6 CAR Part 461 — Program Policies for the Administration of the GED® Test

Chapter XII

Subchapter A

Subpart 1

6 CAR § 461-101 Administration of the GED® test {#sec-6-car-461-101 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-101}

6 CAR § 461-101. Administration of the GED® test.

(a) Only test administrators may administer the GED® tests and inspect or have access to tests.

(b) Test administrators must:

(1) Meet Pearson VUE requirements;

(2) Take the certification test; and

(3) Recertify yearly.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This regulation is established in accordance with GED® Testing Service® of the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-102 Qualifications for examiners {#sec-6-car-461-102 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-102}

6 CAR § 461-102. Qualifications for examiners.

(a) Test administrators must meet all Pearson VUE test administrator requirements.

(b) Test administrators are required to pass the Pearson VUE Administrator Certification Exam to become a test administrator and recertify each year.

(c) No one directly involved in GED® instruction, secondary education program staff, adult secondary program staff, adult basic education, adult literacy, alternative high school education program staff, and developmental education staff can serve as a test administrator in a Pearson VUE testing center.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This regulation is established in accordance with GED® Testing Service® of the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE. Section 3.3 of the Policies and Procedures for administering the GED® Test on Computer (2002).EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993; January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980." Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-103 General requirements for testing {#sec-6-car-461-103 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-103}

6 CAR § 461-103. General requirements for testing.

(a)(1) The GED® test may be administered to eligible test takers only.

(2)(A) Individuals must be:

(i) At least sixteen (16) years of age; and

(ii) Not currently enrolled in an accredited high school.

(B) Only persons who do not have a standard high school diploma are eligible to take the GED® test.

(C) Under no circumstances may the GED® test be administered to persons less than sixteen (16) years of age.

(3) Test takers must present proof of positive identification that shows:

(A) Name;

(B) Date of birth;

(C) Address;

(D) Signature; and

(E) Photograph.

(4) Valid driver’s licenses, passports, military, or other forms of government-issued (national and foreign) identification that show required information are all acceptable forms of identification, unless there is reason to question their authenticity.

(5) Test takers must be legal residents of Arkansas.

(6) The term “legal resident” has been clarified by the Adult Education Section to mean a person who:

(A) Spends most of his or her time in Arkansas;

(B) Pays property taxes; or

(C) Possesses a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

(b)(1) GED® Test Administrators must obtain a written statement confirming eligibility, GED® Test Candidate Rules of Agreement, and GED® Test Non-disclosure Agreement from each test taker.

(2) Such written confirmation must:

(A) Include the GED® test taker’s signature; and

(B) Be retained for use in verifying that the test taker is eligible.

(c)(1) Prior to taking the official GED® test, test takers must pass the official GED® Ready test with minimum scores established by the Adult Education Section/GED® Testing Office of the Division of Workforce Services.

(2) This test must be administered through an approved adult education program or a GED® testing center.

(d) Exception. Persons sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years old will be approved to take the official GED® test after having met the provisions specified in the Arkansas compulsory attendance law, Arkansas Code § 6-18-201.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This regulation is established in accordance with the American Council onEducation (ACE)/Pearson VUE for GED® Testing Service®, Arkansas Acts 30 and 31 of 1994, Act 1659 of 2001, Act 604 of 2003 and Arkansas Compulsory Attendance Law – Annotated Code 6-18-201 which allow, after certain provisions have been met, for persons ages 16 and 17 to enroll in adult education programs or take the GED® test.EFFECTIVE DATE: July 10, 1995; August 2001, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-104 Requirements for the official GED® Ready test {#sec-6-car-461-104 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-104}

6 CAR § 461-104. Requirements for the official GED® Ready test.

(a)(1) All applicants wishing to take the GED® test are required to take and pass the official GED® Ready test with minimum scores established by the GED® Testing Office of the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services.

(2) This test must be administered through an approved adult education program or GED® testing center.

(b) Exception. Persons sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years old will be approved to take the official GED® test after having met the provisions specified in the Arkansas compulsory attendance law, Arkansas Code § 6-18-201.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This policy is not to be viewed as an encouragement for students sixteen and seventeen years of age to drop out of traditional public school but should be considered as an alternative method to obtain a high school diploma. This policy is also in accordance with Arkansas Compulsory Attendance Law – Annotated Code 6-18-201 which allows school districts to provide waivers to this requirement, provided adult education rules and regulations are met by individuals aged 16 and 17 wishing to enroll in adult education classes or take the Official GED® test.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993; August 2001; January 2002, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-105 Testing of a sixteen-year-old or seventeen-year-old {#sec-6-car-461-105 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-105}

