The national GED Testing Center has announced that the current version of the GED test will expire at the end of 2013. The current version, known as the 2002 Series GED test, will be replaced with the new 2014 GED test on Jan. 2, 2014.

Those who have taken the 2002 Series GED test, but not passed all five parts, have until the end of 2013 to pass or they will need to start over again in 2014 with the new GED test to receive their high school credential.

The GED test opens doors to college, better jobs, respect and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential. GED test-takers must act now to finish and pass before the current test expires.

Support is available in Albert Lea. Adult Basic Education staff can help adult learners get prepared to take the parts of the GED test they still need to pass.

Interested GED test-takers can get more information by calling Brookside Education Center and speaking to Penny Jahnke or Julie Sager. The phone number is 379-4866.

The following are a few tips about testing in Albert Lea before the end of 2013:

• Registration deadline for repeat GED test-takers is October 2013

• Registration deadline for new GED test-takers is October 2013

• Last day to take the current version of the GED test is December 2013

• All GED test-takers must have record of passing the Official GED Practice Test