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For todays 34 to 38 million adults in the US who didnt graduate from high school, the GED credential is the best available diploma to demonstrate skills and proficiency levels that are necessary to progress in education or career.

Developed in 1942, the first GED Tests were designed to help military veterans finish their basic education. Military service members are still eligible for the General Education Development test. However, the GED credential is awarded to others who can pass the full test series that measures academic knowledge and proficiency in science, social studies, math, reading and writing.

Whos eligible to take the GED test?

• You arent currently enrolled in high school;
• You havent graduated from high school;
• You are at least 16 years old or older; and
• You meet state, provincial, or territorial requirements regarding age, residency, and the length of time since leaving school.

• Some candidates elect to take the test when they have a high school diploma from an unaccredited high school or theyve been home-schooled.
• Candidates who graduated from a non-US high school are eligible to take the GED test if they meet all other state and federal requirements.
• US citizenship is not a requirement to take the GED test.

No, the GED is not available online. The GED is administered by the American Council of Education, which oversees and monitors GED testing regulations and the tests. Official GED tests are ONLY given at designated test centers throughout the U.S., U.S. Territories and Canada. To locate official testing centers, visit http://www.passged.com/test_state.php.

What makes a GED credential equivalent to a high school diploma?

The GED test is a rigorous 7.5-hour exam, equal to or exceeding high school proficiency. Tests are standardized and normed using a national random sample of graduating high school seniors. To pass the GED tests, a candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that meets or exceeds that demonstrated by 60% of graduating high school seniors. This means that 40% of graduating high school seniors wouldnt pass the GED tests.

Approximately 97 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S., and 95 percent of employers accept the GED credential.

More GED Resources:

- Free resources and information on GED testing, official testing sites, financial aid and student support are available at http://www.passGED.com/. The website also provides links to federal agencies and nonprofits that serve GED students, instructors and workforce development programs.

- The American Council on Education and most local libraries and community colleges will also have additional resources designed specifically for GED students and adult learners.

About the Author: Leonard Williams, an e-learning instructor with http://www.passGED.com, is also a curriculum specialist who focuses on research and development, implementation and assessment of best-practice learning solutions for adult learners and people with educational challenges. Leonards email is LeonardWilliams@passGED.com. He invites feedback and questions from GED students and instructors.