GED Training
The General Educational Development exams are a series of tests written and administered by the American Council on Education. Passing scores on the GED qualify you for a high school equivalency diploma, which in turn allows you to apply to college or pursue other endeavors that require a high school education. The exams are not remedial, but rather test a variety of subjects in both breadth and depth on a 12th-grade level. Most people who take the GED tests find that they need some sort of training or preparation beforehand.
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The GED Exams
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The GED is a series of five exams, which you might take on one day or on separate days, depending on where you live. The subjects of the tests are Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. The tests are graded on a scale of 200 to 800. In most states, you to score a minimum of about 410 on each test and have an overall average of around 450 to qualify for the diploma.
Local Requirements
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Each American state and Canadian province has its own requirements for attaining a high school diploma and therefore for attaining a GED certificate. The minimum passing scores vary from state to state, and some require an additional test on local history and civics. For example, you might need to take a test on your state constitution. When you register to take the GED exams (which you must do locally, through your nearest adult education center or state Department of Education), you will receive detailed information about any additional requirements and how to study for them. In most cases, you will have a choice to study in person in adult education courses, to study with online tutorials, or both.
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GED Classes
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A personal way to train for the GED is to take a GED course at your local adult education center or community college. Your state's Department of Education can provide a list of all official GED training centers in your area, which often provide free services. In most states, you will first have a meeting with a counselor to determine eligibility and whether the classes will meet your learning style and scheduling needs. When you enroll for the course, you will receive the reading materials you need and learn the subjects in a classroom setting.These courses resemble high school in that the teacher will guide you through the curriculum and you might have homework; you will be in class with other people who, for one reason or another, have left the traditional high school setting. Many, have serious responsibilities, such as full-time jobs or children, and the teacher will understand the need for flexibility.
Study Online
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Many companies provide online GED study materials, either for free or a fee. The benefit of studying online is that you can complete the curriculum at your own pace, on your own schedule. The disadvantage is that studying independently takes more discipline and motivation.
Some states offer their own online tutorials, but you can register for them only after you have met in person with a GED counselor, who will help you determine whether this is the best method for you; many students combine in-person coursework with online studies.
Scams claim to allow you to take GED exams over the Internet; however, exams are valid only if taken in person.
GED Connection
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GED Connection is a program officially sanctioned by the American Council on Education that allows you to study at home for the GED using a combination of videotapes and reading material. The classes on the videotapes are broadcast on many PBS stations.
Books
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Many books are available that can help you prepare for the GED. The books usually include an overview of the curriculum explained in plain English, test-taking strategies and practice exams. Practice exams in the books are often more difficult than the real tests.
Practice Exams
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The College Board releases practice tests which you can use to figure out how much more training you need and in which subjects. The practice tests also allow you to experience test-taking conditions, helping you feel more familiar with and less nervous about the exams. The practice tests are half as long as the actual test and are administered at official GED training centers (the same ones that offer GED courses). You do not have to be enrolled in a GED course to register for practice tests.
You can also order a full-length practice test to take at home by calling 800-289-4490 (in the United States) or 800-387-7278 (in Canada).
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References
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