GED: General Educational Development Test
Introduction
The General Educational Development test (GED), evaluates the academic knowledge which students normally acquire by completing a typical high school program of study. The test is administered in America and Canada on paper and/or a computer. GED test is essentially the equivalent of a high school diploma. Some eligibility requirements may vary from state-to-state. Students can take the GED exam if they are over 18 years of age or within 60 days of turning 18. If however, students are no longer enrolled in high school, they must be within 60 days of the date they would have been expected to graduate and at least 17 years old. Incarcerated individuals age 17 or older may also take the exam. Read more to find details on GED exam online, GED mock test, GED study guide and GED practice test.
Why take the GED?
The GED test provide candidates over age 16 the opportunity to earn a certificate or diploma that is widely recognized and accepted by colleges and employers as the equivalent of a high school diploma. Often this credential is essential to obtain a job and enhance further career opportunities.
Test Structure
The GED consists of five sections: language arts, writing, reading, social studies, science and mathematics. The test consists of 240 multiple choice questions and includes a timed essay on an assigned topic.The GED test takes approximately seven and a half hours to complete. Some testing centers offer the test on just one day while others spread it across three different days.
| Focus Areas |
Coverage |
Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Arts, Writing, Part I | Sentence structure, appropriate usage of vocabulary and mechanics of writing. | 50 | 75 minutes |
| Language Arts, Writing, Part II | The essay is a writing exercise to determine how well candidate's can write providing proper reasoning, logical flow and examples supporting their arguments and ideas . | 1 essay | 45 minutes |
| Social Studies | Requires understanding of the subject areas including history, geography, economics and civics by interpreting/ reading passages, analyzing graphs, tables and others. | 50 | 70 minutes |
| Science | Requires understanding of subject areas including life & physical science, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physics by interpreting and analyzing scientific data. | 50 | 80 minutes |
| Language Arts, Reading | This includes understanding information from sources such as newspapers, magazines, novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and business or legal documents. | 40 | 65 minutes |
| Mathematics - 2 Parts | This includes algebra, geometry, number theory, data analysis, and probability. Part I of the exam allows the use of a calculator; Part II does not. | 50 | 90 minutes |
Tips to Prepare for GED
- Take Test Prep Courses: The
best way for students to increase their GED scores is to take
regular prep tests and courses offered through community colleges and
local test centers in their area.
- Invest in a GED Study Book:
Students should consider buying or borrowing a GED study guide or book
to become familiar with the instructions, questions and
organization of the test.
- Use GED Connection on PBS: a stand-alone multimedia learning system that helps learners advance and improve their GED test taking skills. The system combines video programs, print, and online computer technology to help students develop strategies and practice for GED exam success.
Score
The GED is scored on a scale of 200-800 points. Each section is scored from 200-800 points, and the average of the five sections is then taken to get the overall score. In general, candidates need to score at least a 410 on each section and at least 450 overall to pass the entire test.
Fees
The cost of the GED for test-takers varies depending on the state. Up-to-date information regarding a particular area's current testing costs can be found by contacting the local testing center or the department of education. Local test centers most often consist of community colleges and public schools within the area.
Registration
Registration for the GED generally requires
more than just filling out forms. Most districts require candidates to
take a pre-test prior to registering, to ensure that the candidate is
ready and prepared for the test. The pre-tests generally consist of a
math section and questions from one other section based on the
candidate’s choice, with the exception of essay writing. The tests
generally consist of 25 questions that are similar to those asked on the
actual GED, but without a time limit. Students in most school districts
must correctly answer 15-20 questions before being allowed to register
for the GED.
After satisfying the pre-test qualifications, candidates can register
for the GED exam by submitting their application forms and other
required documents.
The application process for the GED is
determined by the jurisdiction (state, territory, etc.) students are a
resident in and where they will be taking the test. Typically, students
first need to contact their jurisdiction's GED office and submit an
application. It generally takes between 1 to 2 months from the
time applicants apply until they can actually take the test.
Test Dates
GED is offered periodically throughout the year. Students can contact their state's GED office for further information.