GED Test Information
GED Test History
The GED test began in 1942. At the time, the United States was fighting World War II. Many returning GIs wanted to continue their interrupted education. Taking the GED test was a way for them to attain a high school diploma equivalent. Civilians were able to take the test beginning in 1947.
Over the last 60 years, the GED test has grown more difficult. This means that there is a lot more information on the test that students might not see in their everyday lives. Many employers now recognize that the GED is just as valuable as a high school diploma.
In 1988, the GED test was made more difficult, a trend that continued with the 2002 revision. Each year, the GED test is given to high school students, and only 70% are able to pass.
The GED Test
GED stands for: General Educational Development.
The GED test covers five basic subject areas: Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies and Math.
The GED test takes 7.5 hours overall, split into two days of 3¾ hours each.
Each of the five GED sections has a different time limit:
-Section 1: Language Arts, Reading – 40 Questions, 60 Minutes
-Section 2: Language Arts, Writing – 50 Questions, 76 Minutes + 1 Essay, 45 Minutes
-Section 3: Social Studies – 50 Questions, 70 Minutes
-Section 4: Science – 50 Questions, 80 Minutes
-Section 5: Math – 25 Questions, 45 Minutes (with calculator) + 25 Questions, 45
Minutes (without calculator)
Benefits of Taking the GED Test
There are many benefits that result from taking the GED test including significantly better job prospects and the opportunity to enter a community or 4-year college.
Over the course of a lifetime, a GED graduate earns an average of $385,000 more than someone without a GED or high school diploma.
A GED diploma is a way to increase financial security. Research also shows that once parents get a GED diploma, they’re more likely to encourage their children to seek educational opportunities and complete educational milestones.
