GED

GED
Name	GED
Established	1942
Type	Secondary-level equivalency
Administered by	American Council on Education; developed by Educational Testing Service
Country	United States; Canada; internationally

GED

The GED credential is a secondary-level equivalency credential awarded to individuals who pass a standardized battery of tests intended to measure knowledge and skills comparable to those demonstrated by graduates of high school diploma programs. It serves as an alternative credential for adults, veterans, and learners who left formal schooling early, and functions within systems involving institutions such as Community College, Department of Veterans Affairs, and workforce agencies. The credential interfaces with employers, postsecondary institutions like State University of New York and certification programs including Certified Nursing Assistant training.

Overview

The GED credential comprises a series of subject assessments that evaluate competencies aligned with standards used by bodies such as the American Council on Education and benchmarks referenced by agencies including U.S. Department of Education and provincial authorities in Ontario. Holders often use the credential to access pathways at institutions such as Arizona State University, City University of New York, University of California campuses, and technical colleges like Georgia Institute of Technology satellite programs. The credential has policy implications for labor programs administered by entities like Department of Labor and social services overseen by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

History

Origins trace to initiatives during World War II when military and civilian leaders sought standardized measures comparable to secondary completion; early sponsors included the American Council on Education and testing organizations like Educational Testing Service. Postwar expansion intersected with federal efforts such as the GI Bill and adult education movements influenced by organizations exemplified by National Education Association and philanthropic funders including Carnegie Corporation of New York. Revisions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries reflect engagement with standards from bodies such as Achieve, Inc. and technological transitions influenced by firms like Pearson PLC in computer-based testing adoption.

Test Structure and Content

The assessment battery traditionally comprised multiple subject tests covering areas corresponding to curricula found at institutions such as Boston Latin School and regional high schools; contemporary formats emphasize four core modules aligned with college- and career-readiness frameworks advocated by Common Core State Standards Initiative signatories including Council of Chief State School Officers. Content domains map to literacies promoted by organizations like National Council of Teachers of English and numeracy standards referenced by the Mathematical Association of America. Item types include multiple-choice, extended response, and technology-enhanced tasks developed with psychometric standards from National Council on Measurement in Education.

Administration and Scoring

Examinations are administered by testing centers that may operate on campuses such as Community College of Philadelphia or state testing facilities coordinated with agencies like California Department of Education; administrations follow protocols influenced by American Psychological Association ethical guidelines and security practices used by vendors including Prometric in some jurisdictions. Scoring employs scaled scoring procedures and standard-setting methods used by organizations such as National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and reporting conventions that parallel credential frameworks used by College Board for placement. Passing thresholds and score reporting are governed by policies from entities like Office of Postsecondary Education and provincial ministries such as Ministry of Education (Ontario).

Eligibility and Preparation

Eligibility criteria vary by jurisdiction with age and residency rules enacted by legislatures such as the New York State Legislature and boards like the Texas Education Agency; exemptions and accommodations for veterans connect to benefits administered by Department of Veterans Affairs while disability accommodations reference standards from Americans with Disabilities Act. Preparation resources include curricula and adult-learning programs at providers like Goodwill Industries International, online platforms such as Khan Academy, and preparatory materials published by organizations like McGraw Hill Education and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Recognition and Impact

Recognition by employers, licensing bodies, and postsecondary institutions—ranging from local community colleges to systems like the California State University network—affects labor-market outcomes and educational trajectories. Studies by research centers such as Urban Institute and Pew Research Center have examined the credential’s impact on earnings and enrollment. Policy debates involving lawmakers in bodies like the United States Congress and provincial parliaments focus on access, equity, and alignment with pathways promoted by initiatives such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Alternative Credentials and Pathways

Alternatives and complementary credentials include high school diplomas from institutions such as Online High School (California), equivalency tests offered by organizations like Test Assessing Secondary Completion initiatives, occupational certifications such as Project Management Professional for workforce entry, sector-specific licenses issued by agencies like National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and competency-based pathways at institutions exemplified by Western Governors University. Articulation agreements between community colleges and universities such as Ivy Tech Community College facilitate transfer routes for credential holders.

Category:Secondary school qualifications