| If you plan to take the GED Test soon, you'll | | | | are also a good way to acquaint you with the |
| want to know how the exam is scored and what | | | | timing of the test and how the test is structured. |
| score you'll need to earn your GED, the common | | | | What's the most difficult part of the test? |
| term for the General Education Development | | | | Difficulty is based on an individual's abilities, skill |
| credential. | | | | strengths and weaknesses. But most people say |
| The GED Test is actually a series of five tests, or | | | | the math and writing portions of the test are |
| a five-test battery, with a total of 7.5 hours | | | | hardest, and scores reflect this opinion since the |
| allowed for all the tests. The test series covers | | | | overall passing rate is less for these tests. So it's |
| social studies, science, language arts-or reading | | | | important to understand both test expectations in |
| and writing, and math. The math tests cover | | | | these areas and how these sections are scored. |
| basic number operations, basic algebra and | | | | You'll want to really examine and understand your |
| geometry, along with analysis of charts and data. | | | | skill strengths and weaknesses in these areas. |
| All tests are multiple-choice except part two of | | | | How does the GED score compare to a high |
| the writing test, where an original essay is | | | | school diploma? |
| required. | | | | The GED tests are standardized and normed |
| About GED Test Scores | | | | using a national random sample of graduating high |
| Passing scores for the GED Tests may vary | | | | school seniors. To pass the GED tests, a |
| slightly from place to place. But overall, most | | | | candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that |
| locales have adopted the scoring standard set by | | | | meets or exceeds that demonstrated by 60 |
| the American Council on Education, the | | | | percent of graduating high school seniors. In other |
| administrative agency for the GED. | | | | words, 40 percent of graduating high school |
| The standard scores for the GED tests range | | | | seniors wouldn't pass the GED tests. So once you |
| from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800 | | | | pass the GED Test, you have an excellent |
| on each test. To pass, 60 percent is required. This | | | | credential. It's reflective of high school proficiency |
| means you'll want to score at least 410 on each | | | | and more, since what's tested is the ability to |
| GED test to pass it, and achieve an overall score | | | | apply knowledge, and not just remember it. The |
| of 450 for the five-test battery. The score for | | | | GED test requires that you show what you |
| any single test can't be less than 410, but the | | | | know, not what you should know. |
| average of all the scores must be at least 450. | | | | Taking the Test |
| These means if some scores are lower than 450, | | | | Once you're ready, you'll take the GED test at an |
| other GED tests need to be well above 450 so | | | | official test center. You may want to contact |
| that the scores for all five GED tests average out | | | | your test center early, to ask for a clear |
| to a minimum of 450. | | | | definition of scoring for your locale or state. The |
| Essay Scoring | | | | centers are located in all major cities across the |
| The original, two-page essay is scored differently, | | | | U.S. and Canada. For a list of test sites, click Here |
| and accounts for about 40 percent of the overall | | | | Beware: Even though some companies and |
| Language Arts-Writing Test score. Scoring is | | | | schools claim to offer the GED Test or a GED |
| based on the written response to a prompt. The | | | | online, it's not possible. The GED is not given |
| score arises from a combination of measures, | | | | online, only at official test centers. International |
| including essay effectiveness, organization, idea | | | | testing is also available. However, practice tests |
| development and how focused your essay is to | | | | can be ordered online and are probably available in |
| the prompt. The essay is also measured on | | | | your local bookstore. |
| appropriate English mechanics such as grammar, | | | | Getting Your Score - and Using It! |
| punctuation, your choice of words and sentence | | | | Once you've taken the test, you'll receive your |
| structure. Basically, this means that the score is a | | | | scores in the mail. If you pass some parts and fail |
| twofold result: | | | | others, you can retake only the portion, or |
| 1. How well can you make your point, remain | | | | portions, you failed. You won't be required to take |
| on-topic, focused and create an impression with | | | | all the tests again. But before retaking a test, be |
| your words and ideas? | | | | sure and study - take a class, relearn and practice |
| 2. Do you have a good basic command of the | | | | skills. You'll also want to check with your testing |
| language and its structure? Is your use of | | | | center to determine if there's a waiting period |
| language proper? | | | | before retesting and if your center limits the |
| What's the pass/fail rate? | | | | number of times you can retake tests. |
| Almost half of the people who take the GED fail | | | | Resources |
| the first time. The most common reason for | | | | PassGED is an online community with free |
| failing the GED is not studying the right things. The | | | | resources and support for GED students, |
| better prepared you are for the GED test, the | | | | instructors and programs sponsored by |
| greater your chances of doing well. | | | | businesses, nonprofits and government. Free |
| You may want to take an authentic GED practice | | | | information and resources include test advice, |
| test first, which will give you an idea of your | | | | study guides, student support, financial aid and an |
| scores and help you identify areas for study - | | | | online message board for students and teachers. |
| before you take the actual test. Practice tests | | | | |