GEDs provide adults who are not high school graduates the
opportunity to earn a high school level diploma. GED diplomas have been
issued since 1943 and are
identical to those from high schools in terms of how they can be used.
With your GED you'll find you qualify for a variety of new occupations.
It's likely you'll get more promotions and make more money. Should you
choose, you'll also be able to
attend college.
GED tests
In order to obtain your GED diploma you must take and pass the GED
test. Over half a million Americans take the test each year. About
70% pass.
GED tests are divided into 5 sections. Each section lasts 90 minutes.
| Test section |
Content |
Comment |
|
|
|
| Language Arts |
Writing, Part I |
50 multiple choice
questions |
Paragraph organization;
sentence structure; use of verbs and pronouns; punctuation and
spelling |
| |
Writing, Part II |
Write essay |
45 minutes;
2 lined pages provided plus scratch paper |
| Social Studies |
|
50 multiple choice
questions |
U.S. history; world
history; geography; civics and government; economics |
| Language Arts |
Reading |
40 multiple choice
questions |
Comprehension of
workplace and literary materials |
| Science |
|
50 multiple choice
questions |
Physics; chemistry; life
science; earth and space sciences |
| Mathematics |
|
|
Understanding
numbers; geometry and measuring; data and statistics; algebra. 80%
of questions in both math sections are multiple choice. |
| |
Part I |
25
questions |
A calculator
is provided |
| |
Part II |
25
questions |
Calculator cannot be used |
|
GEDs are administered at test centers across the U.S. To find the
center
nearest you click here or call
800-228-8813.
|
GED preparation
GEDs are not life experience tests. They
are based on the material taught in high school. So succeeding on
the test means mastering that material.
While GEDs can be taken more than once, it is
important to study in advance. You can prepare by taking classes locally,
studying online, and/or reviewing a prep manual.
Selected GED preparation
manuals
|
Passing
requirements When you take the GED you will receive a
standardized score between 200 and 800 on each of the five test sections. Your total score
will be the sum of your section scores. The passing requirements in most
states are a minimum of 410 on each section and a minimum total score of 2250. This means to pass
you must average at least 450 across all sections AND not score below 410
on any section.
|
|
|
Cracking the
GED 2010 (Princeton Review)
- Based on what actually appears on the GED. Covers the most
recent test changes. Includes 2 full-length practice tests.
Master the GED
2010 (Peterson's)
-
Contains exercises and drills on every question type in all five sections.
Features 5 full-length practice exams.
The GED For Dummies
- Nervous about taking the GED? Here's a good
resource for getting the hang of standardized tests and determining your weak
areas. Offers plenty of advice-- how to register and prepare, what to take with you to the test, even
how to dress. Includes 2 complete practice exams.