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.
The GED test has four main areas of testing:
You will take four separate tests that together make up the entire GED exam. Each test takes at least one hour, and you
The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four subject tests which, when passed, provide certification that the test taker has United States or Canadian high school-level academic skills. It is an alternative to the US high school diploma, as is HiSET. The GED Testing Service website currently does not refer to the test as anything but "GED".
The American Council on Education (ACE), in Washington, D.C. (U.S.), which owns the GED trademark, coined the initialism to identify "tests of general equivalency development" that measure proficiency in science, mathematics, social studies, reading, and writing. Passing the GED test gives those who do not complete high school, or who do not meet requirements for high school diploma, the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency credential, also called a high school equivalency development or general equivalency diploma. It is called the GED in the majority of the United States, Canada, or internationally. In 2014, some states in the United States switched to alternate exams, the HiSET and TASC.
The GED Testing Service is a joint venture of the American Council on Education. Pearson is the sole developer for the GED test. The test is taken on a computer and in person. States and jurisdictions award a Certificate of High School Equivalency or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements.
In addition to English, the GED tests are available in Spanish and in French in Canada, large print, audio, and braille.Tests and test preparation are also offered to persons incarcerated and on military bases in addition to more traditional settings. Individuals living outside the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories may be eligible to take the GED tests through Pearson Vue testing centers. Utah's Adult High School Completion program has been used as an alternative for individuals who opt to earn a diploma
