GED Test

Some students fail to thrive in a traditional high school setting. The reasons are various. Some have learning differences, while others have issues with the social pressures attendant with a high school education. The lack of a high school diploma, however, is a tremendous impediment to almost any career. The GED (General Education Development) exam is designed to give students who do not have a high school diploma proof of competency to go on to higher education or employment. It is delivered in conjunction with the Department of Education in all fifty states. Passage of the test usually leads to a high school equivalency degree.

The GED covers the entire spectrum of a high school curriculum. The test is administered nationally to those 18 years or older who wish to take it. Younger applicants must provide extra paperwork to prove that taking the exam is a necessity rather than a choice. The test covers four core topics: language arts, both reading and writing; math; science; and social studies, which includes history. The language arts section is primarily multiple choice. The reading section has some grammar questions mixed with passages for reading comprehension. The writing portion has a series of written letters and essays and multiple-choice questions about how to improve them. Then, there is a graded, written essay portion. The other three sections are in a multiple-choice format.

In all, the five subject areas of the GED, including the two-part writing section, can be completed in a little over seven hours. This is a maximum time limit unless the candidate requests a waiver due to a learning difference. Each section has its own time limit, and the sections can be taken separately. All tests must be taken at a testing site under the current guidelines of the GED. The testing agency provides transcripts for those applying to colleges following the test.

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