The GED examination allows adults without a high school diploma to acquire alternative high school graduation credentials in the United States, Canada and many other countries. Started in 1942 to aid veterans of World War II, the GED exam was made available to the population at large in 1947. The GED is developed and administered by the nonprofit General Educational Development Testing Service, which the American Council on Education oversees.
According to the American Council on Education website, the GED exam measures test-takers' abilities in analysis, application, cognition, comprehension, evaluation and synthesis. It also consists of five different assessment sections: mathematics, science, social studies and writing and reading. The mathematics, science and social studies sections require test-takers to answer multiple-choice questions. The writing and reading section requires test-takers to both answer multiple-choice questions and write an essay.
Taking and passing the GED exam greatly benefits test-takers by allowing them to enroll in college or university programs or seek jobs requiring a high school diploma. According to the American Council on Education website, the GED exam truly represents the academic challenges test-takers can meet due to the fact that "only 60 percent of high school seniors" who take the exam pass.
The GED is widely accepted by colleges and universities and employers as an alternative to a high school diploma; however, test-takers should verify that the schools or companies to which they apply accepts GED credentials.
After deciding to pursue the GED, a test-takers needs to register for the exam at a local testing site. Registration can be accomplished online or by calling 800-626-9433.
In many cases, test-takers must pay a fee in order to take the GED exam. The fee amount varies depending on the jurisdiction in which the test is taken. However, some jurisdictions offer the exam for free.
According to the American Council on Education's website, the GED exam cannot be taken online and must be taken at a designated test center. Test-takers should examine the accreditation of schools or agencies offering GED classes, tests or credentials. Failure to take the GED at a properly accredited location may result in test-takers being denied admission to a college or university or employment at businesses requiring a high school diploma.