Minnesota adults who do not have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma have the following three options for obtaining a high school diploma or GED:

1. Test-Based Secondary Credential (GED)

The Minnesota Department of Education issues an equivalency diploma to Minnesotans who pass the GED exam.

2. State Adult Diploma (not offered at Forest Lake Adult Education)

The 2014 Minnesota Legislature approved a third secondary credential option for adults: a state standard adult high school diploma. This new state adult high school diploma is competency-based and is completed through participation in an approved Minnesota Adult Basic Education program. Completion of the program is recognized by the state with a diploma awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education.  

3. K-12 Diploma Completion (not offered at Forest Lake Adult Education)

Also known as Credit Completion or Credit Recovery, adult basic education programs provide the opportunity for participants to complete the course requirements needed to obtain a high school diploma from a Minnesota school district. Due to the intensive time commitment for adult students and expensive resource commitment for programs, this model is not available in many Minnesota Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs.

Forest Lake  Adult Education only offers the GED program.

Subjects: The GED has four content areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Click here for more details.

Scoring: A minimum score of 145 out of a possible 200 on each test is necessary to pass and receive a high school equivalency credential. Two additional performance levels are also possible. Scores between 165-174 indicate GED College Ready (used to signify readiness to enter credit-bearing, college-level courses). Scores between 175-200 indicate GED College Ready + Credit (which may qualify students for up to ten hours of college credit). Click here for more information.

Scheduling: The GED Testing site located at the Education Center in Forest Lake is a public testing site. All candidates must register and schedule testing in advance (typically at least 24 hours) through Forest Lake  Adult Education.

Testing Hours: Click here for Testing Center hours and information. 

Payment: All candidates must create a GED profile at ged.com. The cost is $36 per test or $144 for all four tests. Right now using the voucher MNHSEFREE gives each person 1 free test in each subject.

Age Waivers: GED Candidates must be at least 17 years of age and not currently enrolled in high school. Individuals who are 17 or 18 must receive an age waiver from the State of Minnesota before testing. Forest Lake ABE staff will help students complete the age waiver process and send it into the State of Minnesota. Individuals under the age of 17 are not eligible to take the GED. Visit www.education.state.mn.us for more information.

Accommodations: Accommodations must be requested and approved through GED Testing Service. Forest Lake ABE staff can help you apply for accommodations. Click here for more information.

Identification: A current government-issued photo ID is required in order to test (e.g., MN ID card, driver's license, passport, government ID). There are no exceptions.

Test Results: Test results are available 24-48 hours after testing. Individuals can access their own scores by logging into their GED profile at ged.com. Official transcripts issued by the Minnesota Department of Education will be mailed to individuals at the address listed in the student's ged.com account after passing all four tests.

Retesting: Candidates may take each test three times with no waiting between tests. If a candidate does not pass an individual test after three attempts, they must wait 60 days before retesting. Retests must be paid for and scheduled through the Forest Lake Testing Center. The first two retests in each area are $10 each.

Computer Skills: The GED must be taken on computer at an Official Pearson VUE Test Center. Candidates will need basic computer skills in order to pass the test. Click here for a free online tutorial.

Practice Tests: Click here to learn more about GED practice tests. Official practice tests can be accessed at ged.com for approximately $8 per test. Forest Lake  ABE issues free GED Ready testing vouchers to students in need of an age waiver.

Transcripts: Official GED Transcripts/Diplomas are mailed to students at the address listed in their account at GED.com after passing the final GED subject area test. If you need additional copies of your GED records, you will need to request them from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Visit the MDE website and scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the GED Records Request form. You will need to print out the form, complete the information, and submit it to MDE to receive a copy of your GED transcript/diploma. Please note that for official employment, college, other post-secondary or similar verification purposes, they typically need just the “Official Transcript.” All records are sent via U.S. Mail; records cannot be faxed or emailed.

Questions: Visit the GED Testing Service FAQ page and the Minnesota Testing Policy page for more information.

Free GED Testing

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Discounted Tests in Minnesota!

The state of Minnesota offers a discount for your first GED test in each subject while funding lasts.

Promo Code: MNHSEFREE

Now through June 30, Minnesota Adult Basic Education will offer a free test in each subject. To qualify, a student must be enrolled in our program, complete at least 12 hours of study time in the current academic year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) and earn a "likely to pass" score on a GED Ready Practice Test. Please contact ABE staff for more information.

Contact Forest Lake Adult Education here.