GED Test Information

Obtaining a GED can be an important step toward getting a job or entering college if you were unable to complete high school. Most jobs today require a high school degree or equivalent diploma. Colleges also require a high school diploma for acceptance, but many of these will also accept the GED as an acceptable replacement for the diploma.

How To Take The GED

In order to take the GED test, one must be at least 18 years of age. There are some exceptions that allow the GED test to be taken earlier than 18 years of age. These circumstances include needing a GED to be eligible for an offered promotion at a job, military requirements to enlist, or acceptance to a college. Those under the age of 16 are usually not allowed to take the GED test.

Some have argued that the GED is too easy to pass and that it should be more difficult. For this reason, some employers look down on having a GED versus and high school diploma. These tests are given in multiple-choice form as well, which some argue makes it too easy to guess. The test was revised in 2002 to make it more difficult to pass.

GED preparation classes are also available to help people properly prepare for the tests. These classes are offered at a low cost or sometimes free. Students receive books to study the general material covered in the tests and also are allowed to take practice tests. Private tutors are also available to help prepare for the test.

To make things fair for those who retake the test, there are 25 different versions of the GED test. These versions are randomly rotated, so a student retaking the test will be less likely to receive the same test. Different students in the same location will also receive different tests to help curb the temptation to cheat as well.