Scoring Backlogs, Paperwork Problems Accompany New GED

By Marianne D. Hurst

Revisions to the General Educational Development certificate that took effect earlier this year have caused headaches for testing officials from several states as they struggle to implement the changes to the high school equivalency program.

The new test, which states starting using in January, has caused scoring backlogs in California, paperwork problems and scoring difficulties in New York state, and an overhaul in training for test examiners in Texas.

"Any time you come out with a new test, you will have challenges," said Joan C. Auchter, the executive director of the GED Testing Service at the American Council of Education, the Washington-based nonprofit organization that administers the test. "It's a learning...