Government Eliminates Fee for GED Testing and Improves Access to Supports

As of Jan. 1, 2017, Nova Scotians can get their General Education Diploma (GED) for free.

Nova Scotians who take the GED test no longer have to pay a fee and will be better connected to supports to help them succeed.

Government committed to making GED testing free in October's Speech from the Throne.

"Last year, almost 550 Nova Scotians who didn't graduate high school took the initiative to build a better life for themselves and their families by earning their GED," said Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Kelly Regan. "We're removing barriers for even more adults who want to continue their studies, connect to the workforce or find better work opportunities."

The General Education Diploma is an internationally recognized high school equivalency testing program. The series of five tests is designed to measure the general knowledge, ideas, and thinking skills that are normally acquired through three years of high school.

Previously, the cost per GED test was $16 American with the province paying $6 and the test writer paying $10. For people who wrote all five tests, the cost was $50 American. Beginning Jan. 1, the province began paying the full fee, which increases the total annual investment by $55,000 to over $106,000.

The province is also improving how it supports test writers to help improve the overall GED success rate in Nova Scotia.

Before writing the test, participants will register with the adult education system, which will provide information about academic supports that may assist them in preparing for their GED tests.

This could include assistance in developing a learning plan or job plan and access to preparatory tools.

More information about the GED program can be found at http://novascotia.ca/programs/general-educational-development/.