PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Some former South Dakota prison inmates recently earned their GED certificates, thanks in part to changes in the testing and scoring process.

Prison officials say a state panel recently approved a scoring realignment for the GED test, bringing South Dakota's requirements in line with 48 other states. Passing scores were also made retroactive to July 1, 2009, making some inmates who had since been discharged from prison eligible to receive a GED certificate.

Inmates entering the state prison system who lack a high school diploma are required to work toward completing their GED while incarcerated so they have a better chance of getting jobs when released. The General Equivalency Development tests measure high school equivalency.

Officials say 167 South Dakota inmates completed GED certificates in the year ending June 30.

More From KYBB-FM / B102.7