GED Testing
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GED Topics
GED OnlineGED Test Information
What is the GED?
GED is short for General Educational Development, though it is also often thought to be an acronym for General Equivalency Diploma or General Education Diploma. Each of these refers to the same thing, a test given individuals in the United States and Canada who did not receive a high school diploma. By taking and passing the GED test they are able to certify that they have high-school level academic skills. The test is developed by the American Council on Education.
GED Test Requirements
To take the GED test one must be at least 17 years. One must also pay a GED testing fee which is set by the test's jurisdiction. The test is only given in pencil and paper format, so taking the roughly seven hour exam in person is required. Fortunately there are over 3000 locations to take the exam in the United States alone.
GED Test Components
The GED is a battery of five tests; Language Arts (Reading), Language Arts (Writing), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Each test awards a score between 200 and 800, with 800 indicating the test taker's knowledge is comparable to that of the top 1% of graduating high-school seniors. Most jurisdictions require students to obtain a score of 410 on each of the five tests and an overall average of 450 per test to pass the GED battery.
GED Language Arts (Reading) Test
The Reading portion of the GED is a 40 question test taking a maximum of 65 minutes. The test consists of seven, 300-400 word passages. The test taker must read the passages and answer questions to demonstrate reading comprehension. The passages come from a variety of fiction and non-fiction sources.
GED Language Arts (Writing) Test
The Writing portion of the GED is a two part test. The first is a 50 question test on sentence structure, sentence organization, usage and mechanics. There are 75 minutes available for this section of the test. Test takers are expected to read sample sentences then correct or improve the text.
The second portion is a 45 minutes essay on an assigned topic. Generally the remaining time from the first portion of this test may be used to supplement the 45 minutes. The goal of the essay is to demonstrate the ability to organize thoughts, develop ideas and show knowledge of sentence structure, grammar and punctuation.
GED Mathematics Test
The Mathematics portion is 90 minutes, split into two equal parts. The first differs in that test takers can use calculators issued by the testing center. The second portion does not allow calculators. Test takers are asked a series of multiple choice and grid based questions. These questions cover mathematical disciplines including geometry, statistics, algebra, measurement and others.
GED Science Test
The Science portion of the test is 80 minutes covering physical science, life science, space and earth science. The 50 multiple choice questions test the candidate's ability to interpret tables, graphs, diagrams, charts and text. The questions focus on testing those skills a scientifically literate adult should be able to understand and perform in academic and professional settings.
GED Social Studies Test
The Social Studies portion of the test is 70 minutes and 50 questions in length. This section covers topics such as economics, geography, government, history and civics. Candidates read short passages and answer multiple-choice questions.
GED Preparation
There are many ways a candidate for the GED can prepare for the battery of GED tests. Local adult education centers are a valuable resource. Often they have materials or live courses available. If not, they will be able to refer a candidate to a respected source, such as private GED preparation courses or community college programs.
For those preferring self-paced GED preparation to instructor led courses, a variety of online GED test prep programs exist. Many cable broadcasters even provide programming on demand.
Online GED Testing
There is a lot of confusion around the ability to take the GED test online. Put simply... you cannot take the GED online. Only online test preparation courses are available. The GED test must be taken in person at a certified GED testing location.
GED Language Options
In addition to English, the GED is offered in Spanish and French language versions. For those with special needs, Braille, audio and large-print versions are also available. Please contact your selected testing center ahead of time if any of these versions will be required.