GED, also known as the General Educational Diploma, is a diploma made for those who did not earn a high school diploma. So, only individuals who do not have a high school diploma may attempt the GED test. In order to earn a GED, you have to pass a variety of tests that test you on your skills, knowledge, and aptitude. The program started back in 1943, and since then, more than seventeen million individuals have earned this credential.
Components of the GED Exam
The GED exam consists of four different tests, each of which covers a different subject. These tests cover science, social studies, language arts, and mathematics. Within the exam, you will be presented with questions that come in a variety of formats, such as fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice questions, essays, and short answers. The purpose of the GED exam is to measure your critical thinking, ability to process information, communication, and specialized knowledge.
GED Exam Duration
In totality, the entire GED exam takes around seven and a half hours. Of course, this does not mean that you would have to give the entire exam in one sitting. If you used the GED practice test and you’re ready for the test, this one is not important. It is standard to attempt different sections of the GED exam over the course of several days. In fact, you can even choose which subtests within the GED exam you would like to attempt and when. You can also choose to attempt one section in a day or attempt several sections in a day. As for the duration of each of the four sections, the duration of science, social studies, and language arts are the same, that is, one and a half hours. The duration for attempting the GED math section is longer, that is, one hour and fifty-five minutes.
Score Requirements of the GED Exam
In order to pass the GED exam, you must score up to a certain level of points. The minimum score required in order to earn your GED is 145, that too, on every single one of the four sections of the exam. Each of the four sections is equivalent to a specific amount of raw point scores. This means that each individual question would be worth a different amount of point scores. A good example of this is questions that feature two separate drop-down options. Since such a question is asking you for two different things, you can possibly earn a score of zero points, one point, or two points. So, your raw point score will then be scaled to anywhere between 100 to 200 points.
Eligibility Criteria for The GED Exam
In order to appear for the GED exam, there are certain requirements that you must fulfill. Here is a list of all of them.
- You cannot be enrolled in a high school that is accredited.
- You must not have graduated from a high school that is accredited.
- You must not have a high school diploma.
- You must be 18 years old or more.
- You must have a valid identification card that is government issues or a social security number.
If you happen to be under 18 years of age and still want to appear for the GED exam, then you should apply for an age waiver for your particular school district. You can do so by getting in contact with the superintendent of your district. Apart from that, if you don’t currently have a social security number and want to appear for the GED exam, then the GED office will assign you with a record locator number.
What Does It Mean To Pass The GED Exam?
You might be thinking to yourself that by earning a GED diploma, you’ve essentially earned a high school diploma. Well, you’re almost right. It is known that around 95% of colleges, universities, and employers in the U.S. accept GED as a substitute for a high school diploma. So, by earning the GED diploma, you will open up your horizon to better opportunities in terms of jobs, training, and of course, higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to some common and frequently asked questions regarding the GED exam. Read the GED Math Questions for experiencing common GED questions.
How long does it take for the results to be published?
Since the GED exam is a computer-based test, your score report will be available for viewing in under three hours of having taken the test. To prompt you regarding your score, you will receive an email at the email address you used during registration.
Are there any accommodations for people with special needs or disabilities?
The GED exam is usually taken on a computer. However, a paper test is available only for those test-takers who have a disability, which prevents them from using a computer. It is important to note that this accommodation is not available for those who lack the skills to operate a computer. Apart from that, when it comes to the computer test, you will be able to change the settings for the color and contrast of the screen according to your preference. You can also increase the size of the font of the GED exam if need be. Each accommodation for the test is considered on a case-by-case basis, which includes providing extra time, a separate room for testing, and extra breaks. If you would like to request for any type of accommodation, you will be provided with the opportunity to do so while your test is being scheduled. Use GED book before the exam, to get ready for the test.
What time should I arrive at for my GED exam?
It is recommended that you arrive at least a half-hour before the time at which your test is scheduled. This will allow you to have ample time to complete all of the procedures of checking in. It is also important to note that if you arrive fifteen minutes after the time of your scheduled exam, you will not be permitted to appear for your GED exam; there are also no refunds. This is why it is best to arrive early.
What should I be expecting once I arrive?
Once you’ve reached the location and checked in, you will be provided with three note boards that are erasable. If you choose to attempt several sections in one day, you will be given a ten-minute break before the test of the next section starts. It is recommended that you schedule a lunch break if you are appearing for more than one section.
You can find help with GED math section in GED Math Cheat Sheet page.