library page through OSLIS
    6. Click New User and Register in the bottom right corner
    7. If you have any questions, contact Customer Support at Libraries@learningexpressllc.com or
       1-800-295-9556, ext. 2

What type of calculator can I use?

A Texas Instruments TI-30XS on-screen calculator will automatically be available when you. You can also bring a TI-30XS Multiview Scientific Calculator for any of the three test subjects that allow the use of a calculator: Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. You still have access to an embedded calculator at all times if you choose not to bring one.

Who can take the test?

• Oregon residency is not required to test.
• You must not have received a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can test if you are:

• Enrolled in an Oregon Option Program, or
• Exempted from the school district where you live, or
• 16 years of age and married or legally emancipated.
• If you are home-schooled and want to take the GED® tests, you must be registered with an Educational Service District (ESD) that is in the Oregon Option Program for In School Youth or you must have an exemption from the school district where you live.

Contact your local school district or your GED® Option Program to issue you this authorization form.

As you are attempting to register for a test, you will be required to supply supporting documentation (eg. exemption from the school district.) If your status on the homepage indicates that you will need additional documentation, you will receive an email to connect with the Testing Center (971-722-5681 or 971-722-5680 for Cascade Testing Center, or email kim.davis1@pcc.edu for Willow Creek Testing Center).

How to register

Registration is required. Go to GED.com, create your account, register, and schedule your test. Consult your confirmation email for questions regarding cancellation or rescheduling. You must contact Pearson VUE Customer Services or call 1-877-EXAM-GED and not PCC Testing Center.

About GED® vouchers

Programs will directly buy vouchers from Pearson Vue to use with their students. Important: Vouchers are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase! PCC offices do not carry vouchers, or accept payment for Pearson Vue. Payment is directly submitted to Pearson Vue at the time of scheduling a test. Pearson Vue Voucher Store Contact: PearsonVUEVoucherStore@pearson.com or 800-869-4101.

How long is the test?

There are 4 tests:

• Science: 90 minutes
• Social Studies: 75 minutes
• Reasoning Through Language Arts: 155 minutes, including a 10-minute break
• Mathematical Reasoning: 120 minutes

How much does the test cost?

The GED® test costs $44 per subject (there are four subjects). For the most up-to-date cost information, see the Price and Payment section on GED.com: Getting Your GED in Oregon.

Retaking the test

If you don’t pass the first time, there are options for retaking the test. For retake cost and waiting period, see the Test Retake Policies section on GED.com: Getting Your GED in Oregon.

Request accommodated testing

If you have a documented disability and would like to request modified testing conditions, submit your request for the test through GED.com. If you are approved for accommodations, you will receive an approval email along with instructions for scheduling by phone (you cannot schedule for an accommodated test online.)

For more information, see the GED® Testing Service Accommodations. If you need help, call the PCC Testing Center at 971-722-5681 or PCC Accessible Ed & Disability Resources at 971-722-8881.

About the PCC testing centers

Arrive 30 minutes early. Allow extra time for parking. Make sure you are at the right center where you scheduled your test. PCC has two different testing locations. Check in when you arrive.

• Cascade Campus Testing Center, Student Services Building Room 204
• Willow Creek Campus Testing Center, Room 220
  • If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will not be admitted and will lose your test fee.
  • Check in when you arrive and present your unexpired ID (a driver’s license, DMV ID, passport, military ID, or government-issued national or foreign ID that shows your name, address, date of birth, signature, and photograph are accepted).
  • Not allowed in the testing room: phones, food and drinks, and personal items including handbags, wallets, and keys. Lockers are provided at check in. If your belongings are too big to fit in the locker, you should leave them in your car.

Interpreting your test scores

When you finish the test, you’ll get an email letting you know when you can review your score. Typically, you get the email within 24 hours.

The test is on a scale of 100 to 200, with high school equivalency for each module set at 145:

• 100-144: Below Passing
• 145-164: Pass / High School Equivalency
• 165-174: College Ready
• 175-200: College Ready + Credit

You need a minimum score of 145 on each test, and a total score of 580 across all four tests to earn your GED® certificate.

GED® certificate and transcripts

See how to request your GED® transcript. Oregon uses a paperless system to issue transcripts and certificates. You’ll be able to forward this electronic transcript directly to potential colleges and employers.