GET Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below is a list of questions students most frequently as about the General Education Test (GET). If you have additional questions, please call the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment at (573) 681-5995.

What is the General Education Test (GET)?

Lincoln University currently uses the ETS Proficiency Profile (PPT) - Abbreviated Form as the General Education Test (GET). The Proficiency Profile is a nationally normed, standardized examination designed to measure students' acquired abilities, academic skills and achievement in the general education area (writing, reading, critical thinking, and mathematics). The Proficiency Profile is a 36-item multiple-choice examination that requires 40 minutes for completion. To learn more about the Proficiency Profile, click here, and to view sample questions, click here.

Yes. Each student pursuing their first Bachelor's degree is required to take the General Education Test (GET) after the successful completion of 75 or more credit hours (including transfer credit). The only exceptions are for students who have already received a bachelor's degree, are in the BSNC program, or who are pursuing only an associate's degree. Students pursuing both an associate's and bachelor's degree are required to take the exam.

Yes. Transfer students are required to take the General Education Test.

Students who have already taken the Proficiency Profile and can provide a copy of their score report to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (108 Young Hall) will not have to take the exam again.

Students will be notified via campus e-mail of this requirement and when to take the GET in the appropriate semester.  Students who receive a notification e-mail must register for the GET. Students may register by completing the registration form sent with the notification e-mail and returning it to 108 Young Hall or may use the On-Line Registration Form. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to limited seating capacity, it may become necessary to close one or more of the testing sessions should they become full.

Please call (573) 681-5995 for assistance.

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment begins sending out e-mail notifications of the test requirement including dates and times approximately one month in advance of the test sessions. Please make arrangements to be present at one of the test sessions. Lists of students present at a GET exam session with dates, times, and student names will be sent to faculty. Any faculty who does not receive the e-mail from our office should verify GET attendance with our office by phone, (573) 681-5995, or e-mail. If a student needs a written excuse for any other reason it will be provided (upon request) at the conclusion of the test session.

119 Stamper Hall (computer classroom).

You must bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license) or Lincoln University student ID.  You will not be allowed to test without a photo ID. All other materials will be provided.

For some sample questions, click here.

The test score is based on the total number of questions answered correctly; therefore, there is no penalty for guessing.

What happens if I don't finish the test before time runs out?

We strongly encourage you to try to answer all the questions because the test score is based on the total number of questions answered correctly. As previously stated, there is no penalty for guessing.

Does my score on the General Education Test (GET) affect my graduation?

No. Completing the test is a requirement for all students seeking their first bachelor's degree, but there is not a certain test score required. At this time, your test score will not be recorded on your transcript, however, test scores are entered into the student information system and group data is used to help LU assess student learning outcomes.

How can I view my score?

Yes. Immediately after testing you will receive a score. Following the exam, student scores and percentiles will be entered in the Student Information System (Colleague) and are viewable in WebAdvisor under Academic Profile - Test Summary.

What will happen if I don't take the General Education Test (GET)?

A student who fails to take the General Education Test (GET) during the appropriate semester will be denied permission to register for the succeeding semester or, if in the final semester, will be restricted from graduating until arrangements are made, at the student's expense, to take the examination required.

What is the difference between the General Education Test (GET) and the Major Field Test (Senior Exit Exam)?

The General Education Test (GET) is required of all students pursuing their first bachelor's degree regardless of discipline; all students take the same test. Major Field Tests are discipline specific and each test is different. Some disciplines use nationally normed standardized exams while others use locally developed exams. The General Education Test (GET) is administered by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. Major Field Tests are administered by the academic departments. Some academic departments use the ETS Major Field Test, so students in those departments can use the same online account created to take the GET to take the Major Field Test in the future.