How to Find My GED Certificate
A General Education Development certificate, or GED, is a high school equivalency test that--once passed--indicates you possess knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma. There are more than 3,400 GED testing centers around the world. You can take a GED test at a local testing center, on military bases if you are active duty personnel, or if you are incarcerated in prison. The American Council on Education writes the GED tests and keeps an extensive list on how you can locate a copy of your GED certificate if you need a replacement copy.
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Things You'll Need
- Zip code assigned to the area where you originally took the GED exam
- Year exam was taken
- Exact location of original testing center, if known
- Required fee, if applicable
Instructions
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Locate the zip code of the testing center--or city if the exact testing center is unknown--where you originally took your GED exam. You area may contain multiple testing centers.
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Insert your zip code in the appropriate box on the American Council on Education webpage for locating testing centers if you are a civilian and took the test as a civilian (that is, nonmilitary or not incarcerated at the time you took the exam). You will receive a list of testing centers located within your zip code.
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Contact the testing center or centers provided by the American Council on Education (ACE) webpage. Confirm their location and hours of operation. Explain that you are seeking a replacement GED certificate. They should be able to tell you the exact process for requesting your certificate through their specific testing center.
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Visit the ACE website if you are or were active in the military at the time you took the test. On the ACE website you will need to review the various methods for locating your testing center. Military personnel who took their exams before or after certain dates will need to contact specific military agencies for their certificate. The ACE website will walk you through the dates and related contact information.
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Complete the transcript request form if requested if you are or were in the military at the time you took the exam. Not all military personnel need to complete this form. It depends on the year in which you took the exam. A $14 filing fee is required with this form.
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Contact the prison where you were incarcerated at the time of your exam if you are an inmate or former inmate needing a copy of your GED certificate. GED programs are offered in most correctional institutions, and those institutions will help you locate you certificate. The ACE website also contains information for prisons seeking replacement GED certificates.
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Contact the GED administrator in your state if you have problems locating your testing center. The contact information for GED administrators in various states is located on the ACE website. Military personnel and inmates can also contact their respective GED administrators for assistance.
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Tips & Warnings
You can call the American Council on Education directly at 202-939-9300.
Filing fees for replacement GED certificates may apply at certain testing centers. Contact your local testing center to inquire about a fee before visiting the center to request your certificate.
