Is a GED the Same Thing as a Commonwealth Diploma?
A GED and a Commonwealth Diploma represent a person's academic success at the high school level. They are not equal. The GED is equivalent to a high school diploma. A Commonwealth Diploma, specific to Kentucky, is more prestigious.
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Purpose
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The American Council on Education identifies the GED as a way to "provide adults who did not complete a formal high school program the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills." The Commonwealth Diploma seeks to encourage academic excellence, increase college attendance, establish communication between high schools and colleges, and give students the chance to earn college credit.
Benefits
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Having either diploma will increase a person's employability and assist in gaining college acceptance. The Commonwealth Diploma may give college applicants an advantage over the GED because it reflects academic rigor.
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Eligibility
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Kentucky residents aged 19 or older can take the GED. Only high school students are eligible for the Commonwealth Diploma.
Requirements
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To receive a GED, an individual must pass each of the five GED test sections. To receive the Commonwealth Diploma, students must complete at least the state's precollege preparation curriculum, four Advanced Placement (AP) courses and three AP examinations.
Cost
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Kentucky's Adult Education website lists the cost of the GED as $50 for the complete test or $25 per subtest. The cost of the AP examinations required for the Commonwealth Diploma is listed by The College Board's website as $86 each.
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