FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 12, 2012)— Fraudulent websites are claiming to offer high school and GED diplomas for a fee, according to Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education.
A consumer alert was issued Wednesday about the “misleading websites,” according to a press release from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.
“Kentuckians need to know there is one way to earn a GED credential and that is through a test administered onsite at an Official GED Testing Center,” said Reecie Stagnolia, vice president for Kentucky Adult Education.
Only a state may issue the GED test credential. The tests are not available online, and the exam, which takes more than seven hours to complete, is administered only at Official GED Testing Centers.
Many of the same websites also offer GED instruction for a fee, according to the release. Kentucky Adult Education offers free instruction online through local adult education centers and offers classes in every Kentucky county. For a limited time, Kentuckians can also take advantage of free GED testing.
The test consists of a series of five tests that measure achievement in subject areas associated with a high school program of study. The GED Testing Service, the provider of these tests, has strict policies regarding test administration.
Nearly 800,000 adults across the country take the GED test each year on their path to better jobs, training and education. In 2010-11, Kentucky Adult Education awarded 10,294 GED credentials.
The GED Testing Service has created the first online repository where educators and test-takers can get assistance in spotting a suspicious claim. The site has a list of fraudulent websites, information about how to determine legitimate accreditation, and an area to report suspected fraud. Visit www.GEDtestingservice.com/fraud to learn more.
For more information on taking free classes and taking the GED for free through June 30, visit www.KnowHow2GOKy.org.
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