6 CAR § 461-105. Testing of a sixteen-year-old or seventeen-year-old.

Persons sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years old will be approved to take the official GED® test after having met the provisions specified in the approved Adult Education Section policies and/or meeting the requirements set forth in the Arkansas compulsory attendance law, Arkansas Code § 6-18-201.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: Policies for the "Minimum Age for Adult Education Enrollment" and"Attendance for Sixteen (16) and Seventeen (17) Year Old Students" were approved by the State Board of Vocational Education on November 14, 1994. The approval of these policies granted permission for the sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) year olds to enroll in adult education programs after having met certain provisions. This policy is also in accordance with Arkansas Compulsory Attendance Law – Annotated Code 6-18-201 which allows school districts to provide waivers to this requirement, provided adult education rules and regulations are met by individuals aged 16 and 17 who wish to enroll in adult education classes or take the Official GED® test.Arkansas GED® Testing policies for sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) year olds follow state law and procedures/regulations established by GED® Testing Service® of the American Council on Education (ACE)/Pearson VUE.EFFECTIVE DATE: July 10, 1995; August 2001, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-106 Retesting of applicants {#sec-6-car-461-106 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-106}

6 CAR § 461-106. Retesting of applicants.

The Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services:

(1) Will set retest requirements for GED® testing based on GED®:

(A) Data;

(B) Policy; and

(C) Research analysis; and

(2) Shall report any changes to the Division of Workforce Services at the next scheduled board meeting.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In accordance with the rules, regulations, and guidelines as established by GED® Testing Service® as set forth in the Policies and Procedures Manual for the GED® test.EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2002, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-107 Scoring of tests {#sec-6-car-461-107 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-107}

6 CAR § 461-107. Scoring of tests.

(a)(1) A preliminary score report will be printed at the end of the test.

(2) The score report will include an unofficial pass/fail score.

(b) Official results will be distributed by the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The above policy is established in an effort to ensure efficient/effective scoring services by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, GED® Testing Office.Test-takers who pass the GED® test will automatically receive an electronic, secure, smart transcript delivered immediately after their test is scored. Test-takers can view, print and request a professionally printed diploma from the transcript. Test-takers can send documents to employers or colleges of their choice. Colleges and employers can search for and order documents on behalf of students.Test Administrators may view results via a secure website, but results are not official until received on official transcript/credential paper issued by the Arkansas GED® Testing Office.EFFECTIVE DATE: March 2001, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-108 Minimum score requirements {#sec-6-car-461-108 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-108}

6 CAR § 461-108. Minimum score requirements.

The Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services:

(1) Will set scoring requirements for GED® testing based on GED®:

(A) Data;

(B) Policy; and

(C) Researc analysis; and

(2) Shall report any changes to the Division of Workforce Services at the next scheduled board meeting.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In accordance with GED® Testing Service®, each state that contracts to use the GED® test establishes its own minimum score requirements for diplomas and credentials provided that the scores are at least the minimum set by GED® Testing Service®.PREVIOUS PASSING GED® TEST SCORES:1945 - December 1962: A minimum Standard Score of 35 on each of the five tests OR an average of Standard Score of 45.January 1963 - December 1972: A minimum Standard Score of 40 on each of the five tests OR an Average Standard Score of 50.January 1973 - December 1974: A minimum Standard Score of 35 on each of the five tests OR an Average Standard Score of 45.January 1975 - June 30, 1987: A minimum Standard Score of 35 on each of the five tests AND an Average Standard Score of 45.July 1987 - December 31, 2001: A minimum Standard Score of 40 on each test in the battery AND an Average Standard Score of 45.January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2013: The requirement to pass the GED® test is a minimum score of 410 on each test in the battery AND an average score of 450. Scores earned prior to January 1, 2002, cannot be combined with the 2002 series of test.EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-109 Requesting information on test scores {#sec-6-car-461-109 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-109}

6 CAR § 461-109. Requesting information on test scores.

(a) For records before January 1, 2014, a request for information on GED® scores must be submitted to the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services, GED® Testing Office, in writing and signed by the test taker.

(b) A request for a GED® transcript/credential must contain verifiable information including:

(1) The test taker’s full name (and the name under which tested, if different);

(2) Date of birth;

(3) Approximate year tested;

(4) City where tested;

(5) Social Security or identification number;

(6) Signature;

(7) Name and address where credential or credentials should be sent; and

(8) Required fee (if applicable).

(c)(1) The Arkansas GED® Testing Office will fax or email scores to a third party (i.e., employers, military, educational institution, correctional facility, etc.) for test takers who provide written permission to do so.

(2) Faxed or emailed copies are unofficial.

(3) The test taker’s permission must be accompanied by verification from the third party that a faxed or emailed copy of scores satisfies an immediate need for:

(A) Hiring;

(B) Enlistment;

(C) Enrollment; or

(D) Release.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: In accordance with GED® Testing Service®, the test scores of individual test-takers are confidential information. Subject to limited exceptions for verifying scores by telephone, fax or email, an individual's score should be reported to educational institutions, adult education teachers, employers, correctional facilities, military recruiters, only for test-takers who have submitted written and signed requests to that effect.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-110 Confidentiality/privacy policy {#sec-6-car-461-110 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-110}

6 CAR § 461-110. Confidentiality/privacy policy.

(a)(1) Test scores and results of individual test takers are confidential information.

(2) An individual’s scores will be reported to educational institutions, adult education teachers, military recruiters, employers, correctional facilities, and others only for test takers who have submitted requests to that effect.

