General Education Development
Internationally recognized
The GED program is the only higher secondary certificate available in over 85 countries and accepted by nearly all universities in the U.S. and many across the world.
Faster scores and transcripts
With same day scoring and transcripts available within days of passing, the GED allows you to go to a university sooner.
Flexibility to test on your schedule
The GED exam can be taken anytime throughout the year, so you don’t have to wait months for specific exam dates. Schedule your exam when you and your teacher know you are ready.
Alternative higher secondary certificate
The GED is the American alternative to the A-level test, HSC, New Zealand’s NCEA, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and other higher secondary credentials.
Why choose the GED?
- You want a widely-recognized higher secondary diploma from a trusted global company.
- You want to attend a university in your country or abroad. See universities grads have attended.
- The university you want to attend has an upcoming registration deadline, and you need to get your exam results and transcripts quickly.
- GED has administered tests to students in over 90 countries worldwide. See where you can test.
- You want to schedule and take the exam anytime you’re ready, rather than waiting for specific exam dates throughout the year.
- You want the most affordable and flexible program out there
Exam Subjects
The GED exam is made up of 4 subjects, broken into separate exams: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. You don’t have to take all 4 exams at once — you can space them out and go at your own pace.
Mathematical Reasoning
Overview
Learn math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems. You don’t have to memorize formulas and will be provided a formula sheet to use on the exam.
Topics
Basic Math
Geometry
Basic Algebra
Graphs and Functions
Exam Details
Format
2 parts
Access to math formula sheet and on-screen calculator
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, select an area, and drop-down)
Duration
115 minutes
No break
Price USD $75
Language Arts
Overview
Learn reading and writing concepts, including grammar. You’ll need to read excerpts from a variety of informational and literary sources and show your understanding, draw conclusions, and write clearly. Your writing will demonstrate your ability to analyze two passages, decide which argument has more convincing evidence and explain why the evidence supports your choice.
Topics
Reading for Meaning
Identifying and Creating Arguments
Grammar and Language
Exam Details
Format
3 sections
1 written essay (extended response)
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)
Duration 150 minutes
10 minute break between parts 2 and 3
45 minutes for the written essay
Price USD $75
Social Studies
Overview
Learn to to apply American social studies concepts, know how to read graphs and charts displaying social studies data, and use reasoning to interpret information. The social studies exam is not about memorization. You won’t need to memorize the capitals of countries or dates that events occurred, but given some information about an event you might need to use that in drawing conclusions.
Topics
Reading for Meaning in Social Studies
Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies
Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies
Exam Details
Format
1 part
Access to on-screen calculator
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)
Duration
70 minutes No breaks
Price USD $75
Science
Overview
Learn to understand science concepts, know how to read graphs and charts displaying scientific data, and use reasoning to interpret science information. The science exam is not about memorization. You won’t need to memorize the periodic table of elements, but you will need to recognize names and symbols of key elements in answering some questions.
Topics
Reading for Meaning in Science
Designing and Interpreting Science Experiments
Using Numbers and Graphics in Science
Exam Details
Format
1 part
Access to on-screen calculator
Multiple choice and other question types (fill in the blank, drag and drop, hot spot, and drop down)
Duration
90 minutes
No breaks
Price USD $75
University Acceptance
Nearly all colleges and universities in the U.S. as well as many in other countries accept GED graduates. Thousands of institutions accept the GED; here is a list of universities around the world that GED grads have attended. Be sure to ask your university of choice for their complete requirements and confirm that they accept the GED.