About At-Home GED Courses

The GED test is administered by the American Council on Education

The American Council on Education, or ACE, is the official proctor of the GED test. According to ACE, the official GED test cannot be taken online. It must be completed at an official testing center. ACE warns potential GED test takers to be wary of any online GED program and to only take the GED test at an official ACE testing center.

Online Courses

Though there is no official online testing for the GED test, there are many websites dedicated to preparing test takers. Most preparation websites offer GED practice tests, but this is a buyer-beware situation. Since the official GED is only administered by ACE, there is no telling how accurate the online practice tests will be.

Television Based Programs

Kentucky offers an at-home GED study program, called GED Connection. The Kentucky program uses a pre-test to help determine where the student needs the most work. The program also incorporates the Kentucky Educational Television station, requiring students to watch 39 videos, each of them 30 minutes long. The program fee also include workbooks, a practice test and telephone tutoring. For students outside of Kentucky, the agency offers its workbooks for sale by calling 1-800-354-9067.

Books

There are hundreds of books on the market claiming to be a GED student's best chance of passing the test. These books are usually very thick and read like a high school textbook. Prices for GED books range from $15 or $20 up to $100 or more.

Computer Software Programs

Many of the GED books on the market come with companion software programs, but there are also several programs on the market that offer the student an opportunity to purchase only the software CD-ROM or the software CD-ROM and study cards. Just like the books, prices can vary from $15 to $100.

Warnings

Online high school diploma programs are often unaccredited, meaning that the diploma is not recognized by many employers or colleges. Before paying for any at-home, diploma-style courses, check with the state Department of Education to make sure that the school is accredited. If taking the actual GED exam, confirm that the testing center is recognized by the Department of Education by searching for it on the ACE website or by calling the state Department of Education office.

References

• American Council on Education; Truth About GED® Testing Online
• Kentucky Department of Education: GED Connection Kentucky GED® Study at Home Program