Essential Guide to the GED Certification

The General Educational Development (GED) is a standardized testing program developed through a collaboration between North American educational authorities and Pearson. It assesses knowledge across four key subjects. Successfully passing the GED grants a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma recognized in North America and Canada.

Often mistaken for "general education degree" or "general education diploma," the GED abbreviation officially stands for General Educational Development, as designated by the North American Council on Education. The exam evaluates proficiency in science, math, social studies, reading, and writing.

Achieving a GED allows individuals who couldn't complete traditional high school to obtain an equivalent credential. The tests are accessible in English, Spanish, and French (Canada). There are accommodations such as large print, audio, and braille for candidates with disabilities. Military personnel can also access testing options on bases. Outside the US and Canada, eligible candidates can take the exam via Pearson Vue testing centers. The minimum age for test-takers is 16 or 18, depending on the state.

Preparation materials for the GED are available online, including practice tests and study guides. However, the exams are only administered at authorized testing centers and are not available online. The exam features multiple question formats, such as multiple choice, drag-and-drop, hot spots, fill-in-the-blanks, and written responses. Subjects include math (covering algebra and problem-solving), science (earth, physical, life, space sciences), social studies (US history, economics, geography), and language arts (reading, writing, reasoning). Each section has specific time limits, e.g., math (150 minutes), social studies (70 minutes). Test fees vary by state but typically cost around thirty dollars; retakes are available at discounted rates.