A GED, or a General Educational Development certificate, can be a first step to a higher education or a well-paying job for those who never received their high school diploma. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 800,000 people take the GED test each year. The American Council on Education states that 98 percent of colleges and universities and 96 percent of employers accept the GED credential. To attain a GED, the test must be taken at an official testing site, and cannot be taken online.

How to Find a GED Testing Site

There are over 3,400 official testing sites worldwide. To find the GED testing site nearest you, you can type in your zip code to the American Council on Education's website. Here, you should click on the "GED Testing Service" link, and follow the steps on that page. If you click on "Locate Testing Center," and type your zip code in the search box, a full list of GED testing sites near you will be displayed with contact information and directions. Beware of GED testing scams. Never pay a website to take the GED test online, as official online testing isn't available, and sites that offer it are not legitimate.

Preparing for the GED

While the GED test cannot be taken online, there are several online GED preparation sites that can be helpful in preparing to take the test, which are available free of cost. You can download GED test preparation guides and practice tests for free from the American Council on Education website. Find free, personal study resources by locating an adult basic education center near you. Visit the American Council on Education website for a state-by-state listing of trained educators, who can provide you the tutoring you need to succeed.

What to Expect on the GED

Prepare for the GED test by studying the five content areas, which are the official standards of the latest GED "2002 Series." The GED test is made up of the following six sections: 1) Language Arts, Writing, Part I---50 questions, taken in 75 minutes; 2) Language Arts, Writing, Part II---the essay, written in 45 minutes; 3) Social Studies---50 questions, taken in 70 minutes; 4) Science---50 questions, taken in 80 minutes; 5) Language Arts, Reading---40 questions, taken in 65 minutes; and 6) Mathematics---50 questions, taken in 90 minutes.

Source:

American Council on Education: Truth About Testing Online

U.S. Department of Education: Student Aid on the Web: Non Traditional Student

American Council on Education: Find an Adult Basic Education Center Near You

More Information:

Steck-Vaughn: Official Free GED Practice Tests

PBS Literacy Link: Free GED Preparation and Practice Tests

American Council on Education: Find a GED Testing Center Near You