GED / Adult Literacy
General Educational Development (or GED) tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has high-school level academic skills. The GED is sometimes referred to as a General Equivalency Diploma or General Education Diploma.
To pass the GED tests and earn a GED credential, test takers must score higher than 60 percent of graduating high school seniors nationwide. Some jurisdictions require that students pass additional tests such as an English proficiency exam or civics test.
The American Council on Education is the sole developer for the GED test. The test is always taken in person and never available online. Jurisdictions award a “Certificate of General Educational Development” or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements.
Only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED tests. The tests were originally created to help veterans after World War II return to civilian life. Common reasons for GED recipients not having received a high school diploma include immigration to the United States or Canada, homeschooling, leaving high school early, the inability to pass required courses or mandatory achievement tests, the need to work, personal problems, and wanting to get into college early.
For students who need to improve skills prior to taking the Official GED Practice Tests, the Adult Literacy division offers classes, based on individuals’ skill level, that help them attain the skills needed to achieve their goals. Assessments of progress are made until students are ready for referral to GED testing.
