The possession of a GED certificate can make or break your chances of a getting a career promotion or entering your chosen university. All states offer this opportunity, and here’s how you can earn yours from the state of South Carolina.

The exam itself which makes you eligible for a GED credential is a five-part battery test, comprising of items in the Language Arts (both in the areas of Reading and Writing), Science, and Social Studies. Math is also included, and it has two parts; the second part prohibits the use of a calculator. Language Arts in Writing is composed of two parts as well, with the second following an essay format. The rest of the exam offers multiple choices for answers.

The state’s department for Adult Education online site prescribes a minimum passing score of 2250 for the entirety of the exam, equal to an average of 450 points for each of the five parts. You also need to meet the passing score for each of the said sections, 410 points or higher. If ever you fail to meet these standards, you can retake the exam for as many times as you wish until you obtain a passing score. If your total isn’t higher than 2150, you have to retake the entire exam; otherwise, you get to choose between the five sections when doing a retake. Detailed information on test retaking requirements is provided at sclrc.org/ged.htm.

The general requirements for eligibility maintains that you are at least seventeen years old at the time of registration, and you are not presently enrolled in any high school; those who are taking adult education courses qualify. If you are under nineteen years old, you need to produce verification of withdrawal from your school (the form can be obtained from the state department for adult ed website, with link provided above), fulfilled by the principal or student attendance supervisor of the same high school. The exam is offered to non-state residents, but such pay higher fees in order to take the test. For further information on waivers and other requirements, you can get in touch with the state’s test office at 800-277-7323, or follow the link previously provided.

You can register for the South Carolina GED exam by mailing your application and other particulars, or by visiting a testing site and personally submitting the same. The application form itself is downloadable from the same website with link provided above, and it also furnishes a list of all the open testing sites within the state. State residents pay a testing fee of 60 dollars, while non-state applicants pay double.

It is highly advisable that you complete a prep course prior to taking the exam, but if your personal schedule is at odds with class times, independent study is recommended. You can borrow resources from your community library, or purchase these online or from a local bookshop. For online resources, visit sites which provide links to related and relevant GED websites, such as about.com. The American Council of Education also offers comprehensive information on the GED, at acenet.edu.