LIS

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/12/2024

Chapter 360. Regulations Governing General Educational Development Certificates

8VAC20-360-10. Eligibility.

Certificates may be issued to individuals who meet the following requirements:

1. Age. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and not enrolled in a public or private high school. Under special circumstances, which are consistent with 22.1-254 and 22.1-254.2 of the Code of Virginia, the age limit may be lowered to 16 years of age.

2. Minimum score requirements. The following minimum score requirements must be met depending upon when the candidate took the General Educational Development (GED) tests:

a. For test batteries completed on or after January 1, 2002, individuals must achieve the minimum passing score requirements set by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education or such higher score requirements that may be established by the Virginia Board of Education;

b. For test batteries completed between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2001, individuals must achieve at least an average battery score of 45, a total standard score of 225, and no individual test score below 40;

c. For test batteries completed between July 1, 1979, and December 31, 1996, individuals must achieve at least an average battery score of 45, a total standard score of 225, and no individual test score below 35; or

d. For test batteries completed prior to July 1, 1979, individuals must achieve at least an average battery score of 45 (rounded up), a total standard score of 223, and no individual test standard score below 35.

3. In-state testing. Only those entities designated by the Department of Education as official Virginia GED testing centers shall determine whether an individual is eligible to take GED tests in accordance with policies of the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education and 22.1-254.2 of the Code of Virginia. GED tests shall be administered only at official Virginia GED testing centers or addendum test sites that have been approved by the Virginia GED Administrator and the GED Testing Service.

4. Credit for scores on GED tests administered out-of-state. Official test scores may be accepted from an approved state agency, an official jurisdiction responsible for overseeing GED testing, or an official GED testing center outside of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-224 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR270-01-0035 § 1, eff. September 1, 1980; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 8, eff. March 15, 2005.

8VAC20-360-20. Retesting.

An individual may take the full battery of tests up to three times during a calendar year to qualify for a General Educational Development Certificate. Test scores may be combined in accordance with GED Testing Service policy.

Statutory Authority

§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-224 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR270-01-0035 § 2, eff. September 1, 1980; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 8, eff. March 15, 2005.

8VAC20-360-30. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR270-01-0035 § 3, eff. September 1, 1980; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 8, eff. March 15, 2005.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.