The requirements to take the GED® exam specify that a person is not enrolled in a K-12 school and has not previously earned a high school diploma. Those 18 and over have no additional requirements; however, 16 and 17 year-olds must meet additional criteria:
Student 16 Years of Age
For a sixteen-year-old student to take the GED test, state approval must be granted based on the following:
- Student must present a notarized Certificate of Exemption from the student’s last school system attended and a notarized Parental Permission Form.ORIf the student attended and dropped out of a private school, church school, or private tutor program, the student must present a notarized letter from his/her parent or legal guardian naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and stating the student has dropped out of school, and has permission to be administered the GED Test (Parental Permission Form).
- Student must have TABE test scores in all three sub-skill tests at a minimum of ASE Low, with a grade equivalent of 9.0 or higher
OR
Student must have official GED Ready test scores in Math and RLA of “Likely to Pass”
- Student must provide proof of Alabama residency
Students 17 Years of Age
For a seventeen-year-old student to take the GED Test, state approval must be granted based on the following:
Individuals attending Public School
- Students must have participated in an exit interview with their high school administration and provide a signed Exit Interview Form.
- Student must provide a notarized and signed letter from his/her parent or legal guardian, naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and providing parental permission for the student to be administered the GED Test (Parent Permission Form).
- Student must provide proof of Alabama residency
Individuals attending Private School, Church School, or Private Tutoring Program
- Student must present a notarized letter from his/her parent or legal guardian naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and stating the student has dropped out of school and has permission to be administered the GED Test (Parental Permission Form). Evidence of withdrawal from school must be included.