Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that since waiving the GED testing fee in his first term, more Kentuckians without a high school diploma are earning their GED, with a success rate that is higher than the nation as a whole.

“There are multiple paths to a good life, which is why Lt. Gov. Coleman and I made it a priority to help more Kentuckians earn their GED – a goal we’re continuing to find new ways to meet,” Beshear said. “From waiving the testing fee early in our administration. to recently announcing we’re taking GED testing on the road to areas without access, we’re committed to ensuring every Kentuckian who wants to take this next step has access.”

Since January 2020, 25,269 Kentuckians, 99 percent of all Kentucky GED test takers, have taken advantage of the free GED promo to begin their path toward earning their high school equivalency certification. In the last state fiscal year alone, 3,106 Kentuckians obtained their GED, a 2.5 percent increase over the number of GED diplomas obtained during the previous state fiscal year period of July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.

Beshear also noted that not only are more Kentuckians taking the GED exam, but they are also passing the exam at a higher rate than the rest of the country. With a state GED pass rate of 78 percent, Kentucky is exceeding the current national GED pass rate of 74 percent.

“As a former teacher, I know the transformative impact a high school diploma or GED diploma can make in a person’s life. I’m so happy to see more of our fellow Kentuckians take this first step to a brighter future,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. “Gov. Beshear and I made a promise that this would be an education-first administration. We are seeing through that commitment every day, removing barriers to the GED, advocating for Pre-K for All and treating teachers with respect.”

In addition to GED test preparation courses, services offered by the Kentucky Office of Adult Education include English language instruction, upskilling to get or keep a job, family literacy programs and preparing for postsecondary education.

These adult education services are available in all 120 counties. Learn more about Kentucky adult education opportunities at kyae.ky.gov.