How to Take the GED Exam

Take advantage of the many resources to help you pass your GED exam.

GED or General Educational Development tests are for individuals who have not finished their high school education. Universities and employers recognize candidates holding a GED diploma or certificate as having knowledge and capabilities equal to that of a high school graduate. As such, a GED credential enables candidates to pursue their career and higher education dreams without letting the lack of a regular high school credential be a deterrent. If you are an aspiring GED candidate, utilize the many resources available to you to succeed in the program.

Instructions

1. Find your local testing center. Official testing centers are state-designated venues to disseminate relevant and up-to-date information on GED tests to you. The Testing Center Locator tool on the American Council on Education website (acenet.edu) gives you addresses and contact details of all testing centers close to you.

2. Contact your testing center and find out if you are eligible to take the test. Basic conditions require you to be at least 16 years old, withdrawn from your high school and currently not enrolled in any high school program. You must also meet state or jurisdictional requirements for age, residency and dropout period. You can also visit the American Council on Education website to learn about your legal requirements.

3. Find out from the testing center if your jurisdiction offers free GED testing. In some states such as Connecticut, Arkansas and West Virginia, free GED testing is available provided you meet eligibility conditions. Inquire about fee details and application procedures as they differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

4. Prepare for your GED. The test covers five areas -- English, mathematics and science, along with social and language arts with both reading and writing. GED preparation programs are available in local community colleges, adult education centers and other learning centers. Speak to your jurisdiction's Preparation Contact to find out about such programs. A list of Preparation Contacts by state is available on the American Council on Education website.

5. Benefit from free online resources. GED for Free (gedforfree.com) and the Study Guide Zone (studyguidezone.com) offer free study guides across GED subject areas. Take free practice tests available on the Test Prep Review website (testprepreview.com) to evaluate your subject strengths and weaknesses.

6. Take the exam. Testing scores may be sent to you by mail, check with your testing center. Request official transcripts from your testing center.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to subscribe to GED Connection provided by PBS LiteracyLink and Kentucky Educational Television. By doing so, you can watch GED broadcasts on most PBS channels.

References

• American Council on Education: FAQ
• Arkansas.gov: Arkansas Department of Workforce Education Three Capitol Mall
• Connecticut State Department of Education: GED Eligibility, Registration and Fees
• West Virginia Department of Education: GED
• American Council on Education: Preparing for the GED Tests

Resources

• American Council on Education: Locate a GED® Testing Center
• American Council on Education: GED Jurisdictional Testing Policies
• American Council on Education: GED Preparation Contacts by State