The General Education Development (GED) Test
The General Education Development Test (GED) consists of a battery of five tests designed to certify skills and knowledge equal to that of a high school education. Anyone who has not received a high school diploma in the United States, Canada, or their territories may attempt the test. Most employers, colleges/universities, and financial aid or scholarship programs that require a high school diploma will accept a passing score on the GED as an equivalent. The tests cover the subjects of Language Arts with Reading, Language Arts with Writing;, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. It is recommended that you study these areas to prepare for the tests. Additionally, many local facilities offer preparation courses for the GED online.
The Language Arts with Writing test has 40 multiple choice questions followed by an essay question, while all four of the other tests contain 50 multiple choice questions. Each test is timed, but if you finish the multiple choice portion of the Language Arts with Writing test early you may go ahead to the essay portion. Completing all of the tests will take a total of 7 hours and 5 minutes. Some locations may allow you to take each of the five tests at different times.
It may take a few weeks’ time to receive your GED transcript after you complete the test. The transcript will contain two separate sets of numbers - your standard scores and your percentile rankings. To obtain the standard score, results of each of the five test sections will be converted to a score between 200 to 800 with the total score resulting from the average of the sections. You must score at least a 410 on each individual test and have a total score of 450 to pass. The percentile is based on the performance of graduating high school seniors. You must additionally exceed the 60th percentile on all five tests in order to pass.
If you do not pass every portion of the GED you may take one or more of the parts again. Different locations may have additional requirements for anyone who does not pass the GED Test on their initial attempt. These may include an additional fee, waiting for several months to retake the test, or showing proof of having taken preparation courses.
The GED must be taken in person and cannot be taken online. Many facilities have ways to assist the disabled or impaired. The test is available in English, Spanish, French, and English-Braille. It can be taken at any official GED testing center in the United States and Canada or their territories. Call (800) 62-MY GED (800-626-9433) or enter your zip code at www.GEDtest.org/locator to find the closest Official GED Testing Center. Outside of these areas, you may be able to take the test at a Prometric testing facility. Information for how to best contact the Prometric testing facility closest to you can be found through their website at http://www.prometric.com/TestTakers/ContactUs/default.htm. Cost to take the GED varies by location, so contact your local Official GED Testing Center or Prometric testing facility for details.