The results of the GED test are used by many universities in the U.S. and Canada to measure if the applicant is qualified to enter higher studies, often Ph.D. or master's programs. The GED gives the universities a way of comparing the students from U.S. and foreign universities, where courses of study and qualifications may vary.
The GED tests have to be taken together in person at an approved testing facility, where the applicant can be monitored by licensed proctors. These facilities exist all over the world. The tests themselves are administered via computer. Tests have to be taken at specified times. Since the test can be quite challenging, advance preparation is advisable.
The GED consists of five different types of tests. Strict time limits are allocated for the different constituent tests. The constituent tests are: 1) Language Arts, Reading, which has 40 questions that have to be finished in 65 minutes; 2) Language Arts, Writing, Part I, with 50 questions that have to be answered in 75 minutes, and Language Arts, Writing, Part II, consisting of one essay which has to be finished in 45 minutes; 3) Social Studies, also consisting of 50 questions which have to be finished in 70 minutes; 4) Science, consisting of a further 50 questions which have to be finished in 80 minutes; and Mathematics, with 50 questions which have to be finished in 90 minutes.
The Mathematics part of the test consists of two parts, with equal weight in the final score. In the first half, a calculator can be used to compute the answers. In the second half, no calculator is allowed, but the test-taker has to answer questions formulated in terms of mathematical formula. Algebra, functions and patterns consist of 20--30 percent of this part of the test.
The method of computing the passing GED scores is complex and does not just sum up the points from each question. Rather, the results are compared to similar grades from U.S. high school students. The method of computing the average makes it possible that a high score can be achieved by strong performance in one area, and a lower performance in another. A minimum of 450 points on average across all tests is required to pass. However, a score of 410 or greater for each content area test is also required to pass the test.
To get a passing score in mathematics, you have to correctly answer questions that require higher-order thinking skills in all content areas. So as algebra consists of between one-fifth and one-third of one of the five areas, it would be difficult to pass the GED without answering most of the algebra questions correctly.