Places to Get GEDs
The General Education Development (GED) test was developed as a high school equivalency test so soldiers coming back from World War II could have an opportunity to attend college. The GED credential is accepted in all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as in Canada. The test has five parts: social studies, science, mathematics, language arts/reading and language arts/writing. There are several options for preparing for the test.
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Taking the Test
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The GED is developed by the GED Testing Service, a program of the American Council on Education. Eligibility requirements to take the test differ from state to state. Each state has testing centers scattered throughout it; these are the only places the test can be taken. These centers set the price and the dates for the test; you can search for a center near your location on the American Council on Education website (see Resources). Depending upon the center, the 7.5-hour test can be taken in a single sitting or in chunks. The test is available in English, Spanish and French. It cannot be taken online. However, beginning in January 2012, the same test available in written form also will be available at test centers in a CBT (Computer-Based Testing) format. At that time a new, more rigorous test will be introduced.
Video Practice
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The PBS (Public Broadcasting System) LiteracyLink Project offers pre-GED and GED-level practice. The pre-GED segment is aimed at adults with a sixth- through eighth-grade reading level. It consists of a series of workbooks that supplement videos broadcast by local PBS stations. The 39 videos are a mixture of material for both pre-GED and GED students. Internet activities, coordinated with the videos and practice tests are available upon registration on the website (see Resources).
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Online Practice
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The American Council on Education has sample questions in each GED content area. The Literacy Link Project has two tests in each area. These tests are timed. If time runs out, you can continue the test. At the end of the test, you receive your score and other summary information. If you choose, you may then go back and look at your answer choices, but you are not allowed to make changes. Private companies also offer free GED practice tests online.
Taking a GED Course
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Many adult education centers throughout the country offer GED courses. The Literary Information and Communication System (LINCS) has an online database of centers that allows you to search for centers and schools that offer courses in your area (see Resources). The database is customizable; you can search for specific subject matter, whether parking is available, days of the week instruction is given or many other options. The dates, times and cost of the test preparation courses vary by center.
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References
Resources
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