In Oklahoma , one out of four adults over the age of 25 has not finished high school, according to the 1990 U.S. Census. This statistic may mean that a large number of adults are unprepared for the demands placed upon them as workers, family members and citizens. Also, these adults may not have the full range of economic, social and personal options that are open to Oklahomans with higher levels of literacy skills.

The Lifelong Learning Section of the State Department of Education offers a number of programs to provide undereducated adults the opportunity to become fully participating workers, parents and citizens.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) and literacy classes are provided for adults who need literacy and basic skills instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, life skills and job readiness.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Through a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the local ABE programs provide literacy, basic skills, job readiness, life skills and GED preparation classes for TANF clients statewide. These classes meet the work activity requirement for TANF recipients which allows them to retain their welfare assistance grants while learning the basic literacy and job readiness skills needed to secure long-term employment.

General Educational Development (GED)

In addition to basic skills instruction, adults receive instruction to prepare them to pass the GED tests. Passing the GED tests qualifies adults to receive a Certificate of High School Equivalency. Pre-GED instruction is also available for those adults functioning at or below the 8th grade level.

The GED Testing Program

The State Department of Education oversees the 50 statewide GED Testing Centers. More than 11,000 adults take the GED tests each year, and about 70 percent pass the tests and are awarded a Certificate of High School Equivalency. The GED Certificate may be used to gain admission to postsecondary education, job training and/or placement, and military enlistment. Many successful lives have been built upon an individual's second chance at life with the GED Certificate.

General Educational Development (GED)

More than 11,000 people took the GED tests in Oklahoma in 1997.

8,002 GED certificates were issued.

Test requirements:

Students 16 or 17 years old will need an approved 16-17 Year-Old Test Agreement. Five categories are tested. The applicant must have a minimum standard score of 40 on each of the five tests and an overall average of 45 (total score of 225).

A fee is charged by the local GED testing center.

GED Testing Centers: