Are you an adult who did not complete high school and earn your high school diploma? You can through the high school equivalency program called GED. Most colleges and universities require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent to take courses and to enroll in degree programs. We have information, tools and tips for helping you secure the GED. Follow the links below to learn more about the GED and services available to you.
Don't let the lack of a high school diploma hold you back from attaining your educational goals - take the GED! It may have been several years since you were in school. You may have left school and were never able to return for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason you can take the GED now and continue with your education and career goals.
What is the GED?
General Educational Development, or GED, is an examination program and an alternative path to securing your high school diploma. It tests your knowledge and skills to show you have high school level academic skills equivalent to those required to earn a high school diploma. A passing score on the GED will earn you the GED diploma, which is recognized by the vast majority of colleges and employers as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible to take the GED tests if you have not graduated from high school, are not currently a high school student, and are at least 16 years of age. There may be other state requirements (e.g. length of time since leaving school) which differ from state to state, so check on your home state information (links below).
How long do the tests take? How much does it cost?
The tests take slightly more than seven hours, but usually you can take it in one-two hour segments over a period of days. This varies from state to state.
The cost of the exam varies from state to state, but typically, it is in the range is $80. Many states make the exams available free of charge, so be sure to check with your state GED office.
Can I practice?
Yes, you get to practice! Free practice tests and materials are available online at the following sites:
In addition, many states offer you the opportunity to take a practice test at no charge. You may also purchase practice tests from a variety of publishers.
When and where can I take it?
You may take the GED at a GED testing facility. Use the links below to find where to take the test in your state.
Will I pass?
You need to answer about 65 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The reporting of your scores can take several weeks, by the way.
What are GED tests like?
Exams will test your knowledge in literature and the arts, writing skills, social studies, science, and math. Five separate tests make up the GED battery of tests. Test questions range in difficulty from easy to hard, and cover a wide range of subjects. All the questions on four of the parts are multiple choice with five possible answers given. Part II of the Writing Skills Tests does require you to write an essay.
The content of these tests are as follows:
-
Writing Skills, Part I (50 questions, 75 minutes)
- 15% Organization
- 30% Sentence Structure
- 30% Usage
- 25% Mechanics
Writing Skills, Part II (45 minutes)
Social Studies (50 questions, 70 minutes)
- 15% History
- 30% Geography
- 30% Civics and Government
- 25% Economics
Science (50 questions, 80 minutes)
- 45% Life Science
- 20% Earth and Space Science
- 35% Physical Sciences
Language Arts, Reading (40 questions, 60 minutes)
- 20% Comprehension
- 15% Application
- 30-35% Analysis
- 30-35% Synthesis
Mathematics (50 questions, 90 minutes)
| |
Procedural |
Conceptual |
Applications/Modeling/
Problem Solving |
| Number Operations |
Each content area will account for 20% to 30% of the entire test; approximately 20% will be in the Procedural domain, approximately 30% will be in the Conceptual domain, and 50% will be in the Applications/
Modeling/Problem Solving domain |
| Measurement/Geometry |
| Data Analysis/Statistics |
| Algebra |
|
Links to SREB State and Related Resources
Links to SREB State sites for GED information and testing locations and to other national sites of interest are included below. Simply click on the highlighted link to visit the site of interest.
Official Site of the GED Testing Service
America's Literacy Directory
National Center for Family Literacy
GED Connection
