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What is a GED?

August 12, 2019

You may hear other meanings for GED such as Graduate Equivalency Degree or General Educational Diploma. However, GED traditionally stands for General Educational Development Test. 

After graduating from high school, you will receive a diploma. A diploma is a document stating you’ve completed all the required courses to graduate. Some students in high school are close to finishing and getting a diploma, but don’t quite get there. In those cases, students can take a series of tests that will indicate whether or not they have a high school level of education. This is known as the GED test. 

Want to learn more about earning your GED credential? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Earning your GED is worthwhile, and we’re here to help you discover more about what a GED is, the process of earning one, and how it will benefit your life further down the road. Check out the video below and keep reading for more information. 

 

About the GED

The GED test has four main areas of testing:

  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Reasoning Through Language Arts
  • Science
  • Social Studies

You will take four separate tests that together make up the entire GED exam. Each test takes at least one hour, and you must get a certain score in order to pass. You can schedule one test at a time or all four at once.

View Test Subjects

What a GED Can Do for You

Passing the GED exam will earn you a state high school diploma and recognition that you have a high school level of education. 

If you’re hoping to get a better job or higher degree, the GED is recognized and accepted by nearly all U.S. colleges, employers, and universities. Passing the GED exam can give you better opportunities for work in the future. And don’t think that you’re alone in preparing for or wanting to earn your GED: there are 20 million GED graduates around the world.

Who Can Take the GED Exam?

In order to take the GED, you can’t be enrolled in high school and must be at least 16 years old. If you meet these qualifications, you are eligible to take the test. 

How Do You Take the GED Exam?

The GED exams are administered in-person at an official GED testing center, but online testing could also be available. Each state has multiple certified locations where you can go and take your tests. You will need to schedule a testing time online at GED.com before you can take the exam. In preparation for your tests, you can take local GED classes, live online classes, and see practice tests, questions, and test previews.

Earn Your GED Today

Earning your GED is possible—more than 20 million people have received theirs and you can too! The doors and opportunities it will open for you will be life-changing. Click here for more information about preparing to get your GED.

 

 

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Live and recorded classes will take you through every topic on the GED test and experts are available to answer questions.

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