| The GED is the General Education Development | | | | |
| credential. For adults who never finished | | | | Why do some people pass easily, and other |
| high school, statistics show it's adult | | | | people fail? |
| learners' best alternative to a high school | | | | |
| diploma. | | | | Some people seem to pass the GED test the |
| | | | first time they take it, without studying. |
| The first GED Tests were developed in 1942 to | | | | It's likely that they are good test-takers, |
| help war veterans finish their basic | | | | and they can remember lots of knowledge from |
| education. Today, there are more than 39 | | | | high school. But since one out of three |
| million adults in the US who don't have a | | | | people don't pass, this is the exception to |
| high school degree. For them, the GED is the | | | | the rule. To pass the first time, most people |
| best solution to advance in education, a job | | | | really need to spend some time getting ready |
| or career, and to build financial security. | | | | for the test. |
| | | | |
| But many people don't understand the GED and | | | | How do I increase my chances of passing? |
| the process of how to get it. As a GED | | | | |
| instructor, curriculum developer and | | | | The best advice is to study as much as |
| volunteer online forum moderator with | | | | possible for the GED test. The biggest reason |
| Essential Education Corporation and PassGED, | | | | people don't pass it the first time is that |
| I've answered hundreds of questions from | | | | they don't prepare well enough. What this |
| students. It's likely their most common | | | | means is that you'll probably need to spend |
| questions and answers will be helpful to | | | | time relearning some of the skills and |
| people who need more information about the | | | | knowledge you've forgotten since high school. |
| test and the testing process. | | | | But don't panic. If you do a little studying |
| | | | in the right areas, you can pass it. |
| What does the GED actually test? | | | | |
| | | | It's also a good idea to get familiar with |
| The GED is a set of five tests, which | | | | the test, so you know what to expect and to |
| measures knowledge of math, science, social | | | | increase your test-taking skills. Taking some |
| studies, reading and writing. For the | | | | GED practice testsis a good idea. It will |
| science, social studies and reading tests, | | | | show you how the test works, give you an idea |
| you need to be able to read a short passage, | | | | of a score and help you identify areas where |
| and then answer questions that show you | | | | you most need to study. |
| understand the information that's given. | | | | |
| | | | What's the best way to study? |
| These tests mostly measure your ability to | | | | |
| make evaluations and inferences in the | | | | Taking some classes is always a good idea. |
| material. | | | | Most communities have classes through their |
| | | | local high schools, community colleges or |
| The math test requires knowledge of basic | | | | universities. But often it's hard to fit them |
| number operations, very basic geometry and | | | | into your schedule, especially if you have |
| algebra and some data analysis. You'll also | | | | job and family obligations. And lots of my |
| want to know how to use a scientific | | | | students have problems with childcare and |
| calculator, since part of the test allows you | | | | transportation. If going to a class is a |
| to use one. | | | | problem, you can find some GED study-at-home |
| | | | programs andonline GED classes that allow you |
| The writing test has two parts. The first is | | | | to work at your own pace, on your own |
| a multiple-choice test about the mechanics of | | | | schedule. Just make sure the online education |
| English usage. The second is an essay test, | | | | you choose is the real thing - lots of |
| and you'll write based on your background and | | | | companies are out there that promise bogus |
| experiences. | | | | diplomas after simple online tests. |
| | | | |
| What's a passing score on the GED test? | | | | You can also get preparation books, study |
| | | | guides and GED practice tests, which will |
| That's the big question, right? The standard | | | | help you get ready for the GED test. Many are |
| scores for the GED tests range from a minimum | | | | available online, but your local library or |
| of 200 to a maximum of 800 on each test. To | | | | community college may offer GED materials |
| pass, you must score about 60% on each test, | | | | through loan programs at no charge. You may |
| which translates to a score of at least 410 | | | | also find materials in your local bookstore. |
| on each GED test to pass it, and an overall | | | | Chances are, stores that sell used books, or |
| average score of 450 for the five-test | | | | even thrift stores will also have some GED |
| battery. This means that your score for any | | | | test prep books. |
| individual GED test cannot be below 410, but | | | | |
| if you get some that low, you need other GED | | | | Where do I take the GED test? |
| tests to be well above 410 so that the scores | | | | |
| for all five GED tests average out to at | | | | The GED tests are given at official test |
| least 450. | | | | centers in all major cities across the U.S. |
| | | | and Canada. Even though some companies or |
| Each question on the GED test equals one | | | | schools claim you can get your GED online, |
| point. You can miss one out of three | | | | you can't. The GED is not given online, only |
| questions, and still pass the GED. | | | | at official test centers. International |
| | | | testing is also available. |
| The essay portion of the test is scored | | | | |
| differently, and readers score it based on | | | | More Resources |
| your writing ability to use language and your | | | | |
| word choices. | | | | You can find test site information at passGED |
| | | | to help you locate your local official test |
| What's the pass/fail rate? | | | | center, at |
| | | | |
| On average, two out of three people who take | | | | Source for online practice tests: |
| the GED Test pass. The better prepared you | | | | |
| are for the test, the greater your chances of | | | | Study hard, and good luck on your GED! |
| doing well. | | | | |