Your test day is almost here. Your GED scores must be at least 145 in each subject area to pass the exam. Are you seeking a GED needed for a certain job? Or do you just want to learn more and feel proud about passing?

Whatever your motivation, let’s think about the last few questions you might have before you take the test.

How Is the GED Scored?

When you get your GED scores back, there are two different levels you could earn:

• Below passing: You scored lower than 145 on one of the subject area tests.
• Pass: You earned at least a 145 on every subject.

What Are the Subject Areas?

The GED test is divided into four subject areas:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Science

The number of points you earn in each section is scored, not the number of questions answered correctly. As previously mentioned, you need a minimum score of 145 in every subject to pass the entire GED test.

What Do My Practice Scores Mean?

Taking a GED Ready practice test will give you a sense of whether you’re ready or not. When you finish, you’ll receive an indicator of how likely you are to pass the real thing.

It’s recommended that you focus on the specific skills in your Study Plan and then take the GED Ready practice test again and see if you can earn a “green” score. A “green” score means you’re ready to take the GED test within the next two weeks. A “yellow” score means that you did a fair job.

Are GED Scores Averaged?

You receive a score report for each subject area. Passing scores must be 145 or higher in each one. For example, you can’t score 125 in one subject and 165 in another to average 145 in each test.

Keep in mind that you can take each subject test on different days. This can help to focus your mind on the goal of scoring 145 in each area and then repeating that until you pass all the subjects.

What Scores Are Important to Colleges?

A passing score of 145 will help you get into college, but higher GED scores can result in additional benefits:

• GED College Ready: You’ll need a score of 165–175 on every subject to show you’re ready for college and probably don’t need remedial classes or placement tests.

• GED College Ready + Credit: A score of at least 175 in every subject shows you’ve mastered some college-level knowledge, which could earn you college credits.

What If I Don’t Pass?

If you don’t earn a passing score, you can retake the subject tests you didn’t pass. Practice the sample questions for that subject until you can answer about 65% or more of them.

Retake policies vary based on your state and whether you’re taking a test online or in-person at a test center. In general, you’re allowed to take unlimited repeats of each subject, although you may be asked to wait 60 days after multiple attempts. It’s best to check the testing and retake policies for your state.

You can also retake subjects for a higher score. You can do this if you haven’t earned your credential and you want to get a better score on subjects you’ve already completed.

Prepare for Your GED Test with Expert Tools

GED.com offers several options to help you study and pass the GED. From interactive practice questions to the official practice test, and even an all-inclusive program that includes a bilingual advisor, there are lots of ways to prepare.

It is officially back-to-school season! Whether it has been a few months or a few years since you’ve stepped foot in a classroom, here are five tips that will help you get a head start on the new academic year!

Set Academic Goals

When preparing for a new school year, lay out what you would like to accomplish. You can start by coming up with academic goals such as building good study habits, passing all your exams, or even asking more questions in class.

Setting goals allows you to hold yourself accountable throughout the school year. As a result, you will be able to look back at the goals you achieved and feel proud!

Make a Schedule

Creating (and sticking to) a schedule is a crucial part of being a successful student. At the start of classes, gather all your homework due dates, exam dates, and time blocked off for studying and input the information in a planner or online calendar.

Having all the important dates documented will help you stay on track with important deadlines throughout the year.

Review Past Material

Many students find that reviewing past material helps them have a better understanding of new information they learn in class. During a break, it can be easy to forget everything you learned in the previous school year. Therefore, it is essential to review anything that you may have forgotten before diving into your new courses.

Find Study Resources

Study resources can come in several forms. There are online resources such as browser extensions and study apps (check out our previous blogs),as well as physical resources like textbooks and study guides. Fellow classmates and tutors are great sources that can help you thrive in your classes. The options are limitless!

Get Organized

Having a clean and organized workspace can help you be more productive. Before heading back to school, gather all the supplies and tools you will be using throughout the year. Supplies can include pencils, notebooks, or decorations for your desk.

When organizing your workspace for remote learning, make sure you are comfortable in the space. Clear your desk of any clutter and add any useful accessories such as a mouse or keyboard. This way, you can hit the ground running when classes begin.

