1. What are the GED Tests?

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED Tests) are developed by the American Council on Education to enable individuals who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of developed abilities normally acquired through completion of a high school program of study.  The first GED tests were developed in 1942 to allow military personnel returning from World War II to more easily pursue their educational, vocational and personal goals.   More than 800,000 adults take the GED Tests each year. The latest series of tests were updated in 2002 with new format and content.
back to top
 

2. What subjects are included?

The GED Tests measure competency in five subject areas: Language Arts - Reading, Language Arts -Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Language Arts - Reading (40 items)

The passages on the new 2002 Series GED Language Arts, Reading Test continue to reflect diversity in perspective (for example, gender, ethnicity, age, and region). The passages continue to range from 300 to 400 words. There is one poem (8 to 25 lines) and one piece of drama on every test form.

Language Arts - Writing includes two parts (50 items + essay)

Part I:  Multiple choice items covering organization, sentence structure, usage and mechanics
Part II:  Examinees write an essay about a suggested topic.  The essay represents about 40% of the Writing Skills Test score.  Examinees who write off topic receive a 00 for their score and must retake both parts of the Writing Skills Test.

Mathematics (50 items)

Measurement, Algebra, Geometry, Number Relations, and Data Analysis continue to be tested on the 2002 Series GED Mathematics Tests. Beginning in 2002, the GED Mathematics Test is presented in two booklets: Part I permits the use of a calculator, Part II does not. Each part of the test is equally weighted. Therefore, a candidate must complete both parts of the test to receive a score. If a candidate doesn’t successfully complete both parts of the test, he or she will have to take both parts again. A scientific calculator is provided to the candidate for use on Part 1.

Science (50 items)

The 2002 Series GED Science Test contains an increased focus in environmental and health topics (for example, recycling, heredity, prevention of disease, pollution, and climate), and an increased emphasis on science relevant to everyday life.

Half (50 percent) of the new GED Science Test are conceptual understanding questions; the remaining 50 percent are problem-solving questions. Test questions with graphic content have increased from 30 percent to 50 percent. Includes questions about Life Science and Physical Science

Social Studies (50 items)

The test source materials continues to consist of primary and secondary sources covering US and World History, Civics, Economics and Geography. The source materials for topic areas are:

Prose-only (articles, speeches, textbooks, letters, laws, and so forth)
Visual-only (maps, graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, cartoons), or
Combined (source materials containing both prose and graphics).

back to top
 

3. How long is the test?

The Official GED Tests take approximately seven hours to complete.  Most test centers give the test over a period of 3 mornings or evenings.  Some locations do provide the test in 2 days.

Language Arts - Reading -- 1 hour, 5 minutes
Language Arts- Writing -- 2 hours - (75 minutes for multiple choice, 45 minutes for the essay)
Mathematics -- 1 hour, 30 minutes
Science -- 1 hour, 20 minutes
Social Studies -- 1 hour, 10 minutes

back to top
 

4. Who can take the GED Tests?

The GED Tests may be given to:

• Residents of Florida, proof of residency must include either a State of Florida Driver License, State of Florida Identification Card, Military ID or Student Visa
• Adults, 18 years of age or older
• GED candidates 16 or 17 years of age who have been granted an age waiver from their local educational agency
• Individuals not enrolled in an accredited high school
• Individuals who have not graduated from an accredited high school or have not already received a high school equivalency diploma

Applicants should check local requirements.

5. How old must I be to take the test?

GED examinees must be at least 18 years of age or older unless they have been granted a GED age waiver by the local educational agency.  GED age waiver requirements vary by location.  Contact the local GED Chief Examiner to find out about age waiver requirements in your area.
back to top
 
 

6. What are the score requirements?

The total passing score is 2250. Candidates need a minimum standard score of 410 with an overall average standard score of 450. Each correct answer is worth one point. For each individual GED test, these points are totaled and then converted to a standard score, which ranges from 200 to 800.

back to top
 
 

7. What kind of diploma will I receive?

GED examinees passing the Official GED Tests will receive a State of Florida High School Diploma issued by the Florida Department of Education.  In addition, each examinee receives a transcript of his/her scores.
back to top
 
 

8. Can the GED Tests scores be used for college admission or to enter the military?

Nearly all United States colleges and universities accept the State of Florida High School Diploma as a high school equivalency credential.  GED Tests can not be used as a substitute for placement or admissions tests. 

The Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials recommends that postsecondary institution officials, employers, training program officials, licensing boards and all branches of the armed services accept the high school credential awarded on the basis of the results of the GED Tests in the same manner as they accept regular high school diplomas. GED candidates may apply for the military. Check with your local recruiter for more information.

Grade point averages cannot be determined from GED Test Scores.  However, GED percentile ranks can be viewed as approximately “class rank;” GED percentile rankings represent the GED graduate's performance related to the performance on the GED Tests of a representative group of graduating high school seniors.

Check with the College or University Admissions Office for additional requirements.

 back to top
 

9. Are there special accommodations for people with special needs?

Adults with special needs may apply for special accommodations for the GED Tests.  Documentation of the disabling condition must be submitted with the required forms.  Candidates with learning or physical disabilities may request modifications of standard testing conditions.  All special accommodations requests must be submitted to the Florida GED Chief Examiner.  Special accommodations may include extended testing time, assistance from a scribe, use of a calculator, testing in a private room and/or frequent breaks.  Special editions of the tests are also available in audiocassette, Braille and large print formats. For more information, review the Disabilities - Accommodations section of this website.
back to top
 

10. Can I take the test in languages other than English?

The Official GED Test is provided only in English and Spanish in the State of Florida. GED Preparation classes are available in Spanish in some locations.
Check your county for Spanish GED class locations (click here).
back to top
 
 

11. I need an additional transcript or copy of my scores/diploma, how can I get a copy?

Additional transcripts or copies of diplomas may be obtained by writing to the
Florida Department of Education
GED Testing Office
325 West Gaines Street, Room 634
Tallahassee, Florida  32399-0400
850/245-0449

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Education GED office at:

http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/

back to top
 
 

12. Can I take classes to prepare for the test?

GED Preparation classes are available throughout Florida.  For the location of a GED Preparation program near you click here.  GED Preparation classes are provided at no charge to the participants.  Students in some areas may be required to purchase a GED textbook.  GED Preparation classes provide students an opportunity to work on specific skills they will need to be successful on the Official GED Tests.  GED practice tests are also available at these sites.  The practice tests have proven to be very good predictors of a student's ability to pass the Official GED Tests.  Most GED programs are self-paced and students may enroll at any time during the year.
back to top

13. How do I register for the test?

Adults wishing to register for the GED Tests must do so in person at a location in their area. Candidates must provide either a State of Florida Driver License or State of Florida Identification Card. Candidates should bring their Social Security Cards for further verification of identity. Candidates must complete a GED Demographic Booklet Form and pay for the test at the time of registration. Click here to find a GED Testing Center in your area. Please keep in mind that the GED Testing Center location may NOT be in the same location as a GED Prep class.

back to top
 

14. How much does it cost?

The cost of the Official GED Tests is determined at the local level.
For information on the costs in your area click here.

back to top

15. Where can I practice online?

There are several websites that offer free online practice. The following are only a few. Try typing, "Free GED Online" in a search box to receive more examples.

http://steckvaughn.harcourtachieve.com/en-US/gedpractice

4Tests.Com - Free GED Practice Tests

 GED Prep at Free-Ed.Net

 GED Quick Guide for the Classroom

back to top

16. Is it possible to take the GED test online?

No. The GED Testing Service does not have a system in place to allow a candidate to take the GED Test online. The following are a few reasons that underlie this decision:
· Security. The GED Testing Service has not developed a reliable method of determining if the person registered to take the test is the actual person who takes the test.
· Online capability. Online capability invites hackers to tap into the tests and sell for a price.
(reference: http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/family/1577.html)

