The GED Testing Service today announced that it is retroactively lowering the pass rate for each of the four required GED tests from 150 to 145. The new pass rate will apply to tests taken on or after Jan. 1, 2014 – the date the new version of the GED took effect. Updated transcripts and certificates will be available in March at GED.com.

GED testing centers in Washington state are beginning to share the news with the estimated 1,000 test-takers who scored between 145 to 149 on the new GED test.

The GED Testing Service changed the pass score after measuring the full spectrum of a typical graduating high school class, according to a news release issued today from the GED Testing Service.

“We’re pleased that the GED Testing Service has made this decision, and we give them a lot of credit for recalibrating their pass scores based the performance of recent high school graduates,” said Marty Brown, SBCTC executive director.  “The whole idea is to show to employers and colleges that a GED-holder has mastered the same knowledge as a high school graduate. It makes sense to keep pace with changes at the high school level.”

To earn a GED certificate, test takers must pass four tests that measure science, social studies, mathematical reasoning,and reasoning through language arts. The GED Testing Service has also added new scores to show whether the student is ready for college in that subject matter.