Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) is a standardized test initiated by the Georgia department of education for certifying high school level skills and knowledge. Passing this test is one of the requirements for achieving high school diploma. It also helps in identifying the subjects in which a student is weak. Further, it assesses knowledge and skills of the students at state level.
Eligibility-
This test is taken by high school students of grade 11. It is mandatory to pass this test in order to get high school diploma in the state.
Test Overview-
There are four subject tests in GHSGT- English language arts, science, mathematics and social science and one writing assessment test. The English language arts section is based on reading comprehension, literary analysis, conventions and writing. The content of mathematics test includes number and computation, algebra, measurement & geometry and data analysis. The science test is based on topics from “structure and properties of matter”, “energy transformation”, “Forces, waves and electricity”, “cells and heredity” and “Ecology”. The content of social studies test includes American government/civics, world geography, world history and United States history. The writing assessment test consists of an essay writing question.
Test Format-
The content of these tests is based on curriculum adopted by the state. It can be derived from either Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) transitional or Georgia Performance Standard (GPS). Each of these four subject tests are administered in three hours while the writing assessment test is administered in two hours.
Marking scheme-
For QCC and QCC transitional curriculum based tests, scores lie in a range of 400 to 600 for each subject test. The performance levels are graded as pass plus, pass or fail. In GPS curriculum based tests, the score range from 100 to 350. The passing score is 200 for each test. The performance levels are graded as honors, advanced proficiency, basic proficiency and below proficiency.
Schedule-
The subject tests are administered in springs of eleventh grade and writing assessment test in winters. GHSGT can be retaken at most five more times before completion of twelfth grade.
Exam fees-
No fee or registration is required for taking GHSGT. Any eleventh grade student can take this test. It is mandatory to pass all its sections for achieving high school diploma in the state.