General Educational Development - GED*

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The Tests of General Educational Development, or GED Tests, are a battery of five tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has high school-level academic skills. To pass the GED Tests and earn a GED credential, test takers must score higher than 40 percent of graduating high school seniors nationwide. Some jurisdictions require that students pass additional tests, such as an English proficiency exam or civics test.

The GED is sometimes referred to as a "General Equivalency Diploma" or "General Education(al) Diploma." These and other improper references to the "GED" trademark are not authorized by the American Council on Education, which develops the tests and sets the rules for their use. Jurisdictions award a "Certificate of General Educational Development" or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements.

Only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED Tests. Pre-testing and registration requirements vary widely by locality. Some jurisdictions require GED candidates to take a pre-test or answer other questions. A toll-free number sponsored by the GED Testing Service provides specific information about rules in effect at each Official Testing Center, as well as information on scheduling, hours of operation, and preparation classes: (800) 62-MY-GED. The website also offers an online Testing Center locator.

Structure

The five tests which comprise the GED test battery are: Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; Language Arts, Reading; and Mathematics. Most questions are multiple-choice, although an essay and fill in the grid questions are also required. Local policies determine whether students must take all five tests in one day. Many locations divide the tests into two or more days, and testing sessions are not always consecutive. An individual can find out local testing policies and schedules by calling (800) 62-MY-GED.

Testing centers are most frequently located in adult education centers, community colleges, or public schools. Official GED Testing Centers are controlled environments. All testing sessions take place according to very specific rules, and security measures are enforced. Breaks may be permitted between tests, depending on how many tests are being administered in a session. There are approximately 25 different editions of the GED Tests that may be in circulation. This measure helps catch test takers who may be cheating. As with any standardized test, the various editions are calibrated to the same level of difficulty.

Scoring

The maximum score a person can earn on an individual test within the GED battery is 800. The minimum score is 200. A score of 800 puts the student in the top 1% of graduating high school seniors. ACE sets a minimum passing score. However, jurisdictions may require tougher standards if they choose.

In most jurisdictions, students must earn a minimum score of 410 on each of the five tests, as well as an overall average of 450 or above. Many jurisdictions also set score requirements for earning an honors diploma. Some districts hold graduation ceremonies for GED Tests passers, and award scholarships to the highest scorers.

If a student passes one or more but not all five tests within the battery, he or she need only retake the test(s) he or she did not pass. Most places limit the number of times students may take each individual test within a year. The GED credential itself is issued by the state, province, or territory where the test taker lives.

Approximately 95% of colleges will accept GED graduates, though they will typically require them to take the SATs and/or ACT. Many colleges, especially public institutions, also offer scholarships and other forms of financial aid specifically for GED recipients in order to help them finance their education.

Preparing

In the United States, federal and state Adult Education programs have been in operation since the 1960s. These programs are governed by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, which pledges to help U.S. adults complete secondary school. Through Adult Education, free or very low cost classes are available in every state and territory. In adult education classes, students review familiar high school material. They also get formal instruction in the subjects that they have not covered. Students in these classes often use traditional high school textbooks, go to class, and complete homework assignments. Visit the America's Literacy Directory for help in finding a class or search College Kingdom and select Adult Education as a Program Type.

Individual tutoring is also available in some areas. Some commercial tutoring centers may offer preparation for the GED Tests. Students can also prepare for the tests on their own. Many GED preparation books on the market offer practice questions, test-taking tips, and guidelines to help students determine areas for improvement. In addition, the GED Testing Service produces the Official GED Practice Tests. Some jurisdictions require a person to take and pass the Practice Tests before sitting for the actual GED Tests. Persons who do not pass the Practice Tests often must complete a remedial course in the failed area(s) before they can apply again to take the tests.

We recommend that you explore all free or low cost options before purchasing a commercial GED test prep product.

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