The initials GED stand for General Educational Development. The GED was created in 1942 during World War II. Originally, it was meant to allow veterans to quickly get a credential that would be equivalent to a high school diploma so that they could go on to college. Later, it was available to all adults.

The GED Test measures how well someone has mastered the skills and general knowledge that are acquired in a four-year high school education. The test does not expect someone to remember numerous details, definitions, or facts. You are expected to demonstrate the ability to think about a variety of issues. You are tested on knowledge and skills you have acquired from life experiences, radio, television, books, newspapers, consumer products, and advertising. Therefore, one should not be at a disadvantage if he/she has been out of school for a period of time.

You must have a minimum of a 9th grade reading level. This means that you have the ability to read and understand newspapers, forms, and letters. You must also have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide by hand. Developing strong reading and thinking skills are the keys to succeeding on these tests. Regular study is also needed to earn your GED.

What subjects are included on the GED Test?

LANGUAGE ARTS, WRITING: This is a two part test.

Part I – You will read passages of several sentences or real-life documents like resumes, reports, e-mails. In each you will be asked to correct grammar, sentence construction, spelling or other common writing mistakes. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 75 minutes long.

Part II – You will write an essay of approximately 250 words on a topic familiar to most adults. The topic will be given to you at the start of the test and you will have 45 minutes to write your essay.

The score for the Language Arts, Writing test is a combination of the score from Part I and the score from Part II.

SOCIAL STUDIES: In this test you will answer Economics, Geography, Civics and Government, and United States and World History questions. You will also interpret maps, charts, political cartoons, speeches, articles, and photographs. Questions will also come from the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and landmark Supreme Court decisions. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 70 minutes long.

SCIENCE: In this test you will answer Life Science, Earth and Space Science and Physical Science questions. You will be asked questions requiring critical thinking and problem solving skills. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 80 minutes long.

LANGUAGE ARTS, READING: In this test you will read stories, essays, plays, poetry, fiction, and possibly a review of a movie or television show. You may be asked to restate, summarize, or explain what you have read. You could also be asked to apply what you have read to another situation. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions and is 65 minutes long.

MATH: This is a two part test.

Part I – This part allows the use of a Casio FX-260 Solar calculator.

Part II – This part does not allow the use of a calulator.

A basic knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is required. Questions relating to Geometry, Algebra, data analysis, number operations, and problem solving will be included in both parts. In addition to multiple-choice answers, this test includes some “grid” type answer formats. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions and is 90 minutes long.

Who can take the GED Test?

Check with your local GED Test Center. Each state/province has different requirements for age and residency.

How much does the GED Test cost?

Check with your local GED Test Center. Each state/province may charge different rates and each Test Center may have different policies about payment.

Are there any other requirements?

Once again, each state has different guidelines, so ask your local GED Test Center.

How long will it take me to earn a GED?

Since everyone is different, there is no answer to this question. A lot depends on how long you stayed in school, your reading and math levels, your ability to think critically, and your willingness to study. People who study regularly, follow directions, and work hard may earn their GED more quickly than those who do not. We recommend studying at least 2 hours a day, 5 days a week.

What kind of scores do I need to earn my GED?

Check with your local GED Test Center. Each state/province has a different minimum score and a different total standard score needed to earn a GED.

How many tests can I take at one time?

Each state/province has its own guidelines. Some states/provinces allow you to take one test at a time and others require you to take all five GED Tests at once. Check with your GED Test Center to find out your state’s/province’s policies.

When will I know my scores?

Some GED Test Centers tell you right away and others will notify you by mail. It can take several weeks to be notified by mail.

How do I know if I am ready to take a test?

You are ready to take a test if you have scored above your state’s/province’s minimum standard score for passing. However, it is a good idea to score a little bit more than you need on a practice test before you take the official test.

I hope this was helpful, Good Luck!!! 🙂

Simply skipping school without telling anybody is not the best way to go for your own sake, so tell your parents, make a plan for yourself, follow the plan.

http://www.gedforfree.com/faq.html

You can also buy GED workbooks and test at any large bookstore (barns&noble, borders, etc.)