We all get that staying healthy is important for you and your family. It also affects society as a whole. Healthy populations have better economies and benefit from more job opportunities and growth. In short, higher levels of education = better health.

Education deepens knowledge, inspires confidence, and equips people with the necessary skills to make money and pay for healthy lifestyles. People with a high school diploma have fewer chronic health conditions than those without. People who don’t finish high school risk living 5 years less than those with a college degree.

Adding to that fact, over the past 20 years and even now, unemployment is 2x higher for adults without a high school diploma, compared to those with an associate or college degree. [Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics].

During the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment soared as high as 21% for adults without a high school diploma, compared to 8% for college graduates at the peak in April 2020. [Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]

All this to say that achieving a high school credential is life-changing. The GED can open doors to further education and higher-paying, more stable jobs, even during times of crisis.

There are many ways you can take direct action through education to encourage healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes throughout life. A high school equivalency diploma is a great starting point. You may even be able to get your GED for free thanks to select employers and health plans that participate in GEDWorks™.

GEDWorks is a program for health plan providers and employers to provide the benefit of obtaining a GED at little or no cost to members or employees.

For members of Minnesota-based healthcare plan provider UCare, the GED is a pathway to improve their lives. Flexible education benefits like GEDWorks provide the opportunity to earn a high school credential at any stage of life. GED grad Cassie F. reflects on her experience with GEDWorks as a health plan benefit through UCare:

“It was really cool that my insurance helped me get an education. I’d never heard of such an opportunity before. The program was awesome.”

Over 4,000 GEDWorks participants are now proud GED grads. The student journey to success includes tailored prep with dedicated advisors and flexible scheduling. Many GEDWorks students are essential workers, for whom remote preparation and online testing make passing the test possible.

Register at GED.com to see if your company or health care provider offers GEDWorks.

So you’ve passed the GED. Congrats! But what comes next?

Though life after your GED can feel new and a bit overwhelming, rest easy knowing there are wonderful opportunities on the horizon.

Here are the six post-GED opportunities you can look forward to.

1. College

The GED is a widely recognized and accepted certification. Ninety-eight percent of colleges admit individuals with GEDs. So don’t feel like achieving a college degree is out of reach.

If you’d like to pursue a four-year degree, here are a few tips to help you produce a solid college application:

• Reach out to the admissions office of colleges and universities you’re interested in to find out more about their programs and whether the institution will be a good fit for your academic and career aspirations.
• Seek letters of recommendation to impress the admissions team. These can be from a former instructor, employer, or volunteer coordinator. They should be able to highlight your skills, talents, and character.

2. Military

Did you know the GED was originally created for veterans and members of the military?

Joining the military is certainly an option with your GED, and if you didn’t graduate high school, earning a GED is highly recommended for those entering the military.

The military uses three tiers to enlist their recruits: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. These tiers are divided based on education level, and each level is eligible for different roles and operations.

With your GED certificate, you can be recruited into Tier 2. This tier accepts GEDs. You can get into Tier 1 as well, but you’ll need to earn 15 college credits first. Keep in mind you have to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) first. This exam assesses your skills and what role you’re best suited for in the military.

Joining the military comes with great benefits such as:

• Healthcare
• Housing allowance
• Tuition assistance/scholarships for college
• Retirement benefits

3. Career

As many employers require job candidates to have a high school diploma or GED, your GED will open the door to many more career opportunities.

Even if you aren’t interested in pursuing a college degree, your new diploma can still help you qualify for many jobs. People with GED certificates are more likely to be hired than those who didn’t finish high school. It can even help you enroll in professional training programs that can help you land the job you’ve set your eyes on.

4. Trade School Certificate

Another opportunity after receiving your GED? Trade school.

Trade school, also known as vocational school, offers focused training that prepares you to work in a specific field. This option is ideal if you have a job in mind, seek high-level professional guidance, and want to enter the workforce quickly. Vocational programs typically take up to two years to complete.

There are several different types of trade school programs, such as:

• Medical assisting
• Dental assisting
• Pharmacy technician
• Nursing assistant
• Cosmetology
• Culinary
• Welding
• Electrical

Once you complete these training programs, you’ll receive a certificate, which can help you land the job of your dreams.

