There are several requirements that GED-test takers need to be aware of before taking the exam. According to the American Council on Education's website, the GED must be taken in person at an official GED testing location and cannot be taken online. While there are standards that apply to the GED regardless of testing location, there are also standards based on regional jurisdiction that test-takers must be aware of prior to registration. These differences, for example, include minimum age and/or residency requirements for test-takers and exam fees.
Once these registration requirements are identified, test-takers then can register for the test by contacting the nearest testing center. Testing center locations can be located by completing a zip code search on the American Council on Education website at acenet.edu/resources/GED/center_locator.cfm. Centers can also be located by calling toll-free at 800-626-9433.
According to the American Council on Education website, the GED exam assesses the abilities of test-takers in five content areas. Those areas are: Language Arts in both Writing and Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.
The writing portion of the Language Arts area is divided into two sections on the test. Part one has a time limit of 75 minutes and consists of 50 questions that measure organization, sentence structure, usage and mechanics. Part two requires the test-taker to write an essay that responds to a specific prompt, is well organized, is well developed with details, and uses proper grammar and word choice.
The Language Arts Reading section of the exam requires test-takers to answer 40 questions within 65 minutes. The questions measure the abilities of test-takers to comprehend, apply, analyze, and synthesize information supplied in sample fiction and non-fiction texts.
The Social Studies section of the GED exam requires that test-takers answer 50 questions within 70 minutes. The questions measure knowledge of history, geography, government, and economics.
The Science section requires that test-takers answer 50 questions within 80 minutes. The questions assess knowledge of physical science, earth and space science and life science.
The Mathematics section of the GED exam requires that test-takers answer 50 questions within 90 minutes. The questions measure knowledge of number operations, geometry, statistics and algebra.
After taking the GED exam, scores will be sent to test-takers. Score reports list a standard score that rates demonstrated knowledge on a scale of 200 to 800 and a percentage score that rates demonstrated knowledge between 1 and 99 percent.
Test-takers must earn a minimum of 2250 as an overall exam standard score, and no less than a standard score of 410 on each individual test.
Failure to pass the GED exam requires that test-takers retake the exam in order receive GED credentials. (Reference 4)