West Virginia’s State GED Administrator is receiving complaints from individuals who paid big fees to take what was supposed to be the official GED test, and upon passing, thought they had earned the highly recognized GED diploma issued by their state. There appears to be an increase in the number of Web sites purporting to offer GED testing online or by correspondence, the state reported. 

The public should know that the GED test is not offered online and can only be taken in person at an official GED Testing Center.  Non- official entities may purport to offer the GED, but deliver a product that is not accepted by employers, colleges, or the military.

To find the “Real McCoy” use the GED center locator on the West Virginia Department of Education Web site, http://wvde.state.wv.us/ged/.

Anyone interested in taking the GED can call Adult Basic Education teacher Brian Sheppard at Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College, 235-6046, ext.6244. Be prepared to leave contact information and Sheppard will return the call. Sheppard can be e-mailed at bsheppard@access.k12.wv.us.  

When it is time to take the GED Test, interested persons can call John Webb at Mingo Career & Technical Center, 475-3347, ext. 13.  The next GED testing dates are June 23 and 24, and July 28 and 29.