Submitted by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Malden, Missouri - Three Rivers College will host the General Education Development (GED) Test in Malden this April. The exam will be offered at the Three Rivers Center at Malden on Saturday, April 20, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. The registration period for this test closes on April 17.

 "Three Rivers main campus in Poplar Bluff normally offers the GED test one Saturday each month," said Diane Patterson, coordinator of the Testing Center at Three Rivers College. "We're offering this so that people in surrounding areas can have a chance to take the GED closer to home."

 Those interested in taking the test should contact the Testing Center for an information packet, which includes the testing application and step-by-step instructions. The Testing Center can be reached by phone at 573-840-9667, or by email atdpatterson@trcc.edu.

Students must be at least 17 years of age to apply for the test, and must submit their application with a $20 application fee to the state. Upon receipt of the application, the state GED office will send the student an authorization form and candidate's responsibility sheet. Students must also complete the eight-page demographics form, available at the Poplar Bluff Adult Education and Literacy Center, and where other GED classes are offered, such as the Harry L. Crisp Bootheel Education Center in Malden.

 Students must submit their state authorization form, candidate's responsibility sheet, completed demographics form, and a $20 testing fee to the Three Rivers Testing Office prior to the test registration deadline on April 17, making the total cost of taking the GED $40. No paperwork or walk-ins are accepted the day of testing. Mailed paperwork must be in an envelope large enough not to bend or fold the forms.

 Those interested in taking GED classes before the test should call the Poplar Bluff Adult Education and Literacy Center at 573-686-2011, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The center is located next to the Crisp Technology Center on the Three Rivers main campus.

 "Students are not required to take classes before taking the test, but it could be beneficial in passing the test the first time around," said Patterson. For more information on registering to take the GED, contact the Three Rivers Testing Center.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.