1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test
The General Educational Development (GED) test evaluates your skills in mathematics, science, social studies, reading and writing. Created and administered by the American Council on Education (ACE), there are various ways to prepare for this high-school equivalency exam (www.acenet.edu). Be sure your study plan addresses every subject in the exam.
2. Take a Preparation Class.
In-person GED preparation classes allow you to obtain one-on-one assistance in areas you need work on and teach you how to set up a regular study schedule leading up to your GED exam. You can find a GED classes in your local area on the ACE website or on your state or jurisdiction's department of education website. Classes are generally at adult learning centers or community colleges.
3. Consider an Online Study Course
Several states offer online versions of their state-sponsored GED courses. These courses may require separate registration. Your state website may also recommend other online study aides.
4. Study Using GED Prep Books
You may prefer to study through books or other resources. The Kentucky Educational Television (ketadultlearning.org), the Steck-Vaughn Company (steckvaughnadult.hmhco) and the Paxen Company (old.paxen.com) all provide GED workbooks. They can be purchased on line, but may be found, along with other GED workbooks, at your local library or adult education center.
5. Take a Practice Test
Practice tests can show you what types of questions are on the GED tests and help identify areas where you need more study. Steck-Vaughn has a free online practice test, while the ACE website has actual GED questions with answers and explanations.
6. Use Multiple Methods of Study
The PBS Literacy Link, GED Connection, is a course that uses video, Internet and print study aides to help test takers prepare (litlink.ket.org). Or, you may consider combining GED study books with online resources.
7. Know What Tools You'll Need for the Test
Your test center will provide a Casio fx-260 calculator and a formula sheet for the math section of the test. You can visit the ACE website to view a copy of the formula sheet and familiarize yourself with the calculator. You can also learn how to fill in the answer sheets.
8. Apply for Special Accommodations if You Need To.
If you have a physical disability that might interfere with your test performance, contact your local test center or your area administrator for instructions on how to apply for special accommodations. The procedure requires filing out extra forms and waiting for approval. Be sure to start this process early to ensure accommodations can be made. The general application procedure and forms are on the ACE website.
9. Contact Your Local Test Center
There are more than 3,400 test centers in the U.S. and overseas. Contact a test center in your area to register and to get your questions answered. Call them to determine the testing times, the fee required, if any, and the directions to the test center. You may find your local test center on your state's GED web page or on the test-center locator on the ACE website.
10. Retake a GED Test If Necessary
In most states, you must have a total score of 2250, with no less than 410 in any one section, to pass the GED. If you don't pass all sections, you can retake the parts you missed. Some states have a mandatory waiting period before you can test again, and may also request proof of taking a preparatory course before you can do so.
