The GED certificate is awarded to a student who passes the four subject tests of the GED exam.
The GED certificate is also known as a GED diploma, and it’s the alternative to a common High School Degree.
Online GED Classes
A simple and easy way of getting your GED diploma.
The GED free online lessons and GED practice tests offered on this website are great support tools to familiarize yourself with this method of online learning.
If you like this online learning method, go ahead with Onsego GED Prep, an affordable, accredited, full-scope GED course that helps you earn your GED fast.
Earning your GED diploma may take some time and requires some effort on your behalf, but doing so is absolutely worth the time and effort.
It is your passport toward better-paying and more interesting jobs and allows for a college education.
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Across North America, the GED diploma is accepted in the same way as a standard high school diploma by government agencies, academic institutions, and employers.
Individuals holding a secondary degree (high school or GED diploma) are expected to make at least $9800 more annually than those who don’t.
In this post, we’ll address some frequently asked questions and other issues related to GED testing and the GED Certificate.
What Does the GED Exam Cost?
The GED (General Education Development) diploma that you’ll receive after passing the four independent GED subtests costs nothing, but the cost of GED testing is, in most states, between $144 and $184.
There are also states that subsidize GED testing entirely or partially. Please note that online GED testing will be more expensive than on-site testing because you need to purchase four GED Ready practice tests and achieve passing scores to qualify for the online GED test.
Please beware of fake “GED Certificates.” Online-bought so-called GED degrees are not even worth the paper they’re printed on, and schools and employers can very easily verify if your credential is fake or not.
These things are worthless and might even get you in trouble, so please don’t even think about it! The price of GED testing varies by state, and this website tells you all about it.
GED vs. High School Diploma
The certificate that you’ll be awarded after passing the four GED subtests (also called modules) is recognized and accepted just like a standard HS diploma across North America. The GED registration process is quite efficient and takes place online at GED.com.
You may want to check, though, with your preferred college to learn about their entrance requirements so you’ll meet all their prerequisites.
You may need all the help you can get in order to complete the GED high school equivalency test successfully. Twitter and Facebook may also provide useful information.
Must I Take a GED Prep Class before GED Testing?
In most states, you can sit for the four GED tests without first having to attend a prep class or complete a practice test. To qualify for online GED testing, however, you must first reach passing scores on the official GED Ready practice test on each subject field.
The GED exam is a state-specific assessment. Some states require GED candidates to take a GED prep course and/or a practice test before they can register for the GED test. Our website informs you about the GED requirements in your state.
When Will I Receive My GED?
When you’ve passed the four GED modules, your GED Scores Page will indicate that you passed the GED exam. You will receive a secure electronic diploma and a so-called “Smart Transcript.” All this is sent directly after your scores are known to the email address you used for testing.
You can also request an official printed version to be sent to you via mail to your address free of charge. You can also print the electronic version or email it to prospective employers or your preferred college.
Check with their admissions department or office for possible additional prerequisites.
How to Register for the GED Test
Registration is done online at the portal MyGED on the official GED website, GED.com. Here, you can create your personal account that’s used for registration, payments, and scheduling your tests. The four GED sub-exams cover the academic subject fields of
- Social Studies
- Science
- English Language
- Math
Everything is done online, and this website also gives tons of GED-related information and study and employment advice. You can view your test results right after testing, and transcripts are also available online.
Your GED diploma demonstrates that you have mastered the skills required to be successful in college and are ready for the contemporary work floor. More information may also be found on main social platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. We have published an extensive article and overview of the GED registration process so you can learn all about it.
Do I Qualify for GED Testing?
GED testing is for individuals who never completed their regular high school education. You cannot be currently registered for another educational program and not already hold a high school diploma.
In most states, you must be at least 18 years old, but 16 and 17-year-olds may in most states qualify as well if they meet strict underage requirements. Our website informs you about the GED age requirement in your state.
Can I Earn a GED When I Turn 16?
Procedures may vary by state, but in general, you can only sit for the GED test as an under-age applicant (16 or 17 years of age) if you meet the requirements listed under the next question.
In some states, successful underage test-takers will have to wait until their 18th birthday before they will receive their GED certificates.
Until then, they hold a letter stating that their certificates are withheld until their 18th birthday.
I Am Underage – Can I Test or Attend a GED Prep Class?
