TURNER — SAD 52 Adult Education is offering a new program, GED ASAP!, The program is being offered to any person interested in completing or obtaining their GED before the diploma equivalency test changes are implemented in 2014.

The GED Testing Service in Washington, D.C., is introducing a new version of its test, on Jan. 1, 2014. Developers say the first major changes since 2002 will align the test with the new common core curricula adopted by most states to increase college and career readiness. It also will shift test-taking from pencil and paper to computer.

“My best advice for anyone considering obtaining the GED is to go ahead and enroll in GED ASAP classes now and complete the current testing,” said Adult Education Director Razell Ward. “These changes are in the process of being implemented. A GED opens doors to college, better jobs, the respect adults deserve and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential. Jobs in our area absolutely require a high school diploma or GED, so it’s vitally important.”

New items on the revamped GED include short answer items and two longer extended responses rather than the one essay currently required. Testing will also be computer-based. In addition to the high school equivalency score or current test, there will be questions on the test designed to provide a college/career ready score.

“We want to be sure that anyone who has started the current GED tests finishes before Dec. 1, 2013. GED test-takers who don’t complete and pass the five-test series before the deadline will have to start over with the new assessments in 2014,” Ward stated.

GED ASAP! is a five-week series of day or evening classes focused on various aspects of the GED test for students who may need additional academic support. Students can register for one or all the subjects based upon an assessment given by the educational staff. Some students may be able to immediately test for the GED based on the assessment. The GED assessments, courses and testing are free to the student.

A free GED open house event will be held at the Turner Adult Learning Center, 486 Turner Center Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. The event will include registration as well as intake and assessments being completed for those interested in learning more about the GED. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information on GED ASAP! and other services offered by SAD 52 Adult Education, call 225-1010 or visit www.msad52.maineadulted.org.

Intake and registration will begin the week of Sept. 9. Call 225-1010 for a registration appointment.