Those working on obtaining a GED are strongly encouraged to finish the five-test sequence by the end of 2013 or face the prospect of starting over next year.
“The national organization that administers the GED program will implement a series of new tests in 2014 that will be required to earn this academic credential that’s equivalent to a high school diploma,” said Jim Begotka, director of Learner Success at Nicolet College. “We want to make sure that anyone who has started their GED knows about these changes so they can finish their GED by the end of the year. This is the only way students will get credit for work they’ve already completed.”

He added that Nicolet offers free GED preparation classes throughout the Northwoods to help students better prepare for and successfully complete the GED tests. These classes, offered through the college’s Academic Success department, are held on the Nicolet campus just south of Rhinelander, in the Curran Building downtown, and in numerous other communities including Minocqua, Eagle River, Tomahawk, Lac du Flambeau, Crandon, Carter and Mole Lake.

“Earning a GED is important in many different ways,” Begotka said. “It opens the door to college, better and higher paying jobs, and the personal sense of accomplishment that comes from earning this valuable academic credential.”
Annually, more than 200 students earn their GED or HSED through Nicolet College’s Academic Success program.

Begotka also said individuals need to beware of the scams related to GEDs. “The Wisconsin technical colleges are the only institutions that can offer official GED testing,” he noted.

Nicolet College offers the GED test on paper and in computer-based formats. If an individual does not meet the minimum required score, students may retake the test for free. This only applies to the computer-based testing option.

For more information, visit nicoletcollege.edu or call the Nicolet College Academic Success department at (715) 365-4455 or (800) 544-3039, ext. 4455; TDD (715) 365-4448.