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How to Know if You Have a Valid GED

February 25, 2020

Updated 09/15/2020

The GED test is a second chance for people who didn’t receive a formal high school degree to earn their high school credentials. Having a valid GED provides an opportunity to move forward in life like going to college or opening the door to a wider variety of careers.

Do Fake GED Certificates Work?

Unfortunately, there are diploma mills out there that try to take advantage of those who want their GED certificate and only provide fake tests and certificates. Fake certificates hold no value. Therefore, if students use a fake GED credential or high school diploma, they can get kicked out of school or lose their job. It is definitely not worth the risk. A real GED is worth it.

Additionally, sometimes these certificates are purchased intentionally, while other times people purchase them as victims of a scam. That’s why it’s important to know ahead of time how to prevent purchasing a fake GED certificate. Here are five tips to help avoid getting fooled by a faulty GED website. 

1. Online GED Tests Are Only Administered on GED.com

GED tests are given to those eligible – you must reside in a participating state and score “green” on the GED Ready practice test. You can find everything you need to know about the official Online Proctored GED® test here. Be aware of other sites that are not affiliated with GED and offer a quick, often fake GED credential.

2. They’re Attached to Non-Accredited Online High Schools

While some school districts are moving toward online schools, there is a difference between an accredited program from a school district that is working with high school age students, and an online high school that is promising it can give you a GED diploma when you complete. Be careful when dealing with online schools and fake programs.

If you want to know if the program you’re looking to join is accredited and can provide you with a GED certificate, a simple search online may provide you with the answer and provide you with reviews. If that doesn’t work, consider getting in touch with a local college or community college. You don’t have a real GED certificate if they don’t accept the certification. 

3. They Offer a Test “Based On” the GED Test

A legitimate GED test is never going to be “based on” the GED test. It is not the real deal if there is any wording in the test that distances it from the official GED test.

4. They Try to Sell You Your GED Diploma

You should never be able to buy a GED certificate without taking the test. If you pay to skip the test, then you do not have a legitimate certificate. 

Do not be confused by having to pay to take the test. The official GED test is not free to take unless you reside in a state that currently offers free or discounted testing. You can find out what your state charges for the test by visiting the state policy pages. It’s not official if you did not go to a testing center or take it through GED.com.  

Earning a Valid GED Certificate

If you’ve discovered your certificate is a fake, then you should get a real GED credential. For example, it’s a lot like having a fake driver’s license. It isn’t the same as having a real one and you can run into trouble for being in possession of it. 

Fortunately, it is possible, and worth your while, to earn your GED certificate the right way. Therefore, by taking the time to prepare for the test, you can pass and receive a valid certificate. Once you earn your GED certificate the right way, you will be on your way to a better future without having to look over your shoulder. 

 

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