Earning a South Carolina GED credential is a great way to boost your career opportunities; if you want better employment or a college degree, a GED certificate gives you the edge to get there.

The South Carolina GED test consists of five sections, including Reading and Writing in the Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics. The exam itself is in multiple-choice format, apart from two sections: Mathematics, and Writing in the Language Arts. These have two parts; part two of the first is in essay format, while part two of the second does not allow applicants to use a calculator.

South Carolina’s Dept. of Education site, sclrc.org/ged.htm , requires a total rating of 2250 for all applicants in order to pass the exam, or an average rating of 450 for each of the included tests. The minimum average score for each test is 410. Applicants may take the exam as many times as they need; if their score in their previous test is below 2150, the entire exam should be taken. Otherwise they may choose which tests they want to retake. Detailed information on retesting requisites is laid out at the website provided above.

The basic requirements for eligibility apply to all applicants, except in special cases. The applicant must be at least the age of seventeen, and currently not matriculated in a secondary school; enrollment in adult education classes is allowed. Those who are under nineteen needs to submit a Verification of School Withdrawal form, fulfilled by the principal or attendance supervisor of the school which the applicant last attended (a copy of the form may obtained from sclrc.org/ged.htm). Non-residents of South Carolina may also take the exam, thought the fees are considerably higher for them. For those with special situations, or for more on waiving certain requirements, the GED testing office may be reached by calling 800-277-7323. The South Carolina Dept. of Education website also contains detailed information on these concerns.

Applicants may register for the exam by mailing or physically delivering the application form to the testing center; testing fees and other essential requisites must also be submitted along with the application form. The application form may be downloaded at the South Carolina Dept. of Education website. The site also has a listing of the locations of all the testing centers within the state of South Carolina. The exam fee for state residents is 60 dollars, while for South Carolina non-residents, it will cost for 120 dollars.

It is recommended that applicants get ready for the GED exam by taking preparation classes. But for those with conflicting schedules, self-study is the next best thing. Study materials are obtainable from a local library or at online and local bookstores. Online study is also available; applicants may also take practice tests through relevant sites. About.com is one of the many websites which provides links to other GED sites on the web. For further information about the GED exam, visit the South Carolina Dept. of Education’s online site, or the American Council on Education’s website, at acenet.edu.