We wish you a great back-to-school experience and most importantly, take time for yourself! Between school, work, and home responsibilities, a little downtime can refuel your energy and recenter your focus. Being in a good headspace will allow you to be the best student you can be.

Try to implement as many of these tips as you can for a successful GED journey! Visit GED’s website for study tips, practice tests, study tools and more.

Completing your high school education can hold the key to a better future, and taking the GED test offers the chance of earning a diploma in a matter of months. With enough preparation and dedication, you can get your GED certificate. If you’ve been wondering how long it takes to get your GED, here’s an overview of the process.

How Long Do People Generally Study for the GED?

Depending on your learning style, you might be ready to take your GED test after a month or perhaps longer. If possible, take your time preparing thoroughly, and schedule the exam when you’re confident you can pass it.

The GED comprises four different exam topics:

• Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Mathematics
• Science

It’s a good idea to take the GED Ready practice test first to determine your strengths and weaknesses. You can then focus on the areas you need to improve.

Studying for 90 minutes, four to five times a week, is an effective study routine for most people. If this isn’t possible, studying two to three times a week is still a good strategy, though it might take you longer to feel ready for the test. You can improve your concentration and retention of the material by creating the best study environment possible.

It’s possible to study for all the sections at once and take the entire exam on the same day. However, you can also spread out the test over several weeks and focus your study on whichever subject you’re taking. For example, you can focus on one subject for three weeks, then take the exam, or study all subjects for about three months and take the entire GED test at once.

With a fixed study schedule, you’ll be better able to narrow down the length of time it takes to get a GED.

How Long Is the GED Test?

Taking all four GED subjects at once would take around 7.5 hours. However, many test-takers choose to spread the sections out a bit more.

You might find it more favorable to schedule one subtest at a time. How long it takes to get your GED depends on how you schedule your test.

The breakdown of each section is as follows:

• Language Arts: 150 minutes, with a 10-minute break
• Social Studies: 70 minutes
• Mathematics: 115 minutes
• Science: 90 minutes

How Long Does It Take to Get GED Scores?

So you’ve put in the work. You’ve studied, taken the entire test, and are on the cusp of personally discovering how long a GED takes to earn. Now it’s out of your hands, but how long does it take to get your GED scores?

Most people can get their results within a few hours of taking the GED test. If not, expect to get it within 24 hours of completing the exam.

To know whether the results are ready for viewing, you can check your email or log into your GED account online. If it’s been four business days since your test and you still haven’t received your results, get in touch with the GED support team. They can help find your information or provide other GED-related assistance.

A Stepping Stone to Success

How long does it take to get your GED? It depends on when you take the first steps!

Getting your GED can be a stepping stone to many exciting opportunities. So celebrate this milestone and keep moving forward. If you haven’t gotten your GED yet but are interested in pursuing this certification, be sure to prepare for the exam and contact us if you have any questions. We’re here to help you attain your credential and stay on track.

What are you waiting for? Take a practice test today!

Staying focused during online classes can be difficult. A number of things can distract you whether it be a loud environment or surfing the web. Here are a few tips to help you remain focused during GED Live online classes or other live courses!

1. Turn On Your Camera

Turning on your camera helps you stay accountable because others will be able to see your face during class. This makes it harder for you to get distracted due to the added pressure of people watching you. Keeping your camera on also lets your instructor know that you are not only engaged with the topic at hand but that you are also understanding the material.

2. Participate

Participation can take various forms. Asking questions when you are not sure about a topic will help you understand the material better. You can also participate in the class group chat, answer polls the teacher sends, or unmute yourself during class. Participation during class allows you to build a learning community with fellow students and teachers.

3. Take Active Notes

Studies show that taking notes on paper helps you understand and remember information better. Physically writing things down takes more thought than typing. Therefore, you are processing information on a deeper level. Writing notes also decreases your chances of getting distracted because you won’t have to open another tab or window to get to your notes.

4. Study in a New Place

Switch up your environment on occasion! Studying in your room can lead to being distracted because we associate our rooms with downtime and relaxation. Finding a dedicated study location forces you to associate said place with focusing and being productive. This new location can be outside, in an office, or at your local library or cafe.

