Testing

People trying to get General Educational Development credentials face tougher minimum standards for passing the GED test battery this year than their counterparts did in the past.

Now, those seeking the high-school-equivalency diploma have to score a 40 on the 20-to-80-point scale on each of five subtests as well as achieve a score of 45 across the subtests. Previously, test-takers could score below 40 on one or more subtests and still qualify for a GED diploma if they earned a 45 average. The subtests on the nearly eight-hour exam are in math, interpreting literature and the arts, science, social studies, and writing.

A program of the Washington-based American Council on Education, the GED measures academic skills and knowledge that educators expect students to gain from a traditional high school curriculum. Officials at the higher education group estimate that the pass rate will drop from about 75 percent to about 66 percent...