Achieving a GED certificate requires preparation but can unlock numerous opportunities. If you did not complete high school in the United States, acquiring a General Educational Development (GED) credential can enhance your prospects for better employment or higher education. Equivalent to a high school diploma, the GED is earned by successfully passing its comprehensive exam, which consists of four subjects. Typically, three months of preparation are recommended. The GED exam covers four distinct tests, each focusing on a specific subject. During registration, you have the option to take all four tests at once or spread them out over multiple sessions. The four subjects include:
- Mathematical Reasoning: Encompasses quantitative problem-solving and algebraic concepts.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: Assesses reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Science: Evaluates knowledge in the physical sciences and life sciences.
- Social Studies: Tests understanding of history, geography, economics, and civics.
Step 1: Research State’s GED Requirements
The initial straightforward step towards obtaining your GED is to review your state’s requirements. Generally, eligibility includes being at least eighteen years old and not currently enrolled in high school. Fees and retake procedures differ by state, with some states permitting testing at the age of sixteen or seventeen. Before embarking on the path to obtaining your GED, it is crucial to confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria. In most jurisdictions, individuals qualify for the GED if they:
- Are at least 16 years old (specific requirements may vary by location).
- Are not currently enrolled in high school.
- Have not graduated from high school.
It is essential to verify the specific eligibility requirements in your area, as they can vary.
Continue Reading: Can I Take my GED at 16?
Step 2: Create a Free GED Account on the GED Website
To initiate the process, you must designate an email address and generate a password for your GED account. Make certain that your password is different from your email address and complies with the following requirements: it must be a minimum of eight characters in length, incorporate letters, and include at least one symbol or number. Once you have entered your email address and password, proceed to click on “Create account” to finalize the setup.
Step 3: Choose Testing Option: Testing Center or Online GED Testing?
Afterward, you will be guided to choose your testing location, whether it’s within a state, another country, or falls under the category of “other countries” if your preferred testing site is on a US military base. Once you’ve made your selection, click on “Continue.” You can choose to register for online GED testing, which is now conveniently accessible! Online GED testing empowers you to take the GED test from the comfort of your own home.
Here’s how the Online GED Test operates:
- Perform a system test to ensure your computer, webcam, and internet connection meet the required standards for online testing.
- Schedule your online test within 60 days of achieving a ‘green’ status on a GED Ready practice test.
- Log in to GED.com 30 minutes prior to your test appointment to initiate your test.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to check-in for your test, which involves verifying your system, I.D., and workspace.
- Take your test while an online proctor observes, mirroring the monitoring process at a traditional test center. If you require help with your online GED test, consider hiring expert GED test takers from Takemygedtest.com to take the test for you.
Check this out: How GED Online Works
Step 4: Prepare for the GED Exam
Subsequently, gear up for the test. The typical timeline for GED exam preparation is around three months, contingent on your existing knowledge base and study routine. Numerous resources are accessible online through the GED Testing Service, and local adult education centers also offer courses. Practice tests can prove beneficial. Some states mandate the completion of an official GED preparation program. Effective preparation is fundamental for success on the GED exam. Leverage the array of study materials at your disposal, including:
- Official GED Practice Tests: The GED website furnishes official practice tests for each subject, offering a realistic preview of the exam format and content.
- GED Study Guides: Numerous study guides and review books are available to assist you in revisiting key concepts and formulating effective study strategies.
- GED Classes and Online Courses: Consider enrolling in GED classes provided by local adult education programs or explore online courses tailored to prepare individuals for the GED exam.
- Tutoring Services: If certain subjects prove challenging, contemplate seeking the guidance of an expert GED tutor who can offer personalized support and assistance.
Step 5: Schedule your GED Test Online
You can complete the registration process either before, during, or after your preparation for the test. Register and submit the fee via the GED Testing Service or at a nearby learning center. The GED Testing Service website enables you to establish an online account, specify the subjects you intend to take, make separate payments for each subject following your state’s fee structure, and pick a convenient day and time for your online GED test.
Step 6: Take the Test
The subsequent step involves taking the test on your scheduled exam online or at the testing center. The test is conducted through a computer station. If opting to complete all four GED sections, a total of seven and a half hours is required for the test. Alternatively, the exam can be taken one subject at a time. It’s beneficial to be aware of the different timeframes allocated for each section:
- Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes
- Language Arts: 150 minutes
- Social Studies: 70 minutes
- Science: 90 minutes
Test-takers with learning disabilities, handicaps, or vision impairment can request special accommodations to facilitate their testing experience.
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Step 7: Get Your GED Score
Following that, it’s time to review your score. The scoring process is entirely automated, and results can be accessed within 24 hours of completing the test. The passing score requirement is 145 on each section (150 in New Jersey) or a total score of at least 580. GED test scores are categorized into three groups to demonstrate your preparedness for employment or college courses:
- A score of 145-164 is considered a passing score, indicating the attainment of high school diploma equivalency with a skill set comparable to that of an average graduating senior.
- Scoring in the range of 165-174 signifies being “college ready,” suggesting readiness for certain college-level courses and the potential to bypass remedial courses and placement tests.
- Achieving a score between 175-200 denotes a “college ready + credit” score, implying that the test-taker may qualify for up to 10 college credits.
Step 8: Get Your GED
Following successful completion of your test, the subsequent step is to acquire your GED and leverage it to enhance college and employment prospects. Official documents are issued through your state of residence, and the GED diploma and transcript can be dispatched to your home. Each state has distinct policies for transcript retrieval, and these details can be found on the GED Testing Service site. These transcripts are essential for college applications or when completing scholarship applications. Armed with your newly obtained GED diploma, you can explore opportunities and commence planning for a promising future.