GED Eligibility
Hard times, both personal and financial, may force you to drop out of high school. You still have the opportunity to take the General Educational Development Test (GED) to receive your GED credential (the most widely-spread high school equivalency credential). Even though your GED is not a high school diploma, some employers, colleges, universities and other organizations accept this equivalent in place of a high school diploma.
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History
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The GED program began in 1942 according to the American Council on Education (ACE). The purpose of GED testing was to support World War II soldiers and veterans. This test gave individuals the opportunity to assimilate back into civilian life, as well as the chance to attend a university or college. New York was the first state that accepted the GED as a high school equivalent credential. Now GED credentials are awarded in all 50 states, Canada, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and insular areas.
Eligibility
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If you have received your high school diploma, or are currently enrolled in high school, you are not eligible to take the GED test. As long as you meet state, territorial or provincial requirements regarding age (the typical age requirement is 16, but can vary), residency and the length of time in which you left school, you are eligible to take the GED test. It is not required, but recommended that you speak with a counselor before you decide to drop out of school and take the GED test, to determine if this option is best for you and if you have the level of academic skill needed to pass the test.
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Testing Areas
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There are five testing areas you must complete and pass in order to receive your GED. Math, science, reading, writing and social studies are those five areas of study. In addition to test questions that you must complete, you are responsible for writing an essay, which assesses your ability to write and communicate effectively. To pass the GED test, you must have a combined testing score of 2,250, with a score of 410 or better in each testing area.
Re-Testing Eligibility
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You are given seven hours and five minutes to complete the test. It can take several weeks to receive your test scores. If you do not pass the GED test, you are permitted to re-test. However, you may be required to wait several months before re-testing. You may also be required to attend a preparation course and provide proof of attendance before you are eligible to re-take your GED test.
Online Testing Eligibility
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GED testing is not available online. According to ACE, there are over 3,400 testing centers around the world. Contact the National Institute for Literacy to locate the nearest testing center to you. Some websites falsely advertise online testing. Do not submit your personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, banking account, credit card numbers, or any other valuable information.
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