GED stands for General Education Development. The GED exam as administered by GED Testing Services covers four subject areas that certify if a student has high-school level academic skills. A passing score qualifies the student for a Certificate of High School Equivalency in the United States and Canada.
The GED exam in the U.S. now follows the 2014 testing standard. This test covers the following areas: Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Reasoning through Language Arts. It is anticipated that the Canadian GED standard will also be updated in or around 2015.
Taking the GED
Who can take the GED?
- Anyone who is 16 years of age or older on the day of testing may be eligible to take the GED test
- You are not enrolled in high school
- You have not graduated from high school
- You meet state, provincial, or territorial requirements regarding age, residency, and the length of time since leaving school
Are there testing accommodations for people with special learning, physical or emotional needs?
Yes. To request accommodations, please contact the testing center you plan to go to at least 30 days before you plan to test. The testing center must submit documentation to state GED office requesting accommodations. The accommodations can include, but are not limited to, additional time to complete the test, one-on-one testing sessions, or a schedule break. The GED test is also available in braille, audio cassette, and large print.
▲ back to topIs the GED test administered in any other language?
The 2014 GED is currently offered in three languages; English, Spanish, and French. Although there are many test centers that administer the exam in Spanish, there are some that do not. Contact your local testing center for additional information.
▲ back to topHow many times can I take the GED test?
You may take the GED test three times a year. There is no set time between when you can take retake the exam. If you are retaking the GED, it's always best to get additional study and preparation time to be prepared. There is an individual test fee each time you retake the test.
▲ back to topIs keyboard speed important?
No. You do not have to have the ability to type fast. As long as you are familiar with the keyboard you will be able to complete the test.
▲ back to topWhere can I take the GED test?
There are GED Testing Centers across the United States and around the world. Use the Test Center Locator to find one near you.
▲ back to topHow long do I have to complete a test in HSEpathway?
Lessons and Quizzes are un-timed, but clocks are present in each practice tests to better simulate a more realistic test-taking environment. Ultimately, you have as much time as you like to complete each one.
▲back to topPreparing for the GED
How can I prepare for the GED?
Preparation is an important component of any major test. You probably have gained some knowledge and skills through life experiences, reading, and informal training, but remember that the GED is made up of five test that take more than seven and a half hours to complete. You can prepare for the test by studying the materials that are available at most local libraries and bookstores, and of course through our products: HSEpathway for U.S. test takers, and GEDpathway for those in Canada. There are also preparation programs you can sign up for in your area.
▲ back to topAre there any student guides to assist me?
There are many resources to help you prepare for the GED test. You can do online preparation with HSEpathway, your local library, one-on-one assistance, or the quick links provided below.
▲ back to topWhere can I purchase HSEpathway and SkillsCompass?
For individuals, we now offer our products on GEDmarketplace. Purchase HSEpathway at GEDmarketplace. Volume discounts are available as well for universities and other group purchases. Please contact us to learn more about our options.
▲ back to topGED 2014
The previous version of the test, called GED 2002, is being phased out in favor of a new version called GED 2014.
▲ back to topWhat are the differences between GED 2002 and GED 2014?
There are 5 major differences between the two:
- GED 2014 has several new question types including hot spots, drag and drops, short answers and extended responses.
- The test is only administered through a computer; there will be no paper based testing. It is important for students to have some keyboarding skills.
- The new GED focuses on knowledge and skills most strongly correlated with success in career and college. This is based on the Common Core Standards, which are being implemented throughout k-12 across the country.
- Overall, there are several new item types:
- Fill in the blank
- Drag and Drop
- Hot spot
- Multiple select
- Short answer
- Extended item response
- Depth of Knowledge
- Additionally, the 2014 GED test requires test takers to have prior knowledge and skills in order to successfully complete the test. This means the student must possess background information in different subjects, i.e. social studies and science.
How hard is the test?
The test is sequenced with today's high school standards. The difficulty level required to pass the GED today is the same level that is required to pass in high school.
▲ back to topWhat is the passing score for each content area on the GED?
The score for passing each content area is based on a scale of 100 to 200. You must receive a 150 on each content area to pass.
Is the GED equivalent to a high school diploma?
98% of colleges and universities in the U.S. and 96% of employers recognize the GED test to be equivalent or well exceeding high school proficiency.
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