For the first time in Virginia, adults hoping to receive a GED will be able to take the test online.

The Virginia Department of Education is offering the computer-based test in Chesterfield and Augusta counties.

Anyone who is interested in taking the test online could register at the GED testing service website or with the call center at 1-877-EXAM-GED.

But there is a big difference in store - the current paper and pencil version of the test is $58, but the computer-based test will cost you $120.

Staunton Augusta Adult Learning Center Program Coordinator Janita McNemar said the good news is you will be able to register online 24/7, and receive immediate feedback.

She said on January 1, 2014, the paper and pencil version of the test will no longer be available.

"We would like to encourage adults who have non-passing scores or incomplete scores in the 2002 version of the test, which is the current version, to come back and finish that version of the test. Retake any subjects that they need to retake to get passing scores between now and the end of 2013, so that they can earn their GED credential," said McNemar.

McNemar said the learning center writes a grant that the state sponsors called "Race to the GED" which usually allows them to pay for tests for those who pass the practice test with them.

It has not come out yet, but the learning center anticipates that it will have this provision in it.

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