Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to take the GED Tests? In order to be administered the GED Test, candidates shall:

1. Not be enrolled in a public K-12 school, or a private K-12 school registered with the Alabama Department of Education.
2. Be a legal resident of Alabama, a military member/dependent stationed in Alabama, a non-U.S. citizen residing in Alabama, or a non-resident enrolled in an adult education program funded by the Department of Postsecondary Education
3. Not have earned a secondary school diploma from a public school or a private school registered with the Alabama Department of Education. NOTE: Those awarded the Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD) as defined in §290-3-1-.02(8)(g) of the Alabama State Board of Education Administrative Code are eligible to take the GED Test.
4. Meet one of the following requirements:
5. Eighteen (18) years of age or older.
6. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, exited a public school or a private school, [Code of Alabama (1975), §16-28-1(1)], registered with the State Department of Education or a similar agency of another state and present to the GED Examiner at the time of application:
1. A notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian that the applicant has permission to be administered the GED Test.
2. Documentation from a city/county local education agency or private school, as appropriate, verifying that the applicant has withdrawn. This may also be a letter (on letterhead stationary) from the local superintendent, principal, or headmaster, as appropriate. NOTE: If the candidate has never enrolled in an Alabama K-12 school, the candidate shall submit a letter from the city/county superintendent where his/her current Alabama place of residence is in a territory under the control and supervision of a city/county board of education. The letter must verify that the candidate is eligible to enroll, but has not.
7. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, incarcerated, and have the written permission of the legal custodian exercising authority over the candidate.
8. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, institutionalized, and have the written permission of the legal custodian exercising authority over the candidate
9. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, taught at home by a private tutor, and present to ED Examiner at the time of application:
1. A notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian that the applicant has permission to be administered the GED Test.
2. Written verification, on letterhead, from the city/county superintendent of education that the private tutor has fulfilled the requirements of the Code of Alabama (1975), §16-28-5, by filing a statement showing the name of the child to be instructed, the subjects to be taught, and the period of time such instruction is proposed to be given.
10. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, attending a church school that is not a private school registered with the State Department of Education in accordance with the Code of Alabama (1975), §16-28-1(2), and present to the GED Examiner at the time of application:
1. A notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian that the applicant has permission to be administered the GED Test.
2. Written verification, on letterhead, from the church school principal/headmaster that the candidate is attending or has attended the church school, but has exited.
11. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, participating in the Alternate Adult High School Diploma (AAHSD) Program (AAC Rule 290-3-1-02) and present to the GED Examiner at the time of application a properly completed GED Options for Selected Students Enrolled in Secondary Schools GED Testing Authorization Form and a copy of the parent's/legal guardian's letter granting permission for the student to participate in the AAHSD Program
12. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age, enrolled in an adult education program funded by the Department of Postsecondary Education, not be an Alabama resident, and present to the GED Examiner at the time of application the documentation described in paragraphs ii, v, or vi, as appropriate. The applicant must also present a letter from the Adult Education Director verifying participation in an adult education program.
13. Eighteen (18) years of age or older, enrolled in an adult education program funded by the Department of Postsecondary Education, not be an Alabama resident, and present to the GED Examiner at the time of application a letter from the Adult Education Director verifying participation in an adult education program