GED Testing Information

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Eligibility Requirements for High School Equivalency Testing

A resident of the state of Texas who has not graduated from an accredited high school is eligible to take the high school equivalency test per Texas Education Code, Section 7.111 in accordance with rules promulgated by the State Board of Education. Eligibility requirements for high school equivalency testing are defined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 2, Chapter 89, Subchapter C, Rule §89.43.

Register for the GED Exam

Test candidates can register online or through the Pearson VUE call center at 1-877-EXAM-GED. Please note, the Odessa College Testing Center does not schedule appointments for test candidates or accept payment for the exams. 

Create Your Account

  • Start by visiting www.GED.com, click on Register Today
  • Enter your legal name as it appears on your primary identification
  • Remember that an email address will be required for this step! If you do not have an active email account you can create one FREE using GMAIL.
  • Once your account is created, you’ll receive an account activation email with a registration code

For more information about how to complete the registration process please click here.

High School Equivalency Test Requirements:

In order to take the high school equivalency exams, the test-taker must:

  •  have a government (national or foreign) issued photo ID, such as one of the following:
    • state driver license,
    • Department of Public Safety identification card,
    • military ID,
    • passport, 
    • U.S. passport card, or
    • matrícula consular;  
     
  • provide proof of residency in Texas, which could be a:
    • Texas driver license,
    • utility bill showing a Texas address, or
    • bank statement showing a Texas address;
     
  • be 18 years of age;
  • not be enrolled in an accredited high school; and
  • not be a high school graduate from an accredited high school. 

Prepare for the Exam

Odessa College Adult Education & Literacy program offers preparation courses for the GED exam at no cost and additional career placement services while still attaining your GED.

For further information please contact 432-335-3680.

Passing Scores

The GED® test score levels are:        

(145-164) – Pass / High School Equivalency

Age Exceptions

Individuals under the age of 18 are required to attend school (Texas Education Code Chapter 25, Section 25.085) unless they qualify for an exemption (Texas Education Code Chapter 25, Section 25.086).

17-Year-Old Test-Takers

To qualify for an age exception, a 17-year-old must:

  • have a government (national or foreign) issued photo ID (see above for ID requirements);
  • have proof of Texas residency (see above for residency requirements);
  • verify you are not currently enrolled in school (unless enrolled in an approved in-school High School Equivalency Program);
  • not have an accredited high school diploma; and
  • have parent or guardian permission.

Alternatively, a 17-year-old may qualify under the 16-year-old rule below.

16-Year-Old Test-Takers

To qualify for an age exception, a 16-year-old must:

  • have a government (national or foreign) issued photo ID (see above for ID requirements);
  • have proof of Texas residency (see above for residency requirements);
  • not have an accredited high school diploma; and
  • be one of the following:
    • in the care of a state agency;
    • under a court order issued under Family Code 65.103 (a) (3);
    • enrolled in a Job Corps training program, or
    • enrolled in the Texas Challenge Academy.