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Taking The GED Tests

Almost all well-paying jobs require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you never finished high school, then getting a GED should be your first step.

The GED stands for the General Equivalency Diploma. It is equivalent to a high school diploma. Earning a GED can allow you to enter college or to apply for some jobs. Having the equivalent of a high-school diploma ultimately benefits YOU and helps you achieve your goals and ambitions.

The Benefits of a GED

The GED Tests

Preparing for the GED Tests

The Benefits of a GED

You are eligible for the GED if you are not enrolled in high school and your class has already graduated. Exact rules vary by state. You should check with your state to ensure that you meet the requirements to take the GED test. You can receive the telephone number for your local testing center by calling GED Testing Services. You can also contact your state's GED Administrator, who can guide you through the GED process.

The benefits of a GED:

• Helps you get into college! 95% of colleges and universities accept GED graduates who meet their other admission qualifications


• Helps you find a job! 96% of employers accept the GED as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma, and many employers require a GED or high school diploma.


• Increases your self-esteem! Earning a GED can provide you with a sense of achievement. Studies show that returning students who pass the GED test earn higher scores than 40% of high school seniors who take the test.



 

The GED Tests

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does the test take?

Seven hours and twenty-five minutes. Most testing centers have you take the test over two days, but some may allow you to take all five sections in one day.

Where can I take the test?

This also varies by state. Contact the GED Testing Service or your state GED Administrator for more information.

Are accommodations available for people with special needs?

YES! Accommodations are available for people with physical and learning disabilities and for Spanish and French speakers. Contact your state GED Administrator. For information about your state's GED rules, regulations, and fees: Call GED Testing Services at 1-800-626-9433. Find your state's GED Administrator at: www.passged.com/test_state.php.

How is the test scored?

Each section receives a standard score between 200 and 800. The testing service adds together the scores from each of the five sections to produce a cumulative "standard score," ranging from 1000 to 4000. To pass, you must meet your state's minimum standard score. Most states follow the GED Testing Service's minimums. These require you to earn a 410 on each section and have an average of 450 on all five sections, or a standard score of 2250. You can find your state's minimum score by contacting your state GED Administrator.

What if I don't pass the GED test?

You can retake individual sections of the test without retaking the entire GED, up to three times in a year. Most testing centers charge per section. You may need to show proof of having taken a preparation course or need to wait a few months before you retake the test.

What is the test like?

The test has five sections. Some sections are multiple choice, while others require written answers. The test covers broad concepts, not facts or definitions. The test requires you to have a minimum of a ninth grade reading level. Test sections include:

1. Writing/Language Arts Section (120 min.)

Part one: fixing sentence structure, reorganizing paragraphs, and correcting grammar (75 minutes). Part two: writing an essay in ink on a familiar topic, such as children and television (45 minutes).

2. Social Studies Section (75 min.)

Answering questions by using a chart, map, table, political cartoon, advertisement, almanac, atlas or statistical report. Content areas: history, economics, political science, geography, behavioral sciences.

3. Math Section (90 min.)

Part one: solving multiple choice math problems with a calculator provided for you (makes up 80 percent of the math section). Part two: solving problems without a calculator and putting answers into a grid (makes up 20 percent of the math section). Content areas: measurement, number relationships, data analysis, algebra, geometry.

4. Science Section (85 min.)

Interpreting and applying information in a paragraph, chart, table, graph, map or figure. Content areas: biology, earth science, physics, chemistry.

5. Literature/Language Arts Section (65 min.)

Reading a business document, nonfiction story and/or fictional tale and answering questions to show your full understanding. Content areas: popular literature, classical literature, commentary.

Preparing for the GED Tests

When your score on practice tests is above your state's minimum standard score for passing, you are ready to take the GED test. Practice tests are available on the internet and in GED review books.

Free Online Resources

GED test preparation and practice tests (requires free registration)

http://litlink.ket.org/

Practice tests, practice charts, and other relevant information

www.nwlincs.org/NWLINCSWEB/gedclass.htm

Books:

You can get these books and other GED preparation material at your local public library or bookstore:

McGraw-Hill's GED - 2005

Cracking the GED - 2005- Princeton Review

How to Prepare for the GED - 2004 - Barrons

Kaplan GED 2005-2006

Master the GED - 2005- Arco

Looking for some more personal help? These organizations can help you find services that meet your individual needs:

National Center for Family Literacy Information Line can identify the best instructional setting for your needs. Phone: 1-877-326-5481

National Institute on Literacy finds the nearest instructional program. Phone: 1-800-828-8133

www.literacydirectory.org

Many programs in the Women Work! Network offer GED assistance. To find out what services are offered in your area, visit www.womenwork.org for local contact information.

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