5. Work Promotion

Getting your GED shows your boss you’re ready for a promotion. It’s a significant milestone that illustrates your desire to grow and willingness to take on more responsibility. And with more responsibilities come more promotion opportunities and pay raises.

If your current job isn’t something you see yourself doing long-term, now is the time to find other opportunities. Letting prospective employers know you recently received your GED shows aptitude, determination, and hard work. It’s a great way to start a new chapter in your career.

6. Better Outlook on Life

Many people gain a sense of pride and accomplishment upon reaching a milestone like passing the GED. Whether you are the first in the family to receive a GED, being an example to your kids, or are just making a better life for yourself, GED graduates have so much to be proud of.

So whether that path forward means college, the military, or a work promotion, you’ll have a better outlook on both your professional and personal life. Not to mention, there are financial rewards that come with this—those who earn a GED can make about 37.5 percent more than those who don’t have one.

A Stepping Stone to Success

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. GED Testing Service is here to help you attain your credential and stay on track.

Taking the GED test is an important step in furthering your education or career opportunities. Getting a GED could also help you earn more money over your lifetime–GED graduates can earn $9,000 more a year than those without a GED or high school diploma. With a GED, you can expand your opportunities and apply to college and career training programs. And while the fees for the GED test are a worthwhile investment in your future, the cost of the test could be a barrier to entry for some people seeking to earn their GED.

So how can you get a free or discounted GED? Fortunately, there are a few options for getting a free or subsidized GED test.

Earn a Free GED with the GEDWorks Program

GEDWorks is a comprehensive program that allows you to get your GED for free through your employer. The GED program allows you to take free GED tests, making it easy to earn your GED while you work.

GEDWorks is free to employees or members, with costs covered by the employer or healthcare provider. The program provides unlimited access to English and Spanish study materials, preparation courses, tutoring, practice tests, a personal advisor, and more–at no cost to you. Advisors work with each student weekly by coaching, offering study tips, and study material guidance every step of the way. Participating students also have the support of their employers, as they can track progress and overall performance using the data and reporting features built in the program.

Those who enroll in GEDWorks are almost twice as likely to earn their GED than those who study for the test on their own. Top companies like Taco Bell, KFC, Sheetz, The Cheesecake Factory, Pizza Hut, and more are building stronger workforces with GEDWorks. There are also health plan providers, like Minnesota-based UCare, that offer eligible members access to GEDWorks. Since the program’s launch, we’ve helped over 4,200 students earn their GED credentials at no cost to them. You can register at GED.com to see if your company already offers free GED tests. A full list of participating employers can be found here.

Other Ways to Take Your GED Test for Free or a Discount

Some states across the country offer the opportunity to take your test for free or a discount as part of a promotion. States like Minnesota, Maryland, and DC offer discounted testing, and others like Connecticut, Kentucky, and Virginia offer free testing. Depending on the state, the student may need to be a state resident, a first-time tester, enrolled in an approved adult education program, and take the GED Ready practice test. Eligibility varies by state, but you can view a full list of states currently offering free or discounted testing here.

Learn More About How to Earn a Free or Discounted GED

Want to learn more about how to earn a GED for free or a discount? Whether you’re an employee working for a company offering the GEDWorks program or a student living in a state offering a test discount, GED Testing Service is ready to help. You can learn more about our employer-sponsored GEDWorks program by visiting GEDWorks.com. Or you can register at GED.com, and during the sign-up process, you can see if your company offers GEDWorks or your state offers free or discounted testing.

Studying for hours on end for an upcoming exam can be a stressful experience. Believe it or not, music can serve as a useful study tool!

Studies show that listening to music while studying can improve the amount of information you recall, so I’ve compiled a list of the best music to listen to while studying. Below are five playlists to make your study session more productive and enjoyable.

Brain Food

Brain Food is perfect for those who enjoy listening to music but don’t want to get distracted by lyrics. This playlist is comprised of countless lyric free songs that are categorized under the “hypnotic electronic” genre. It’ll have you feeling calm and focused while being sure to keep you in the studying mood.

