G.E.D.

The truth is the good people at the local courthouse may be quit slow in processing your GED (1-2 months is common). Some may be unaware that you do not have to be 18 to take the GED. I think that anyone can take the GED before age 18 in all states. Though, I think it's respectable, local courthouse workers might give a young person the brush off because of their age. A young person can always politely call back the next day, or call and ask to speak to the Regional Superintendent of Schools. Also, the person who handles the GED paperwork, or the office manager should know you can indeed take the GED before your eighteenth brithday. They will probably want to know that you have discontinued High School for at least a year, and (if under 18) you will surely need to bring a letter signed by your High School Principle that approves. If you are a homeschooler, you will need to bring a nice signed letter from your homeschool "principle" that approves. They will probably ask if you have discontinued school for a year (because that is one their rules) and have you put all your personal information on a form. I think you receive a copy of that form to take with you, along with an I.D. on the test day. They usually will leave a message at your phone number that you have passed, and that your GED is ready for pickup. Either that, or they may send a letter of notification in the mail by policy, or by request. Also, they will allow a person to take the G.E.D. before age 18, if you present a letter from your college which states that you will need a GED take some special course at the college. In addition, a letter from a military recruiter would probably be fine.

They call this, "To satisfy request of another agency, such as to supplement credentials for admission to college, for enlistment, etc." Also, they will send the GED test report to them. See question number 23. (b) on an example of the form. The cost for getting a GED is minimal (around $25).

A person could call other counties and find one that has a sooner GED test date. Then they could have have their local courthouse send the GED paperwok to that county. Then you would need to go back to the other county courthouse to pick up the GED certificate, though the paperwork would be processed back to your local courthouse.

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