If you have access to a computer equipped with the Internet, you already have a plethora of GED learning tools at your fingertips. ACE offers free test preparation materials in all five of the subject areas covered on the GED, including sample questions similar to those you'll see on the actual tests (see Resource section). Other online resources offered by ACE include formula sheets and calculator examples.
ACE isn't the only organization offering free GED learning tools. The organization partners with Kentucky Educational Television (KET), Steck-Vaughn and Paxen Learning to offer additional resources (see Resource section). The Steck-Vaughn company offers half- and full-length practice tests in English, Spanish, French and Canadian versions; these tests --- along with their scoring conversion guides --- can give you the chance to accurately judge your study progress and determine whether you've reached the proficiency level necessary to pass the actual GED. KET, a division of the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), offers free educational television programs available for Internet download.
If you want help preparing for the GED, ACE and its partner organizations offer classes to help you learn the test material. Hundreds of adult education resource centers across the United States offer single-day workshops and ongoing classes, either in all five GED testing areas or focusing on a single exam. ACE recommends potential test-takers visit the websites of America's Literacy Directory or the National Institute for Literacy (see Resource section) for accredited programs. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call ACE for a referral to a licensed program. That number is 800-626-9433.
If you want to prepare at home, but don't have access to a computer or the Internet, test preparation books are your best option. Steck-Vaughn, one of ACE's partner organizations, publishes a series of five books, each focusing on one testing area on the GED. Each book includes study guides, testing tips, sample tests and answers.
The GED tests students in six main skill sets: cognitive skills, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Questions that measure cognitive skills are the lowest-level --- they test a student's memory or knowledge of a subject. Each subsequent type of questions requires students to use a larger skill set until they arrive at evaluation, which asks them to put all their knowledge and understanding of a subject together to make a judgment.
The entire series of five tests takes just over seven hours to complete; this can be done in a single sitting or on two separate occasions. Test-takers must show competency in the five subjects at a level comparable to that of 60 percent of graduating high school seniors. To pass, test-takers must score a minimum of 410 on each of the five exams; they must average 450 on the five exams combined. ACE estimates to earn this level of competency, test-takers must answer 60 to 65 percent of the questions correctly.