GED: General Education Diploma

The acronym GED stands for General Education Diploma. There are 5 tests, called a Battery, that make up the GED tests. They are Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Science; Social Studies; and Mathematics.

These five tests measure the knowledge found in those areas. The GED tests are timed tests that can vary from 65 minutes to 2 hours.

Depending on where you are located, you may need to take the entire battery of GED tests in one or two sittings. Other places will allow you to test one test at a time.

It is important that you contact your local official GED Testing Center to find out the specific GED requirements for your location.

Tracking your GED Scores

Make it your responsibility to keep track of your GED scores. Know what tests you have taken and what you received as a score. If you move, request a certified copy of your test scores. They will follow you, but most GED testing centers will need "official" documentation. In addition, keep copies of all your records, reading and math assessments..... proof of GED orientation..... any GED classes you have taken, etc.

Know what areas of GED to study

It is important to determine which GED areas you are weak in. Many study books will have pre assessment tests to help you determine what area/s of the book you should start with. This is especially important when you are studying math. Consider each piece of math as a building block. You need a solid foundation of basic math (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents) before you can successfully handle algebra, measurement and geometry.

If you have access to a learning center where a GED Instructor can assess your skills, have them help you determine where to start.

It has been my experience that the better your reading, the faster you will proceed through the GED.