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The GED Tests

Overview of GED Program Office

The District of Columbia GED Program Office (GEDPO) is an official GED® testing center under the GED® Testing Service (GEDTS). GEDPO serves as the single source in DC for administering the GED® Tests via computer and awarding the jurisdictional GED® credential. GEDPO offers GED® testing in English and Spanish. GEDPO adheres to all regulations established by the GEDTS in administering the GED® Tests. GEDPO also offers Information Technology (IT) certification exams, in addition to the GED® Tests.

GED Program Office Location
The Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building
441 Fourth St. NW, Suite 370 North
Washington, DC 20001

The GEDPO is centrally located in Downtown DC and is conveniently accessible by public transportation. Please note: Parking for a fee is available in the building through the Third Street entrance. Metered street parking in the vicinity of the building is available but it is generally difficult to find spaces.

GED Test Registration
Sign up to take the GED test by creating a free account at ged.com. Check your alerts and review District of Columbia testing requirements, pricing, policies and other information here.

  • Create your testing account on www.ged.com
  • Take the GED Ready Practice test(s).
  • Submit required proof identity and District of Columbia residency to the GED Program Office for review.

Examinees who have met the requirements to test in the District of Columbia may schedule their appointments through www.ged.com or by calling 1-877-392-6433.

National GED Day – Sept. 16, 2024

National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is Sept. 16 – 20, 2024. To kick off the week, the GED Testing Service (GEDTS) and OSSE’s GED Program Office will observe the first National GED Day on Sept. 16, 2024! GED Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those who accomplished the goal of earning their high school equivalency. To honor National GED Day, Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued a Mayoral Proclamation. You can view it here.

GED Program Office Testing Hours

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m by appointment only.

GEDPO Inclement Weather Policy

If DC Government offices are closed or open late, then GED Testing for that date and time is canceled. Examinees should check dc.gov for updates.

GED Transcripts and Verifications

Test takers who tested in the District of Columbia should use the “Life after GED” webpage to request transcripts. Please select “District of Columbia” from the drop-down menu titled “Select Area.”

Third-party verification transcript and verification requests for examinees that tested in the District of Columbia or in the United States are fulfilled by GEDTS. Please complete this online form to request a new GED Credentialing Parchment Exchange account.

If you are an international test taker, your transcript and verification requests are fulfilled by GED Testing Service through Parchment Exchange.

What is the GED® test?

The 2014 GED® test is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills required by high schools and requested by colleges and employers. The four subjects are Science, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning through Language Arts. After you pass the GED® test, your diploma or credential will be issued by your state, but you’ll receive a GED® transcript to apply to college, start training, or get a better job.

Test History

  • The first GED® test was created in 1942 and is updated every 10-15 years.
  • The GED® test takes a little more than seven hours to complete.
  • The GED® test is administered year-round at more than 1,500 testing centers worldwide.
  • In 2016, GED Testing Service updated passing scores for each of the GED® subject tests to 145.
  • People with a high school credential earn $568,000 more in a lifetime than people without a high school credential.
  • The GED has changed the lives of more than 19 million people in 70 years. One decision shouldn’t define a lifetime—transform your life with the GED® test.

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Mission Statement

In the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the mission of GEDPO is to administer the Tests of General Education Development (GED®) and ensure that the testing program is no longer an endpoint for adults, but rather a springboard for further education, training, and better paying jobs. Four content-area assessments – Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies – will measure a foundational core of knowledge and skills.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 274-7173
Service Location: 441 4th St. NW, Suite 370N
Testing Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., for scheduled testing only

Related Services: 
Adult Education and Training
DC ReEngagement Center
Contact TTY: 
711

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