What Is A GED And How To Get It?

GED stands for General Education Development. The GED exam is internationally recognized. It is developed for adults who, for some reason, never completed their secondary education school but wish to improve their professional opportunities or continue learning at a university or college.

BestGEDClasses offers a limited number of online GED® prep classes and practice tests for free that may be sufficient for some students to get ready for the GED test. Other students may require more extensive preparation, which is available through Onsego GED Prep.

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Onsego offers a full GED prep course that’s qualified by GED Testing Service as 100 percent aligned to the current, computer-based GED test. The four GED subject fields can also be purchased as stand-alone courses.

What Is The GED Diploma?

Adult learners who successfully take the GED test will receive the GED diploma, also referred to as a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma. Earning the GED diploma means you have demonstrated to have knowledge and skills at the level of high school graduates.

The process of “getting” a GED diploma consists of 2 steps: preparation for the tests and taking the GED test.

Both parts can be done online. The most efficient way of preparing for the test is by taking online classes. Students should prepare for the test by taking 4 subject courses: Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.

When they complete their prep, they can sign up for the GED test at GED.com and schedule each of the 4 subject tests that can be taken online or at an official testing center.

The whole process of preparation and taking the tests can take anything from 2 to 12 months.

How Hard Is The GED Exam?

If you study well and become optimally prepared, earning your GED diploma is not harder than getting your high school diploma. All test-takers that have basic knowledge and put in the effort and time can take the exam successfully.

What Is A GED, And Can I Use It To Get A Job?

Most employers, colleges, and universities across the country recognize the GED as an equivalent of a high school diploma, so if you have never finished your high school education and want to enhance your skills, knowledge, and resume, earning your GED diploma is a good idea.

Is The GED Available In Every State?

The majority of states offer the GED test, but some of them have opted for the HiSET exam instead of the GED, while a number of states offer both options. HiSET and GED are similar tests, so test preparation is much the same.

Each state determines the requirements for earning a GED certification, although once earned, GED credentials are accepted across the country.

How Much Does The GED Cost?

In most states, 1 GED subject test costs about $30, so $120 for all 4 subjects. Bear in mind, though, that online GED testing is more expensive, around $6 more per subject test. And on top of that, to qualify for the online GED exam, you also must pass four GED Ready® tests that are $6.99 each.

However, the price can vary by state; there are states that offer it for free, and some states subsidize the costs of the tests. We have a post that informs you about the price of GED testing in your state.

How Many Times Can You Fail The GED?

If you didn’t achieve a passing score on a GED subtest the first time, you have the option to retake that section 2 more times, but if you fail that subtest a 3rd time, you’ll have to wait at least 60 days before you can take that subject test again.

You are allowed to take the full exam up to three times in one year, although this depends on the state where you take the test, as each has its own regulations.

Is A GED Worth It?

Yes, it’s definitely worth it. GED is a high school equivalency (HSE) credential that is an acceptable alternative to traditional high school completion and can be used as educational certification on applications for employment or postsecondary education.

Holders of a high school or equivalent diploma will, on average, make at least $9700 more annually than people who don’t hold the credential.