5. Rewatch Lectures

Rewatching lectures aids in being able to recall information faster. Once a week after your classes, take a moment to sit down and listen to a previous lecture and go over your notes. You can listen to the recording at 1.5x speed and add onto your existing notes as a refresher.

Be sure to utilize all these tips to ensure that you have a successful GED journey! Visit GED’s website for study tips, practice tests and more.

If you are a current student who is new to the world of browser extensions, you have come to the right place! Below I will be detailing the best FREE browser extensions that are great for studying and keeping you on task during a study session.

Grammarly

What: Grammarly is a great tool for students! It corrects grammar errors and mistakes in real time. In addition to grammar corrections, Grammarly also fixes punctuation and spelling, and provides word suggestions to help your sentences flow better.

Best Features: The free version of Grammarly includes a tone detector. I found this feature helpful when writing emails. If you are someone who worries about how your words are perceived over email, Grammarly is a great tool for you.

Forest

What: Forest is one of my favorite extensions! It blocks distracting sites on your browser and prevents you from going on them so you can focus on the task at hand.

Best Features: Not only does Forest block websites for you, such as social media, but you can also set a specific amount of time that you want to focus. If you leave Forest to go on one of your blocked sites, the virtual tree you created dies, creating a real consequence for not staying on task.

Momentum

What: Momentum allows you to create a new personalized home page when you open a new tab on your browser. This extension helps you combat distractions and remain focused during your study session.

Best Features: In the free version of the extension, you can add adaily photo and quote, set a daily focus, and track your to-do list for the day. It allows for customization so you can tailor it to your daily needs.

Speechify

What: If you have trouble focusing while reading, this extension is perfect for you. Speechify is a text-to-speech reading assistant that allows you to listen to any website you are browsing at the time.

Best Features: With Speechify you can listen to anything online, listen in a variety of languages, adjust the speech speed, and save content for you to listen to later!

Noisli

What: Noisli is an extension that provides background noise to help you focus. When studying, the environment around you can be loud and distracting. Noisli allows you to create your own sound environment, curated by you, to help you remain focused on the task at hand.

Best Features: In the free version of the app, you can easily access your favorite sounds, listen to curated playlists, share sounds, and use their built-in timer to work in sessions.

Make sure to check out all of the extensions featured above to see which one works best for you. Take it from a recent graduate, extensions completely elevate your studying experience!

*All of these extensions are available on Chrome, Safari, and Edge.

At GEDWorks™, we are proud to partner with organizations and companies nationwide to help people of all ages achieve their GED. From major companies to small employers, health plans, and non-profit organizations, we are changing lives together, one credential at a time. Get to know GEDWorks grads and their stories below.

KFC

For many students, the GED test is challenging. You’re often balancing family or work responsibilities while studying for an important exam that will open up new doors to a brighter future. While it’s natural to feel anxious as test day approaches, being as prepared as possible helps you take the GED test confidently. Here are a few valuable GED prep tips to help you feel ready for this challenge.

1. Continue Studying Every Day

Achieving success on each of the GED test subjects requires proper preparation. Study for at least 30 minutes each day to keep your brain active. You could even use free GED prep materials online to help you. These materials, from the same professionals who wrote the GED test itself, streamline information so you’re focused on exactly what you need to know.

Your time is valuable. Making this small daily commitment is one of the easiest ways to become well-versed in each area of the GED. Then, when test day arrives, your brain is ready to go because you’ve trained it well.

2. Cut Out Distractions

It is more difficult to concentrate and retain information if you are distracted. Take a look at your study area and remove anything you don’t need. This should leave only your notes and other learning resources. You might also want to turn off your laptop or phone. For 30 minutes, try to ignore social media updates, emails, texts, and phone calls.

While studying, focus solely on the GED test material. Getting help with childcare and other responsibilities during this study time might also help you better retain the information. Or pick a quiet time in the morning or evening to study without distraction.

Also, keep in mind that your attire can alter your mood on test day. Wear an outfit that is comfortable and makes you feel confident. This can give you a bit of a boost on your test.

