Those who hope to obtain a high-school equivalency diploma should do so within the next 17 months or expect big changes, said LBW Community College officials.

“There will be significant changes to the GED test and how it is administered after Jan. 1, 2014,” said Jimmy Hutto, LBWCC associate dean of adult education and workforce development.

The GED, or General Education Development, test was originally developed by the American Council on Education (ACE) in 1942 to demonstrate high school equivalency for World War II veterans. Through the years, more than 18 million people have passed the GED test nationwide, with about 400,000 passing each year.

“We are reaching out to adults of all ages who need this high school credential,” said Hutto. “We especially want to encourage those who started GED testing to complete all the sections before the changes take effect. Beginning in 2014, those who didn’t complete the current test or missed passing by even one point will have to start over.”

The test’s five subject areas – writing, social studies, science, reading, and math – will be revised to more closely reflect the Common Core State Standards, a national initiative to better prepare learners for college and the workforce. In November of 2010, Alabama became one of 45 states adopting the standards.

The way the GED test is administered will also change in 2014, said Hutto.

“Test takers will be required to take the test on a computer and will no longer have the option of writing answers on paper.”

LBWCC is prepared to help adult learners prepare for the GED and complete testing, he said.

“We definitely suggest completing the test if already started, or start now preparing for the test. Don’t wait until the end of 2013. If you need a GED to help you meet your goals for job advancement or postsecondary education, start now.”