General Educational Development

General Educational Development
Name	General Educational Development
Acronym	GED
Type	Standardized test
Test taker	Test-takers per year
Skills tested	Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reasoning Through Language Arts
Purpose	High school equivalency credential
Year started	1942
Offered	Computer-based and, in limited locations, paper-based
Language	English, Spanish, French, and others
Prerequisite	Varies by jurisdiction
Fee	Varies by state/province

General Educational Development. The General Educational Development credential is a widely recognized high school equivalency assessment in North America and administered by the non-profit organization GED Testing Service, a joint venture between the American Council on Education and Pearson PLC. It evaluates academic knowledge and skills at a level comparable to traditional high school graduation standards, serving as a critical pathway for adults to advance their education and career opportunities. The credential is accepted by the vast majority of colleges and universities and employers across the United States and Canada as equivalent to a standard high school diploma.

Overview

The credential provides an alternative for individuals who did not complete a traditional secondary education program, enabling access to post-secondary education, improved employment prospects, and military service eligibility. Governed by the GED Testing Service, the program sets rigorous testing standards aligned with contemporary college and career readiness benchmarks. Jurisdictional policies, often set by individual state education agencies or provincial authorities like Employment and Social Development Canada, determine specific eligibility requirements, testing fees, and preparation support. Successful completion demonstrates proficiency in core subject areas, fulfilling a common prerequisite for enrollment in institutions such as community colleges and many public universities.

History

The program originated in 1942 under the American Council on Education to provide returning World War II veterans with a credential to access jobs and education under the GI Bill. The first tests were administered at New York University and other sites, evolving from a paper-based exam to a computer-adaptive format. Major revisions occurred in subsequent decades, including the 1988 series which introduced essay writing, the 2002 series aligning with emerging educational standards, and the comprehensive 2014 overhaul to reflect the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The GED Testing Service partnership with Pearson PLC in 2011 marked a significant shift towards digital delivery and enhanced security protocols, with further updates implemented to address the educational disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Test structure and content

The current assessment comprises four independent subject tests: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Each section is delivered on a computer at official testing centers and features a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, hot spot, and extended response items. The Reasoning Through Language Arts test includes an essay component analyzing provided texts, while the Mathematical Reasoning section focuses on algebraic problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, permitting use of an on-screen calculator. The Science test covers life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, and the Social Studies exam evaluates civics, government, United States history, economics, and geography.

Recognition and acceptance

The credential is formally recognized by all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and all Canadian provinces and territories as a valid high school equivalency. It is accepted for admission by over 97% of colleges and universities, including the University of California system and Ivy League institutions, provided other admission criteria are met. Major employers, from Walmart to Lockheed Martin, and branches of the United States Armed Forces including the United States Army and United States Navy, recognize the credential for hiring and enlistment purposes. Some specialized programs or licensing boards may have additional requirements beyond the credential.

Preparation and resources

Prospective test-takers can access a wide array of preparation options, including official practice tests and study materials from the GED Testing Service. Many adult education centers, community colleges, and organizations like Goodwill Industries offer free or low-cost in-person and online classes. Digital platforms, including Khan Academy and partnerships with Google, provide supplemental instructional content. Preparation strategies often emphasize mastering computer skills for the digital test interface, focused study on weaker subject areas identified by the GED Ready practice test, and utilizing resources from local public libraries or state education agencies.

Demographics and outcomes

Annually, hundreds of thousands of individuals earn the credential across North America, with a significant proportion being adults over the age of 25. Data from the GED Testing Service and the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that credential holders experience substantially higher median earnings and lower unemployment rates compared to those without a high school diploma. A large percentage of graduates pursue further education at community colleges or vocational schools, with many transferring to four-year institutions like Arizona State University. Outcomes research consistently shows that earning the credential is a pivotal step in breaking cycles of poverty and improving long-term economic mobility for diverse populations.

Category:Standardized tests in the United States Category:Adult education Category:Educational assessment and evaluation