Kentucky Plans to Deliver GED Services via Mobile Devices at 25 Locations Spread Statewide, Including Kenton County, Without Internet Access
Kentucky is taking a significant step to address educational disparities in rural and remote regions by launching a GED Mobile Testing Unit initiative [1][2][4]. This program, a partnership between the Kentucky Office of Adult Education’s Lifelong Learning Branch, GED Testing Services, and Pearson Vue [1], aims to provide adult education services to 25 counties identified as “GED testing deserts” due to the absence of brick-and-mortar adult education facilities [1][2][4].
**Target Areas and Itinerary**
The mobile units are scheduled to visit counties such as Adair, Barren, Breathitt, Caldwell, Christian, Green, Hancock, Hopkins, Kenton, Knott, Lee, Leslie, McLean, Metcalfe, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Rockcastle, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, and Wolfe [1]. These selections were made based on data analysis, site visits, and community feedback, focusing on areas where transportation and logistical barriers are significant [1].
**Unit Setup and Logistics**
Each mobile unit is equipped with 11 laptops and noise-canceling headsets, staffed by a certified Pearson Vue test administrator [1]. Local adult education providers coordinate with the mobile unit to supply testing locations and ensure a minimum of three test-takers per visit [1]. All equipment, scheduling, and travel costs are fully covered by the state, removing financial barriers for participants [1].
**Breaking Down Barriers and Providing Comprehensive Support**
The primary benefit of the program is the removal of transportation and proximity barriers that have historically prevented rural residents from accessing GED testing [1]. By bringing the test directly to communities, the initiative significantly increases the likelihood that adults in these regions will pursue and complete their high school equivalency certification [1][3].
Beyond testing, the initiative ties into a broader network of adult education support, including GED preparation, English language learning, job upskilling, family literacy, and college readiness—all available statewide [1]. This holistic approach helps ensure that passing the GED is just one step toward further education and employment opportunities [1].
**Economic and Social Impact**
The program is expected to yield better-educated citizens and increased family self-sufficiency, creating a “return on investment” for both individuals and the state [3]. Since Kentucky made the GED free in 2020, over 25,000 residents have participated in the initiative, and more than 14,000 have earned their GEDs [1]. The mobility of the program further expands this impact by reaching populations previously left out of traditional testing centers [1].
**National Recognition**
Kentucky’s model has been praised as “transformative” by GED Testing Service leadership, positioning it as an innovative national example for increasing equitable access to education [1].
**Key Program Features**
| Feature | Details | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Target Areas | 25 rural counties lacking brick-and-mortar adult education facilities | | Equipment | 11 laptops, noise-canceling headsets per unit | | Staffing | Certified Pearson Vue test administrator | | Coordination | Local adult education providers secure locations & ensure participation | | Costs Covered | Equipment, scheduling, travel—all state-funded | | Additional Services | GED prep, language learning, job upskilling, family literacy, readiness | | Impact | Increased access, better-educated workforce, family self-sufficiency | | Partners | Kentucky Office of Adult Education, GED Testing Services, Pearson Vue |
Kentucky’s GED mobile unit program is a proactive, community-centered solution that directly addresses the unique challenges faced by rural and remote adult learners, with tangible benefits for individuals, families, and the broader economy [1][3].
Prior to January 2020, many individuals likely would not have completed their GED due to the cost of the tests. The local adult education provider is responsible for providing a location for the mobile unit and ensuring that at least three testers are present for each scheduled testing date. Test-takers can use the free GED promo multiple times as they work to complete all four components of the GED test.
Since January 2020, 25,269 Kentuckians have started their path toward earning their high school equivalency certification using the Free GED promo. Dr. John Gregory, executive director of the Office of Adult Education, commended Kentucky's innovative solution to address the problem of testing deserts. C.T. Turner, president of GED Testing Service and vice president of Pearson Enterprise Learning and Skills, applauded Kentucky's launch of the mobile GED testing unit, calling it a transformative step toward making education accessible to everyone. Gov. Andy Beshear believes that access to education is key to a brighter future for all Kentuckians.
More information about Kentucky adult education opportunities can be found at [kyae.ky.gov](http://kyae.ky.gov).
- The GED Mobile Testing Unit initiative in Kentucky, a collaboration between the Kentucky Office of Adult Education, GED Testing Services, and Pearson Vue, is not only focused on education but also on personal growth and learning, aiming to offer services in 25 counties that were previously education-and-self-development deserts due to the absence of brick-and-mortar facilities.
- The economic impact of this program is significant, as it is expected to produce better-educated citizens, thereby increasing family self-sufficiency, leading to a "return on investment" for both individuals and the state.
- Beyond the GED testing, the initiative is linked to a broader network of services, including English language learning, job upskilling, family literacy, and college readiness, emphasizing the importance of learning and its role in personal and economic development throughout Kentucky.
