Why the TASC Is Replacing the GED - dummies

Why the TASC Is Replacing the GED

By Stuart Donnelly

In many states, such as New York, West Virginia, and Indiana, the TASC (short for Test Assessing Secondary Completion) has replaced the GED completely. Students living in those states who are pursuing their high-school equivalency can no longer take the GED exam — they must take the TASC instead.

It’s worth double-checking which high-school equivalency options your state permits. Some states only offer the GED, others only offer the TASC, and others give students a choice between the GED and the TASC. Either way, it’s good to keep in mind that not all high-school equivalency exams are created equal.

Two of the most noticeable differences between the TASC and GED tests are the cost and the format flexibility. The price of the TASC is more reasonable and affordable than that of the GED, and the exam is also available as a paper-and-pencil test as well as online. If English isn’t your native language, you also have the option of taking the Spanish version of the TASC. There are also large-print, Braille, and audio versions of the TASC available for those students with special needs.

Another advantage that the TASC has over the GED exam is that the TASC is gradually being aligned to the Common Core State Standards. This will help you stay competitive for both career and college opportunities by showing that your abilities and knowledge in each subject are of the right standard to help you succeed.

Lastly, the types of scores you receive from taking the TASC are both College and Career Readiness (CCR) scores and passing scores. Earning a satisfactory CCR score shows how well-prepared you are and that you can compete with any American high school graduate!