What is the GED?
The GED (General Educational Development) certificate serves as an alternative to a high school diploma, particularly for individuals who did not complete their high school education. It signifies that you possess a knowledge foundation equivalent to that of a standard high school graduate. Obtaining your GED can be advantageous when applying to colleges or seeking employment opportunities that necessitate a traditional high school diploma. Some colleges assess the GED test score to evaluate eligibility for specific courses.
How to Earn a GED
Obtaining your certification entails successfully passing the four official GED tests. To do so, you need to schedule your exams directly through the GED Testing Service. You have the flexibility to study for the GED either independently at home or at an education center. For those who find self-directed study challenging, joining a GED class or enrolling in a program is an option. The GED test can be taken online at home or at an official testing center. If you register for the online GED test and you require help, you can hire someone to do the GED test for you. Hire Expert now!
GED Test Section
The GED consists of four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Each subject has its dedicated test, and you have the flexibility to take them individually, not all at once. This allows you to prepare for GED test subjects at your own pace.
- Mathematical Reasoning: For the GED math test, you need to focus on topics such as basic math, geometry, basic algebra, graphs, and functions. The math section comprises two parts, lasting 115 minutes with a three-minute break in between. Memorization of formulas is unnecessary as you’ll have access to a formula sheet and an on-screen calculator. Utilizing a GED math study guide can enhance your understanding of these topics.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: The Reasoning Through Language Arts GED test covers reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, language, and grammar. This test spans 150 minutes and consists of three parts, including a written essay in the third part. A 10-minute break is provided between parts two and three.
- Social Studies: The GED social studies test encompasses reading for meaning in social studies, analyzing historical events and arguments, and using numbers and graphs in social studies. The social studies test lasts for 70 minutes without a break. A GED social studies study guide can be beneficial in preparing for this subject, introducing you to potentially unfamiliar topics.
- Science: A GED science cover reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting science experiments, and using numbers and graphs in science. The science GED test consists of a single section lasting 90 minutes.
How is the GED Scored?
The results for each GED test are derived by taking the raw score and converting it to a standardized metric ranging from 100 to 200 points. This standard scoring system ensures that all GED subject tests share a common minimum passing score of 145 points. To obtain your GED credential, achieving a passing score for each subject is essential, with a minimum score of 145 points. Any score of 144 or lower in a subject indicates a non-passing result. However, it’s crucial to remain optimistic, as multiple retakes are permitted for any subject.
Successfully passing the GED test requires attaining a minimum of 145 points on each of the four subject tests, ensuring a cumulative score of at least 580 out of a potential 800 points. Each subject test must be passed individually, necessitating a score of at least 145 points on each test section. Even if you pass other subjects and accumulate a total score of at least 580 points, failing one subject test would still lead to an overall test failure. Read more.
How to Study and Prepare for GED Exam
Studying for the GED exam, whether through online or in-person tutoring, can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been out of education for a while. Here’s a guide to kickstart your GED studies and enhance your chances of success.
- Allocate Three Months for GED Preparation: The GED Testing Service suggests dedicating two or three study sessions each week for three to four months to adequately prepare for the test. The duration may vary based on your recent educational experience. Whether you aim to pursue further education or enter the workforce, earning an official GED credential opens up more opportunities. Since there are four distinct sections to cover, creating a well-defined study plan is crucial. This allows you to allocate sufficient time to the areas that require focused attention. With consistent and committed study, you set yourself up for success in the GED exams.
- Take a Practice Test: It’s beneficial to take at least one GED prep test to acquaint yourself with the test formats and assess your readiness. The GED Testing Service provides free sample GED practice tests for each subject on their website. Additionally, they offer the GED Ready Test, a paid version closely mimicking the real exams. After completing each test, GED Ready provides insights into your likelihood of passing the actual test and suggests study materials to improve your score.
Pre-testing assists in identifying subjects that require more attention, helping you determine where to invest additional study materials. For instance, if your science test score is low, you might consider purchasing a GED science study guide. Similarly, if you encounter challenges in social studies, allocate more of your preparation time to that specific subject.
Continue Reading: Top Tips to Prep for the GED