In most states, the following applies to 16 and 17-year-olds if they want to register for the GED test or a GED course.
- You must hold an official Withdrawal Letter from your last school or your School District
- You must have an approval letter signed by a parent or guardian
- You must have a government-issued ID
Is Earning a GED Easier and Quicker than Completing High School?
Don’t think that there is an easy way of earning a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The passing standards for passing the GED test are set in such a way that more than forty percent of all high school graduates would not be able to pass the GED tests on the first try.
Sure, with a lot of hard work and a lot of intense preparation, some students might pass the GED sooner than they would finish high school, but this path is definitely not for everyone!
Can I Take One GED Subtest at a Time?
Yes, the GED exam is modular, meaning you have the freedom to take the tests separately. There’s no need to take it all in one go, though many students prefer to take more than one subtest when they come to an official testing site.
Is there an Online GED Test?
Until recently, there was no online GED testing option. Getting all set for the four GED modules through an online prep course was already fine, but to take the GED test, you were required to show up in person at one of your state’s official GED test centers. This has now changed with the introduction of the online proctored GED test.
The online GED test is not offered in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Florida, Wyoming, West Virginia, and New York State. To be eligible for online GED testing, you must have reached passing scores (in the “green” sector) on the GED Ready test.
Free GED Practice Tests
You can find many free GED practice tests. This website offers numerous GED practice tests and lessons at no charge, and most schools let you take free practice tests as well.
The official GED Ready practice test, though, will cost you $6.99 per testing subject, but this is the only practice test that will predict if you’re likely to pass or not. It also comes with test analyses and advice on what fields you should center on most.
Check out also this interesting interview with Michael A. Kheyfets (Aztec Software), a company that specializes in developing and publishing a number of preparation tests, also GED practice tests.
Is there a Paper-Based GED Test?
Paper-based GED testing is NOT possible. The HiSET test is available both on paper and on a computer, but the GED is offered exclusively in a computer-based format.
Be aware, though, that in New Jersey, a state that offers both options, only computerized testing is possible, and in West Virginia, the HiSET exam must also be taken on a computer. On this page, The HiSET or GED exam in your state, you can learn all about which exam (s) your state offers.
Can I take a Job Training Course before Earning my GED?
Many community colleges and occupational centers offer career or technical classes for adults working toward their GED certificate. Courses offered often include auto mechanics, firefighting, healthcare-related, carpentry, or graphic arts.
These courses are, in general, open to HS students and adults. Usually, there are no diploma requirements to attend these courses, though often, HS students are prioritized for enrollment.
Does My GED Qualify Me for College?
Yes, it does. Your GED certificate is equivalent to a common high school diploma, and a GED does get you into college.
Practically all 2 and 4-year colleges and public and private universities recognize your GED credential in the same way as a high school degree. In California, however, the situation is slightly different. There, you just must be at least 18 years of age to attend community college courses.
There, a high school or GED diploma is not a requirement, but applicants may need to take remedial college courses, and to be able to sign up for majors like engineering, a GED or HS diploma may be required before students qualify for a four-year college or university program.
Bear in mind, however, that an increasing number of colleges and universities honor GED College Ready scores so that you won’t have to take remedial coursework or submit SAT or ACT scores.
The adult education department of many community colleges offers GED preparatory classes, often at no charge. Right after testing, your scores will be available to you, and you may also request a transcript.
Holding a high school diploma or GED is required for just about any job, and if you receive a decent form of training at an education site, your future will be bright and shining!
Last Updated on October 11, 2024.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Does the GED Exam Cost?
- 2 GED vs. High School Diploma
- 3 Must I Take a GED Prep Class before GED Testing?
- 4 When Will I Receive My GED?
- 5 How to Register for the GED Test
- 6 Do I Qualify for GED Testing?
- 7 Can I Earn a GED When I Turn 16?
- 8 I Am Underage – Can I Test or Attend a GED Prep Class?
- 9 Is Earning a GED Easier and Quicker than Completing High School?
- 10 Can I Take One GED Subtest at a Time?
- 11 Is there an Online GED Test?
- 12 Free GED Practice Tests
- 13 Is there a Paper-Based GED Test?
- 14 Can I take a Job Training Course before Earning my GED?
- 15 Does My GED Qualify Me for College?