GED examinations are open to any students who have not received a high school diploma. They were originally developed after World War II to help veterans who had not graduated from high school gain successful entrance into society. Today, the Michigan students who most commonly sign up to take the test are those who have immigrated into the country, those who have been home-schooled, those who want early college admission and those who have previously dropped out of a traditional high school program.
Each GED examination administered in Michigan is composed of tests in five different subjects. These are language arts and reading, language arts and writing, social studies, mathematics and science. The language arts and writing portion of the test requires students to complete an essay in 45 minutes, while the language arts and reading portion of the test measures reading comprehension. The social studies, mathematics and science portions of test are multiple choice.
Michigan GED testing is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Office of Adult Education. In 2006, the office reported that 120 official GED testing centers were open throughout the state of Michigan, with an additional 46 located within state correctional facilities and camps. All testing centers are required to have facilities available to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Various high schools, community colleges and adult education centers in Michigan offer programs and classes designed to prepare individuals to take GED examinations in the state. Many of these programs offer individualized plans of study, flexible class hours and one-on-one instruction. Additionally, students planning to take the GED examinations in Michigan can study on their own with the help of textbooks or GED prep books.
The Michigan GED battery of tests take approximately 7.5 hours to complete. Students must receive a score of at least 60 percent on the tests, which translates to an overall average of 450 or greater on each test. Students must receive at least a 410 on each individual portion of the test to pass. A GED certificate proves to colleges and future employers the individuals are able to read, write, interpret information and compute at the high school level.