3. Get Ready the Night Before

Pack everything you need the evening before so that your test will be your only focus when morning comes. Be sure to include your valid government-issued ID, snacks, and your TI-30XS hand-held calculator, if necessary. If you bring gadgets, phones, wallets, and other personal items, you will have to leave them in the center’s storage facility.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

A well-rested body and mind can lead to better test performance. Your conceptual and problem-solving abilities will improve tremendously if you get enough sleep not only on the evening of your test but also a few nights prior. Cramming rarely works when absorbing information, so it’s better to be properly rested instead. Moreover, consistently studying your GED prep materials should be enough to prepare you for the test mentally.

5. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

A balanced and healthy breakfast can fuel your mind and body during a long test. Aim to consume food rich in omega-3 fats like salmon and eggs because they can help boost your brainpower. They also go great on a whole-wheat bagel with onions and tomatoes. Other breakfast items that help you stay focused and energized include oatmeal, toast, nuts, and yogurt.

6. Arrive Early

Wake up earlier than normal to arrive at the testing center a half-hour before the test starts. Acquaint yourself with your surroundings so you feel comfortable. This will help you avoid any delays due to traffic, weather, or public transit issues. It also limits the anxiety you will feel if you’re running behind. When you arrive at the testing center, take a walk or meditate quietly to calm your nerves if needed.

If you’re 15 minutes late, you might not be allowed to take the test.

Test Yourself

One of the best ways to prepare for the big day is to practice with GED prep practice questions. Time yourself while simulating a testing environment to truly feel prepared and comfortable with each subject. If you get an answer wrong, this program instantly alerts you to the mistake. Explanations help you understand the error so you learn. That’s one less mistake you’ll make during the real thing!

Improve Your Knowledge with the Best GED Prep Online

Get closer to your dream of earning your high school equivalency diploma with the help of top GED prep materials online. Check out GED’s website for study tips, practice tests, and more.

Most high school students pass their required classes and graduate in four years. Others take a different path. In 2019, the United States had a graduation rate of 84.6%, meaning 15% of students did not finish high school. You can remedy the lack of a diploma by researching GED requirements, studying, and taking the GED test.

Dropping out of school is not the end of the world. While those who don’t graduate from high school may tend to struggle more in life than those who graduate, you can receive a high school equivalency diploma, like the GED, to enroll in college and apply for better jobs.

What Are the Requirements for a GED?

Three requirements must be met for you to take the GED tests.

1. You do not currently attend high school.

You cannot be a high school student and take the GED tests. You must pursue one or the other, either a diploma or equivalency, not both. GED testing takes place at the high school senior level, so test-takers should thoroughly prepare. Some states even require that you take preparatory classes before the exam.

2. You never graduated from high school.

You do not need your equivalency diploma if you have a high school diploma.

3. You are at least 18 years old.

Some states allow testing at younger ages, but typically you cannot be younger than 16 years of age. Those between 16-18 must usually meet additional requirements. This can include official withdrawal from school, permission from the former school district, and parental consent.

Possible Additional Requirements

Some states require a few more steps before you can pursue your GED credential. For example, you may need to be an official resident first. You might also need to show proof that you’ve been out of school for a certain amount of time.

Depending on where you live, you may need to pass an official qualification test first. Some states require test-takers to take an official prep test. You must score high enough to show that you can probably pass the real thing before you’re allowed to take the official test.

You must pass a Constitution test in North Dakota, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Illinois to get your GED credential. Additionally, in North Dakota, you must also pass a Civics Test.

Click here and select your state to see what other GED requirements apply to you.

What Happens Next?

Once you meet all the GED requirements, the next step is to study. Again, you will be tested on the same knowledge as high school seniors, which can be quite rigorous. Therefore, you must understand what types of questions to expect on the tests and be prepared to answer them.

The GED test consists of four separate tests: Social Studies, Science, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. You can take all four tests at once, or you can opt to space them out and take them at your own pace.

While studying online and using interactive study tools is an option, in-person classes at a local prep center can help, too. If you need guidance or study partners, you should consider in-person courses.

Contact Us Today

Now that you know the GED requirements, are you ready to go for it? Find a testing center near you and schedule your GED test today.

Social studies allow us to understand specific events that have happened throughout history. When preparing for the social studies portion of the GED, it is important to be able to identify evidence in order to analyze important documents.

Below, we will be reviewing two practice questions that are similar to what you may see on the social studies portion of the GED.

