How to Take Your G.E.D

General Educational Development, better known as a GED, is equivalent to a high school diploma. Upon passing a GED test, a person is awarded a certificate, which will be suitable for acceptance to colleges. According to Education Portal (reference 1), 97 percent of colleges and universities will accept a GED for students who did not complete high school. The specific ways in which to earn a GED vary by state, but the basic steps are the same throughout the country.

Things You'll Need

• Study materials
• Identification
• Proof of residence
• Pencils and pens

Instructions

1. Find a facility that plays host to GED testing. More than 3,500 testing centers are available in the U.S. and Canada, most of which are in public schools, according to Education Portal. To obtain assistance with locating the nearest facility, call the GED hot-line, at [phone] (reference 1).

2. Qualify within your specific state or providence. Although qualifications vary by state, the general requirements say you must be at least 16, or in some cases a minimum of 18 years old, and have not graduated high school.

3. Go to the testing facility or download an application online in order to register for the GED. The completion of the registration must be done in person and will include payment and verification of identity. Each state will vary with fees and exact registration procedures. Education Portal says the following procedures are common among most testing facilities: register in person, pay up front, fees range from $10 to $70, verify your identity by showing a valid ID, Social Security card, and proof of residency. (reference 1)

4. Study for the GED exam by purchasing study materials which are available online as well as local bookstores. According to Education Portal, two online resources for studying include: GED Online, a forum for students preparing for GED exams. You will find practice tests and interactive study guides and email support. (resource 1) Pass GED's website also offers practice tests and will show your scores as actual GED test scores. (resources 2)

5. Report to the testing facility the day of your exam, approximately 30 minutes prior to start time in order to check in. Remember to bring pens and pencils, however most other items will not be permitted into the testing area. According to Education Portal, the GED testing facilitator will not allow any unnecessary items to be brought into the testing area. All items can be confiscated and then returned upon exiting. (reference 1).

References

• Education Portal

Resources

• GED Online
• Pass GED