8402.1 An applicant is eligible to take the GED® tests in the District of Columbia if the applicant:

1. (a) Establishes evidence of residence in the District of Columbia, as defined in this chapter, at the time of both application and examination by presenting documentation in compliance with D.C. Official Code §§ 38-309-310;
2. (b) Has not already graduated or matriculated from a traditional high school program;
3. (c) Prior to taking each GED® subject test, demonstrates preparedness to successfully complete the test by:
4. (1) Providing documentation of the completion of the corresponding GED® subject test of the official practice test, the GED Ready®, with a result of “likely to pass” or “too close to call” for that Module; or
5. (2) Providing a letter from a GED® preparation program recognized by the State Superintendent stating that the applicant has participated in that program and is prepared to successfully complete the corresponding GED® subject test. And
6. (d) Is at least eighteen (18) years old, and meets one of the following criteria:
7. (1) The applicant has not been enrolled in a traditional high school program for a period of not less than six (6) months prior to submitting an application;
8. (2) The applicant was a member of a high school class which has already graduated;
9. (3) The applicant has officially withdrawn from a traditional high school program without re-enrollment for a period of not less than six (6) months, during which time the applicant has been enrolled in a GED® preparatory class; or
10. (4) The applicant is certified by a GED® preparation program sponsored by the government of the District of Columbia or the federal government.

8402.2 Exceptions to the criteria stated in §§ 8402.1(c) or (d) shall be approved by the State Superintendent or an authorized designee.

8402.3 Nonresidents of the District of Columbia who are otherwise eligible may apply and participate in GED® testing and credentialing in the District if they fall under one (1) of the following criteria:

(a) The applicant is currently serving as a member, or dependent family member, of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty assignment in the District of Columbia;

(b) The applicant is a trainee in a program sponsored by the government of the District of Columbia or federal government which is operated in the District of Columbia; or

(c) The applicant is a ward of the District of Columbia.

8402.4 Notwithstanding the criteria established for nonresidents in subsection 8402.3 of this chapter, the State Superintendent may waive the residency requirements of Subsection 8402.1(a) of this chapter and provide GED® testing and credentialing to nonresidents who are otherwise qualified under GED® Testing Service’s testing policies.

8402.5 The State Superintendent shall also provide GED® testing and credentialing services to persons incarcerated or confined in institutions located in the District of Columbia or operated by the District outside the physical boundaries of the District.

8402.6 Verification of an applicant’s residence in the District of Columbia by the State Superintendent shall be valid for twelve (12) months so long as the applicant has maintained residency in the District. If the applicant’s address of residency has changed since the verification of residency, the applicant shall re-establish residency in the District by presenting documentation in compliance with D.C. Official Code §§ 38-309-310.

8402.7 Notwithstanding Subsection 8402.1, an applicant that is currently enrolled as a resident student, as set forth in 5-A DCMR §§ 100 et seq., in a District of Columbia public school or public charter school’s established GED program, may provide proof of enrollment to establish residence in the District of Columbia.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking at 63 DCR 5227 (April 8, 2016); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 11048 (October 27, 2017).