High School GED: How Do I Earn My High School GED

The GED (General Educational Development) is a high school equivalency test. When an individual earns satisfactory scores in the official GED standardized test, a certificate will be rewarded acknowledging that he or she has met the state requirements for high school graduation. The test is comprehensive and used mainly to assess the educational development of students who have not completed formal high school education. The GED is awarded by states and other agencies, and, according to the Nation Center for Education Statistics, nces.ed.gov, is developed and distributed by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education.

Make Sure To Prepare for the Tests

The GED test isn't easy. If it's been a while since you've attended high school, most likely you'll be a bit rusty in some subjects. Remember, the GED tests covers five-subject areas: reading, writing, math, social studies, and science - and you'll need a passing score on each of these five sections. To find out which subject areas you need to focus your studies on, take an official GED practice test or two. Free exams are available at PassGED.com, www.passged.com. These tests offer feedback as to your abilities in each subject. After getting the results, study the subjects in which you need improvement. A great way to study is by attending a GED preparation course offered at your local high school, community college, or adult education center. The courses are usually free and are taken once a week.

Register for the GED Tests

GED registration requirements vary by state. A good idea is to research registration guidelines for your specific date to ensure you've registered correctly. Before heading off to a registration office, remember that proof of identity and residency are typically required. Forms of acceptable identification may include a driver's license, birth certificate, or your passport. You will be asked to fill out a number of forms and submit them to their school or adult education district(s) for review. Most states must confirm that you have officially withdrawn from the school system; registered high school students will not be permitted to take the exam. Depending on the district, a student may have to wait approximately one week to three months to actually take the official GED test.