Students being duped by phony online GEDs
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

County residents should beware of fake GED testing services offered over the Internet and mail.

State GED administrators nationwide have reported increasing numbers of complaints from residents who paid steep fees to take what they thought were official GED tests. A state high school general equivalency diploma (GED) can not be earned over the Internet or through a correspondence program.

"GED tests are not currently offered online and can only be taken in person at an official GED Testing Center," Cherokee County Adult Education Director Lisa Hannon, said. "Any services that claim to offer a GED credential through other means may deliver a product that is not accepted by employers, colleges and universities, or the military."

The South Carolina Department of Education's GED testing office Web site contains test center information, testing schedules and other information regarding GED exams.

The current cost to take the GED exam is $70. To ensure the GED meets high school graduation standards, the GED exam is designed so one-third of high school students nationally will not pass the exam.

The Cherokee County Adult Education program had the state's highest passing rate last year with 80 percent of its students passing the GED.

The local adult education program is based around a Fast Track curriculum designed by teachers Beth Martin and Stacey Sprouse. The curriculum covers the basic skills students need to know to pass GED sections for English, math, science and social studies.

Cherokee County Adult Education secretary Nancy Jo Sellars has a favorite saying when a potential student reacts over the phone to the difficulty involved in earning a GED exam.

"There might be instant oatmeal and instant grits, but there has never been instant education," Sellars said. "You have to put in a lot of hard work to earn your education."

Nearly 6,000 adults earn a GED diploma each year in South Carolina.

David Stout, South Carolina's state GED administrator, urges residents to carefully consider the cost involved and a program's accreditation before enrolling in online or correspondence schools.

Programs promising a high school diploma in just a few weeks may be suspect, Stout said. A background check of the institution may be a wise investment before enrolling.

"As the saying goes, buyer beware," Stout said. "If college enrollment is the goal of a GED candidate, I would encourage him or her to contact colleges or universities as to whether the credential issued by the online or correspondence program is acceptable."