General Educational Development (GED)

General Educational Development (or GED) tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. The GED is also referred to as a General Education Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma, or Graduate Equivalency Degree. The GED Tests give you the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma, a credential recognized as a key to employment opportunities, advancement, and further education.

General Educational Development (GED) certificate Testing Service, a program of the American Council on Education, develops, delivers and safeguards the GED Tests. Start here for accurate and reliable information about the GED testing program. The GED Tests cannot be taken online. The GED Tests can only be taken at an official testing center—but don't worry, there are more than 3,400 testing centers worldwide. Jurisdictions award a "Certificate of General Educational Development" or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements. Only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED tests. More than 17 million people have earned their GED credential since the program began in 1942. A school that admits students without a high school diploma must make available a GED program in the vicinity of the school and must inform students about the program.

One of the criteria used to establish student eligibility in order to receive Title IV program assistance is that a student must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. GED is a certificate students receive if they’ve passed a specific, approved high school equivalency test. Students who have a GED may still qualify for federal student aid. A school that admits students without a high school diploma must make available a GED program in the vicinity of the school and must inform students about the program.

Students who are not high school graduates (or who have not earned a General Educational Development [GED] Certificate) can demonstrate that they have the “ability to benefit” from the education or training being offered by passing an approved ability-to-benefit (ATB) test. Another way to demonstrate your abilityto- benefit is to successfully complete 6 credit hours or the equivalent coursework that are applicable toward a degree or certificate program offered by the institution. More details: GED/ ATB/ Conditional Freshmen test to be regular students to receive FSA funds

The American Council on Education is the sole developer for the GED test. The American Council on Education (ACE) is the only higher education organization that represents presidents and chancellors of all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: community colleges and four-year institutions, private and public universities, and nonprofit and for-profit colleges. This cross-sector membership enables ACE to serve as higher education's unifying voice.

The American Council on Education (ACE) has pioneered a multiyear longitudinal study, in support of the 21st Century GED Initiative, to learn about the effect of the GED credential on postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion. The 21st Century GED Initiative is a comprehensive, multiyear initiative consisting of three key components: education and preparation; enhanced career- and college-ready assessment aligned with Common Core national standards; and transition services to postsecondary education and career opportunities.

The GED test is a five part exam which includes science, social studies, mathematics, language arts-reading, and language arts-writing. You do not have to take the entire test all at once. You may study one subject at a time and test only on that subject. Students in the GED room-some at computers, some at the table Begin text here: Get a better job. Make more money. Enjoy a better life. Does that sound like something you want? Earning your GED can make that happen. Having a GED opens the door to higher education, a better job, and more opportunities.