How to listen: Spotify

If you need to study for the GED or another big test coming up, you know you need to hit the books and get studying. One of the best ways to study successfully and effectively is by setting the right study environment. The perfect study environment will look different for every student, but there are several studying tips that will help you set yourself up for test-taking success by choosing the right place, space, and background.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to study more effectively, try these tips for creating the best study environment.

1. Choose the Right Space

In addition to how you study, where you study can make a big difference in how effective you are at learning and reviewing the material. It’s best to study at a desk or table where you can spread out your notes, books, worksheets, and computer, with access to outlets and the internet. Ideally, you won’t be interrupted by pets, children, or well-meaning family and roommates.

For many people, this place is at a home office, bedroom desk, or even kitchen table. Others don’t have dedicated study space at home and need to go to a school or public library to concentrate. If you can, avoid studying in bed or on a couch or armchair, where you may find it hard to focus or feel comfortable enough to drift off.

2. Remove Distractions

You won’t get any quality study done, especially on subjects you don’t particularly enjoy, if you’re surrounded by distractions. What distracts you from studying? Some people are tempted by “productive procrastinating”—i.e., organizing your sock drawer, folding your laundry, cleaning the kitchen, making your bed, etc., instead of studying. Other people are distracted by social media. Sometimes food is a distraction if you aren’t actually hungry. Other times, you may be distracted by a roommate, family member, or friend. Removing these and other distractions, or removing yourself from them, will help you focus.

3. Bring the Snacks

One of the most important tips for studying is to take care of your physical needs. It’s normal to get hungry while you’re studying, so plan ahead: Bring several healthy snacks along so you don’t need to leave your desk to rummage around and search for something. It’s ok to take a break to eat, but leaving to buy food or hunt down sustenance can waste time. Choose healthy snacks, and make sure to have plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid tension headaches.

4. Find Good Lighting

Studying and reading will strain your eyes if you don’t have adequate lighting. Set yourself up with a desk lamp to illuminate your notes or study by a window for natural lighting. Looking outside periodically during your study session can also give your mind and eyes a break.

5. Balance Background Sounds

One key aspect of how to study is finding the right background noise. Many people prefer complete silence. Others find silence distracting and like the gentle background noise of a public library or coffee shop. You might like to put in your headphones and listen to white noise tracks or classical music. Or what you prefer to listen to may change based on your mood and what you’re studying. With some trial and error, you can decide the perfect sound for your study environment. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to control the sound on test day and most likely won’t have the option to have music playing, so consider conditioning yourself to quiet studying.

These studying tips can get you started on creating the perfect study environment for you. Studying isn’t fun, but it is essential preparation for tests like the GED that can open the door to a bright future.

We all know failure is sometimes a part of success, and this is true even with the GED test. If you don’t pass the first time, you have a few opportunities to do better in certain areas of the test. You can study, then retake the test and do better. It’s possible to pass.

Many people before you have not passed on their first try. They improved a knowledge area, then passed on a second or third attempt. You can do it! We’re going to help you answer several questions, like:

• How many times can you take the GED test?
• How do you prepare to retake it?
• How much does a retake cost?

You only truly fail if you give up. You can keep learning and try until you pass. You are capable of it. Remember why you want to succeed, and use the tips below in your next attempt.

How Many Times Can You Take the GED Test?

Retakes policies and holds are determined by your state, please check your state’s specific requirements.

It’s natural to feel disappointment and maybe anger if you don’t pass a subject test the first time. Many students have trouble with a particular subject within the GED—they might struggle with math, for example. So, you can retake the subject test you didn’t pass. This lets you study just that subject more intensely until you can pass its test.

How Much Does It Cost to Retake a Test Subject?

You may be able to retake subject tests for free. The GED Testing Service doesn’t charge another fee if you need to retake a subject. Test locations might also decide to give you free or low-cost retests. Just ask about it.

What Are the State Policies for Retaking the GED?

Most states let you retake a subject test without any kind of waiting period. After three attempts, including the first, they usually give you a waiting period of 60 days before the fourth attempt. To confirm pricing and all other rules, look up the specific GED testing policy in your state.

