New York State has selected a new high school equivalency test called the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) to replace the General Educational Development (GED) as the primary pathway to a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma effective January 2, 2014.
There is no cost to take the TASC in New York State. The five sections of the test are Reading, English Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Multiple choice items in Reading, Science, and Social Studies; gridded response items in Math, and an essay in Writing in 2014. Constructed-response and technology enhanced items will be added in 2015 and 2016. The test will be adjusted to align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) over the next three years (2014-2016). The test will be available in both paper based (PBT) and computer based (CBT) format. It is not available to take online. TASC is available in English and Spanish, Braille, and audio versions for visually impaired. Grandfathering GED test scores in 2014 and 2015: A candidate may use up to four passing GED sub-tests (score of 410 or above) taken between 2002-2013 to count towards earning a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma.Find a testing center in the Bronx, Manhattan or Staten Island.
There are many organizations across New York State that provide assistance with test preparation. On this page are websites with information about this important test and free classes that can help you prepare for it. Don't forget to explore their links, too!
General InformationNew York State Education Department The website of the NY State HSE (High School Equivalency) Testing Office will help you find test centers and preparation classes in New York State. It also presents information on prep materials, fraud warnings, status reports, and other useful tips. Currently, NYSED supports the operation of approximately 269 test centers statewide through a network of both public and private sites, including: school districts, BOCES, CBOs, EOCs, community colleges, correctional facilities, county jails, OCFS facilities, and private residential facilities. NYSED will continue to supervise and administer test centers and will confirm with existing centers that they will continue to provide testing services for the new TASC test.
Adult Ed Compass Become oriented to the TASC with this primer. Know the contents of the TASC test, learn about the Official Practice Test (OPT), locate a free education program, and reserve a test seat.
Literacy Assistance Center Resources and tips for HSE practitioners.
Prepare for the TestThe New York City Office of Adult and Continuing Education If you are aged 21 or over, you can sign up for free day and evening classes with the NYC Office of Adult and Continuing Education (OACE). Above is a link to their directory. The OACE operates four Adult Learning Centers in four boroughs through which you can sign up for classes.
New York City Department of Education - Referral Centers for High School Alternatives There is a Referral Center for High School Alternatives in each borough to help students find their best pathway to a diploma or the high school equivalency (formerly the GED) exam, and beyond. Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, and other Referral Center staff are present to help.
NYC Office of Human Capital Development This page offers a straightforward way to locate an adult education program in New York City, from ESOL and basic reading and writing, to High School Equivalency exam prep and job training.
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation Pre-HSE and Adult Basic Education classes are conducted in both English and Spanish.
Harlem Center for Education Offers an intensive 13-week preparation program.
Union Settlement Association Union Settlement, located in East Harlem, offers comprehensive HSE classes for all ages and levels. Students are assessed individually, with classes designed around their abilities.
Queens Library The program at the Queens Library is geared towards English-speaking adults who need to sharpen their reading and math skills prior to starting a class.
Brooklyn Public Library The Brooklyn Public Library holds part-time pre-HSE classes in various branches for individuals aged 17 and older. Full-time classes are offered to those between 17 and 24 years old.
The CUNY Adult Literacy/GED ProgramLiteracy PartnersCommunity Impact at Columbia UniversityThe DoorBooker T. Washington Learning CenterThe School of Cooperative Technical Education Additional HSE ResourcesThe Way to Work The Way to Work has been helping young New Yorkers, aged 17-24, find employment since 1936. It offers test preparation, vocational training, professional and personal counseling, job placement and retention services. It became a division of Fedcap in 2011.
YouthBuild USA Low-income youths between the ages of 16 and 24 are given the opportunity to work toward their GEDs or high school diplomas by building affordable housing in their communities. Emphasis is placed on leadership development and community service. A national organization, it has locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens.
Phase: Piggy Back Its Adult Resocialization Unit (ARU) reaches out to African Americans and Latino-Americans, aged 18 and older, who are abusing drugs. ARU aims to help people take charge of their lives through Resocialization, a process that includes counseling, group therapy, pre-vocational workshops, and Adult Basic Education/GED classes.
Study Guides Available at the Library High School Equivalency Examinations -- Study GuidesGED books in SpanishGED ebooks for downloadThis is an update to a post that was originally published on July 18, 2012.