(3) Because some test takers do not wish their credential award to be a matter of public record, names of credential recipients should not be released until individuals have permission to do so.

(4) The fact that a person has or has not taken the GED® test should also be treated as confidential.

(b)(1) Confidential information should only be released after:

(A) An individual has made a request; and

(B) The test taker in question understands that he or she may choose not to allow the release of said confidential information.

(2) According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, enacted as Section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, student information that is considered private may not be shared with anyone who is not designated on a release of confidential information.

(c)(1) Each institution or GED® Testing Center™ must establish what information can be released based on the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.

(2)(A) Information that can be released is:

(i) Directory information; and

(ii) Regarded as information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

(B) It includes, but is not limited to, the student’s:

(i) Name;

(ii) Address;

(iii) Telephone listing;

(iv) Date and place of birth;

(v) Dates of attendance; and

(vi) Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

(C) Local programs must adhere to their affiliated institution’s policy for directory information.

(D) Furthermore, each test taker must sign a release that verifies their knowledge that the institution can release directory information.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-111 Issuance of a GED® transcript/duplicate diploma {#sec-6-car-461-111 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-111}

6 CAR § 461-111. Issuance of a GED® transcript/duplicate diploma.

(a) Official reports of test scores can be issued only by the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services GED® Testing Office.

(b)(1) Each test taker who completes the GED® test will receive a copy of his or her scores.

(2) This initial set of credentials is at no charge to the GED® test taker.

(3) A test taker may be charged a fee to have a duplicate official credential sent to a representative of a business, educational institution, military, correctional facility or other organization, or to themselves by making a written request to the Arkansas GED® Testing Office including appropriate information and the test taker’s signature.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The records of GED® tests in Arkansas are maintained by the GED® Testing Office of the Department of Career Education. To protect the confidentiality of GED® test-takers, initial score reports and/or diplomas are sent directly to the individuals.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-112 Issuing the Arkansas high school diploma {#sec-6-car-461-112 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-112}

6 CAR § 461-112. Issuing the Arkansas high school diploma.

Individuals receiving an Arkansas high school diploma must attain a:

(1) Minimum standard score of one hundred fifty (150) on each of the four (4) subtests; and

(2) Total score of six hundred (600) on the GED® test.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This regulation is established in accordance with the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE for GED® Testing Service®. Each state shall determine the minimum test score requirements and other qualifications for issuing a high school credential based on the GED® test provided that the scores are at least the minimum set by GED® Testing Service®.EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2002, January1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-113 Program evaluation {#sec-6-car-461-113 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-113}

6 CAR § 461-113. Program evaluation.

GED® testing programs and/or test centers will be evaluated and monitored by the Arkansas GED® Administrator™ using a GED® Site Visit Form that was developed in accordance with the policies established in the Policies and Procedures Manual for the GED® test and Pearson VUE.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The GED® Testing Service® requires that approved Test Centers be evaluated according to guidelines in the Policies and Procedures Manual for the GED® test.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-114 Fees and/or other charges {#sec-6-car-461-114 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-114}

6 CAR § 461-114. Fees and/or other charges.

Fees for GED® testing are set by the GED® Testing Office of the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services in accordance with the policy and fee structure established by GED® Testing Service® of the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: The Arkansas Department of Career Education feels that providing an opportunity to Arkansas citizens to take the GED® test and issuing official GED® credentials is a way of encouraging the achievement of a literate and educated population. Act 1063 of 2013 allows the State Board of Career Education to charge a fee for administering the GED® test.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-115 Purchase of testing material {#sec-6-car-461-115 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-115}

6 CAR § 461-115. Purchase of testing material.

(a) All official testing materials are provided by the Adult Education Section of the Division of Workforce Services through the GED® Testing Office, GED® Testing Service, and Pearson VUE.

(b) It is the responsibility of the testing centers to ensure the security of test materials according to procedures listed in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This policy is in accordance with the policies established by GED® Testing Service® of the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102

6 CAR § 461-116 Cooperation and support among all GED® testing centers in the administration of GED® testing programs {#sec-6-car-461-116 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-6-part-461--6 CAR § 461-116}

6 CAR § 461-116. Cooperation and support among all GED® testing centers in the administration of GED® testing programs.

(a) All educational institutions/entities approved as GED® testing centers will be governed by the same rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as established by the Division of Career and Technical Education of the Department of Education and GED® Testing Service® of the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE.

(b) All approved testing centers must have received the same credentials to operate and administer a testing program and should be viewed as an official entity.

History

• Codification Notes: "GED®" means General Educational Development test.This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows:"INFORMATION/RATIONALE: This policy is in accordance with the policies established by GED® TestingService® of the American Council on Education/Pearson VUE. This policy is also a part of thePearson/Vue contract signed by the Arkansas Department of Career Education with GED® Testing Service® according to rules and regulations stated in the Policies and Procedures Manual.EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 1993, January 1, 2014FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: GED® Administrator™, GED® Testing Office (501)682-1980" Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-30-102