A. The Tests of General Educational Development (GED Tests) are developed by the American Council on Education to enable individuals who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of developed abilities normally acquired through completion of a high school program of study. In 1942, the GED Tests were developed to allow military personnel returning from World War II to more easily pursue their educational, vocational and personal goals. More than 800,000 adults take the GED Tests each year.
+Q. Where can I prepare for the exam?
A. GED preparation classes are available throughout Florida. In Panama City you can prepare for your GED at Gulf Coast Community College's Passport Program. GED preparation classes provide students an opportunity to work on specific skills they will need to be successful on the GED Test. GED Official Practice Tests are also available at these sites. The practice tests have proven to be very good predictors of a student's ability to pass the GED.
+Q. What do I need to do to enroll in the Passport Program?
A.
Call to schedule and attend an orientation
Take the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) or provide valid TABE scores from another school.
Attend your advising session
+ Q. How old do I have to be to enroll?
A. Students must be at least 18 years of age.
+Q. Can I enroll if I am a home-school student?
A. Yes; but home-school students must meet the same criteria as all other students who are not attending a Bay County public school.
+Q. Do I need computer knowledge to take your classes?
A. You do not need to be computer literate to enroll in the Passport Program. Although our GED software is a favorite among out students, a variety of other resources is avaiable. There are learning managers available to answer questions and assist you with the use of computers.
+Q. When is your program open?
A. The Passport Program operates at both the main campus and the Northbay Center.The hours are listed below:
GCCC Panama City Campus
Monday & Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(CLOSED ON SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS)
+Q. How much does it cost?
A. The Passport Program is free ! You will have to pay for the GED test. The cost of the test is $50.00.
+Q. Can I get help paying for the GED test?
A. Scholarships to cover the cost of the test are often available. Ask a learning manager for more information.
+Q. How long will it take before I am ready for the test?
A. Each person who enrolls the Passport Program needs a different amount of time to prepare for the GED. We have learned that those students who are willing to commit 8-10 hours per week are successful in achieving thier goal in a relatively short period of time.
+Q. Where can I take the exam?
A. Adults wishing to register for the GED test must do so in person at a location in their area. In Panama City those locations are Shaw Adult Center and Haney Vocational Center. Testing dates are available from the Passport staff. Candidates must provide either a State of Florida Driver License or State of Florida Identification card. Candidates should bring their Social Security card for further verification of identity. Candidates must complete a GED Demographic Booklet and Form and pay for the
test at the time of registration.
+Q. Who can take the test?
A. The GED test may be given to:
Residents of Florida, proof of residency must include either a State of Florida Driver License or State of Florida Identification Card
Adults, 18 years of age or older
GED candidates 16 or 17 years of age who have been granted an age waiver from their local educational agency
Individuals not enrolled in an accredited high school
Individuals who have not graduated from an accredited high school or have not already received a high school equivalency diploma
+Q. What will my diploma look like?
A. GED examinees passing the Official GED Tests will receive a State of Florida High School Diploma. In addition, each examinee receives a transcript of his/her scores.
