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Online GED Diploma Guide

General Educational Development (GED) Diplomas

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.

Other GED resources

Casio FX-260 Solar - This scientific calculator will be provided to you for use with Part I of the Math Section.  If you are unfamiliar with scientific calculators, it makes sense to review the user's manual and/or practice with the FX-260 prior to test day.

LiteracyLink - Study for your test by watching programs on your local PBS station.

American Council on Education - Website of the official coordinating body for General Educational Development certification.  Contains GED research studies and statistics as well as articles on the history of the test and its design.

 

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