Note: Please be aware that there are some fraudulent correspondence/online companies that will claim that you can, for a fee, take the GED Test through them online. Remember, the GED Testing Service does NOT have a system in place to allow a candidate to take the GED Test online.

back to top

17. How will I know if I've passed or failed the test?

To pass the GED Test in Florida, examinees must:

Receive a standard score of at least 410 on each of the five GED subtests, AND

Earn an average standard score of 450 or higher.
If an examinee does not meet both these criteria for passing, the test is failed. The examinee may retake all or part of the test to attain passing scores. Testing centers may require examinees who fail the test to take preparation classes or wait a pre-determined amount of time before attempting to re-test. Examinees may test a maximum of three times on a given test in a single year.

Examinees who pass the test should receive the State of Florida High School Diploma and an Official Report of test results from the State GED Office within 6 to 8 weeks of when the scoring center submits scores to the State GED Office.

(reference: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedresults.asp)

back to top

18. How can I get prepared?

There are several websites that contain strategies and tips for preparing for the GED series of tests. A few are listed below. For more information, type "GED study tips" into your favorite search engine.

http://www.passged.com/newsletter.php

http://adulted.about.com/cs/ged/tp/GED.htm

http://adulted.about.com/cs/ged/a/GED_smiller.htm

http://adulted.about.com/cs/ged/a/GEDintro.htm

back to top

19. Where can I take the GED test?

Click here to access the GED Testing Service locator program. Simply type in your zip code and the nearest centers will be displayed. Please note that in some counties, registration for the GED Test may take place at a different location other than the testing center. Remember to call the testing center first to confirm the registration location.

back to top

20. Where can I find study materials?

Study materials may be found online, at your local library, or at various retail bookstores like Barnes and Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com), Borders (http://www.borders.com), or Amazon.com.

GED Practice online (Steck-Vaughn's official GED practice website)

FREE Online Study Guides can be found at: http://www.studyguidezone.com/gedtest.htm (You may want to bookmark this site!)

The top 5 retail study guides as reviewed by About.com (a subsideary of the NY Times) are:

1) McGraw-Hill's GED
McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0071381791 - This comprehensive book provides hundreds of easy-to-understand lessons. Each subject area is focused on the concepts and skills needed to pass the GED tests. A new section on the GED essay offers good preparation guidelines for writing with clarity. The use of a pre-test, post-test and full-length practice test gives the student a good measure of their understanding of the subject.

2) Complete GED Preparation
Steck-Vaughn, ISBN: 0739828371 - Easy-to-understand lessons are aided by good use of color contrast to make information stand out. Higher-order thinking skills are reviewed which reflect the new type of questions on the actual tests. Answers key explanations for lessons and practice tests give full explanations of both right and wrong answers which greatly aids understanding of the subject material. Overall, this book provides good preparation paths for all the GED tests.

3) How To Prepare For The GED
Barrons, ISBN 0764126032 - The easy-to-read text is marred by the paper quality and crowded pages. Students may have difficulty staying focused on the study material. The answer keys explain only the correct answers and give students no help in understanding why the other answers are wrong. On the positive side, the Useful Words list is very helpful. Also, the practice tests are very similar to the actual tests and give students a good appraisal of their ability to pass the real tests.

4) Kaplan GED
Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0743215559 - The good review material is spoiled by the crowded page presentation. The use of little white space will hinder student progress and hurt overall motivation. Some of the practice test questions are more complex than the actual tests. The study tips and key review strategies do a very good job of focusing student attention on the necessary information. The answer key explanations in the only practice test are very clear and easy to understand.

5) Master the GED
Peterson's, ISBN 0768910064 - Effective use of white space makes the text easy to read. However, lesson and test answer key explanations need to be expanded along with addition of notes for the wrong answers. Sample essays with grading analysis is good and easy to understand for this difficult part of the GED tests. The 3 practice tests assist the student in gauging improvement levels as they go through the material.

back to top

21. How long are my scores valid?

Scores are valid until the next scheduled revision of the test (2011).

Some information on this page came directly from the GED Testing Service website.