BELDEN, Miss. (WTVA) - Right now at places like ICC in Belden, the GED test is offered both the traditional way using paper and pencil, and also online.
However at the end of this year, the paper test will end.
Jan West with ICC said, "People are still taking that paper and pencil format. They're afraid of the computer-based version, particularly older adults."
For people like Chelsea Youngblood who's working to obtain her GED, she says switching to a computer test is fine with her.
Youngblood said, "I'm used to working on computers. It's going to be a lot less tedious than working on paper and sitting there."
But with the end of paper and pencil testing, that also means current test scores will not carry forward.
The new test in 2014 will be all on computer with more rigorous content.
West said, "If you've started a paper and pencil test since 2002 and not completed it, now is your window to come in. Let us help you finish that paper and pencil version test."
The idea for an all computer-based GED test is fairly new. Over the last year, ICC and other state community colleges have been taking part in a pilot program.
West said, "Since February of last year we've had 70 people to take the test on computer. Fifty completed it and did really well. Eighteen are in various stages of completing and will complete the test."
But with four to five hundred people taking the paper and pencil test on average a year at ICC, this change represents a major shift in GED testing.
Youngblood said, "I think it would be a lot quicker and easier."
School officials encourage more people to get used to that idea of a computer test.
They say help is available and no one should shy away from working toward earning a GED.
