New York City GED Prep and Test Information

GED Prep and Test Information

The GED Diploma

The GED certificate is accepted by most employers as equal to a high school diploma. The GED test is given to assess what you know in five content areas, including science, mathematics, social studies, writing and reading. To successfully pass the test, you must earn a total score of 2,250, which averages to 450 per content area.

Preparing for the Test

Many educational centers in New York City offer classes and help with the test. You will likely benefit by taking the official GED practice test (OPT) offered on the GED Compass website. This 4-hour practice test will help you discover your academic strengths as well as your weaknesses so you'll know what to study. You'll also know what to expect on the test and how it's organized.

Next, you'll want to find a preparation program suited to your needs. Direct instruction is typically the optimum way to prepare for the test. There are many free, reputable adult education programs offered throughout New York State. The GED Compass website has a class locater, which you can use by entering a ZIP code, subway stop or borough. This handy tool will give you a list and description of programs as well as a contact phone number you can use to call each location for more information. If you aren't able to take an in-person class, there are ways to prepare online or find printed study guides.

Additional Information

It's not possible to take the GED test online; you must register at an official testing center. The GED is a long test; it may take you over seven hours to finish it. If you've been out of school for a while, you may want to practice sitting and concentrating on a test for a similar period of time. You can take the test in English, Spanish, French or braille. There's no charge for the test in New York at this time.

You're probably eligible to take the GED if you haven't graduated from high school. Additionally, it's not necessary to be a New York City resident in order to sign up for the test. Visit the GED Compass website to find out more about eligibility, residency, testing sites and how to register for the test.