These questions will help you master the identification of specific evidence to support analyses of primary and secondary sources. It will also help you understand the precise details of explanations or descriptions of a process, event, or concept.

Example #1

This excerpt is from an anti-Federalist paper published in 1787. It has been paraphrased.

When it comes time to begin the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) module of the GED test, don’t worry—you’ve got this!

First of all, Reasoning Through Language Arts is just a way to gauge your reading and writing skills, so don’t be intimidated.

Second, GED Testing Service will support your study efforts by offering you seven top reading strategies that can help you on the RLA modules of the GED test with confidence and ease. Many of these strategies can even help you on the other three modules of the GED test, as well!

1. Monitor Your Understanding

As you read, think about what you already understand and what you need to learn. This keeps your mind engaged, rather than allowing it to wander to other thoughts or mindlessly scan the text without internalizing it.

Scenario: You’re reading about the Civil War and come to a word you don’t understand. You can either stop immediately and try to come up with its meaning before moving on, or you can continue on, coming back to the word at the end of the sentence or paragraph.

Which should you do? Keep reading! Often the meaning of the word will become clear on its own, and you won’t have to interrupt the flow of incoming information.

2. Form a Visual

Form a mental picture of the story being told. You can even imagine the sounds, smells, and feel of what’s being described to solidify the scene and empathize with the narrative’s subject.

Scenario: The author has written about a character walking through the forest. Imagine yourself walking through that same forest. Are you cold? Do you smell pine needles? What can you see in the shadows?

This exercise can help you recognize the character and appreciate the scene in deeper detail.

3. Connect Personal Experiences

Relate what you’re reading with your own experiences. This makes the text more understandable and meaningful and provides a foundation for building new information and comprehension.

Scenario: The text subject is a volcanic eruption in Ecuador. What else do you know about volcanoes that wasn’t included in what you’re reading? What do you know about Ecuador? Have you experienced any natural disasters yourself?

Combine your prior knowledge and experiences with the new content to get a broader view of the story.

4. Ask Questions

Stimulate your thinking by asking questions before, during, and after you read the text. This helps you clarify what you’re reading, determine what information is missing, and figure out the writer’s purpose.

Scenario: If you’re reading about a politician giving a speech, ask yourself questions. Why did she say that? How did she come to her conclusion? What is her audience’s reaction?

We already do this in our daily interactions—just apply the same principle to the page.

5. Look for Signals

Read between the written lines to find meaning and discover what the author is really saying. At different points in the text, pause and ask yourself, “What’s really going on here?” Then answer your question by thinking critically about the clues the author gives.

Scenario: If the author didn’t give a reason for a character’s action, you can still come to an accurate conclusion based on surrounding evidence.

For example, Sean slammed the door after reading a note. You can guess that Sean was mad at what was written in the note, even though the author didn’t specifically say so.

6. Prioritize Information

Determine the most important bits of information and organize them relative to each other. This helps you know what to remember and what you don’t need to retain.

Scenario: In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, the key information includes the main characters (Atticus, Scout, and Jem), basic storyline (a false accusation against a black man), and conclusion (Tom Robinson’s guilty verdict). A vital element of the story is how the townspeople’s prejudice contributed to the trial’s outcome.

Examples of irrelevant details in the story are the ages of the characters and the details of the crime that was supposedly committed.

7. Summarize in Simple Words

Pull out the main points of the story, organize them in a logical way, and retell them in your own words. Don’t forget to include the most important elements that support the conclusion (and don’t worry about the irrelevant details).

Scenario: After reading about the Big Bang Theory of how the universe began, imagine how you would explain this theory to someone who had never heard about it before.

Would you recite the entire text, use long words, and go into great scientific detail? No, you’d simplify terms and only tell the basic ideas behind the theory.

Create Your GED Account

It can feel overwhelming to study for the Reasoning Through Language Arts module of the GED test—but we’ve put together this list to ease that burden, not to add to it. These are tools that can help you excel on the test.

Don’t think you have to memorize and use all seven of these best reading strategies on every question. Practice using each of these reading strategies before you take the test. Or, simply choose one or two of the strategies that work well for your learning style. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself using them without even realizing it.

But before you begin studying and practicing, create your online GED account!