What is GED Test-
General Educational Development (GED) test is a standardized test developed and controlled by American Council on Education (ACE). It is a five tests battery aimed to certify high school level academic skills. The GED test is designed for those who are not able to achieve high school education for one or the other reason. It serves as a medium to pursue post secondary education and is recognized by most of the colleges and universities in United States. Hence, candidates should prep GED sincerely. They should utilize relevant study materials and must go through GED practice test. Before setting out for test preparation, learn about GED exam and thence plan your study.
Eligibility for GED Test-
Any one who is 18 years or above of age can take this test. If an individual takes and pass GED test before 18 years of age, then also, he/she receives the ‘Certificate of General Educational Development’ after maturing to 18. Still, an applicant must be at least 16 years old and must not have enrolled in any high school as per the regulations of GED testing service.
GED Test overview-
There are five tests in GED- Language Arts Writing, Social Science, Science, Language Arts Reading and Mathematics. The writing section is further ramified in two parts. The first part consists of multiple choice questions based on given passages. These multiple choice questions are related to correction of sentence structure, organization, usage and mechanics of English language (or Spanish or French, if test is taken in one of them). The second part is essay writing on a given topic. The topic for essay is normally a social issue. The content of social studies test includes American history, world history, geography, civics and government, economics and current affairs. The science section encompasses topics from life science, physical sciences like physics and chemistry, earth science, space science and general science. The reading section consists of five fiction and two non-fiction passages on which multiple choice questions are asked to examine reading comprehension. The mathematical section is based on number operations and number sense, data analysis, statistics and probability, algebra, functions and patterns, geometry and measurements. Candidates can familiarize better with test questions and exam pattern by solving GED practice tests. One can also review his/her preparation and work on topics he/she is weak, after going through a GED practice test.
GED Test Format-
The first part of writing section has 50 items which are to be solved in 75 minutes while the essay writing part is allotted 45 minutes for completion. If a test taker finishes up with first part early, he/she can utilize the remaining time for second part. There are 50 questions in the social science section which are to be solved in 70 minutes. There are 50 multiple choice questions in science section and time allotted is 80 minutes. There are 40 questions in the reading section and 65 minutes of time is given. The mathematics section is divided in two parts, one in which use of calculator is allowed and second in which it is prohibited. Overall, mathematics section has 50 questions, which are to be solved in 90 minutes.
GED Scores-
Each test is scored in range from 200 to 800. The total is sum of all individual marks. One requires having a score of 410 in each test and a total of 2250 (450 marks averaged on each test) to pass this exam. If a candidate is not able to pass an individual test, he/she has to repeat only the test that is not passed, but not all tests. The student may have to wait for six months period before retaking a failed test and must pass it before expiration date.
GED Testing-
This test is available at more than 3400 testing centers throughout United States. It may be taken on a single day or in two days (not necessarily consecutive) depending upon the state. It is taken on the available dates, a candidate has registered. A candidate can change test date(s) by informing the concerned authorities two days before. If a candidate is failed in a test, he/she is issued retest date(s). But, once successfully passing the exam, it can not be retaken. It is important that GED test is not available online. Learn more about GED testing and registration.
Exam fees-
The registration fee for GED exam varies among the testing centers. In some states, it is free to take this test while in other it may cost up to $100. A testing center should be contacted personally to inquire about the registration fees.