What Score Do You Need to Pass the GED?

If you don’t pass the first time, you might only need to raise your score a small amount in a particular subject test. You don’t need a perfect score.

Here’s a more specific breakdown:

100 to 144: This score is below passing.

145 to 164: Congratulations, this indicates that you demonstrate high school level skills and knowledge.

165 to 174: This indicates that you’re prepared to enter college without remediation and may be eligible to bypass placement exams.

175 to 200: You’ve shown above-average skills and knowledge and may be eligible to bypass placement exams and earn college credits in certain subjects/schools.

How to Prepare for Your Retake Test

But how do you actually study? First, look at your scores and ask yourself a few questions to figure out what areas you struggle with:

• Did you answer every question? Did the test time run out first?
• Did you use a calculator on the math or science portions? Do you need to learn how to use one?
• Are you struggling with the written essay? Did you directly answer the writing prompt? Did you write a long enough essay?

Look for any areas where you need to improve, then pick the study guides that will raise your skills in that area. Keep reading the practice questions and answering them aloud until you are confident you can answer them on the test.

Then, take a GED practice test. When you finish, it will tell you if you are likely to pass (a score of 145 points or higher), too close to call, or are not likely to pass. This will give you a great idea of whether you need to study and practice more or not.

Study with Expert Materials

Remember, if you only struggle in one or two areas, you can pick out the study materials for those areas and practice hard with them. This will save you time and help you improve in the areas where you really need it.

On GED.com, you can get practice questions, classes, practice tests, and more. You can retake the GED as many times as you need, so you’ll succeed if you keep studying!

Passing the GED will open up new job opportunities and give you the foundation required to further your education. But how long should you study for the GED test? What skills are necessary when learning how to study for the GED test at home?

This guide will help you learn how (and what) to study for the GED test for each subject.

What To Study for the Test

Fortunately, there doesn’t have to be any guesswork involved in knowing what to study for the GED test. The test is broken down into four subjects: language arts, math, social studies, and science. By preparing for each of these individually, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to pass the GED test.

Language Arts

The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts test consists of multiple-choice questions that generally take 150 minutes to complete. Set yourself up for success on this exam by implementing these tips:

• Read the question before you read the passage.
• Frame the question in your own words.
• Don’t know the answer? Use the process of elimination to make your best guess.
• Summarize paragraphs as you read.

Test your knowledge by taking the RLA sample questions before the exam date. If you achieve a passing score, you’re probably ready to take the test.

Math

The GED Mathematical Reasoning test contains multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and more with 115 minutes to complete. All the questions require quantitative or algebraic problem-solving skills, covering topics like the quadratic formula, perimeter, and mean or median. Here are some tips to help you study:

• Read all of the information before choosing an answer.
• If you’re not sure of the answer, try estimating or approximating.
• Don’t see the correct answer? Look for the numbers in a different format.

After you’ve spent some time studying, measure your progress by taking the GED Math Practice Test.

Social Studies

You’ll have 70 minutes to answer questions on the GED Social Studies test. As with the language arts exam, many of these questions are based on a passage (or historical document.) Keep these tips in mind as you get ready for this subject on the GED:

• Remember that the answer usually lies in the passage—not in memorizing history facts.
• Look to charts or data for help answering the question. What does the information tell you?
• Focus on an event’s cause or effect rather than names and dates.
• Get familiar with economics terminology.

It’s time to test your knowledge! Take the GED Social Studies Practice Test to see how you stand.

Science

You’ll be required to answer questions on the GED Science test covering topics like earth science, life science, and physical science in a total of 90 minutes. Prepare for the exam with these study tips:

• Pay attention to trends. Graphs and tables are telling you something about the data. What is it?
• Know the difference between a dependent and independent variable.
• Review the question before reading a passage or data set.
• Skip questions you’re struggling with, then come back to them at the end of the exam.

Are you ready for the big test day? Find out by measuring your skills with the GED Science Practice Test.

How Long Should You Study

Most students spend about three months preparing for the GED and divide their time according to which areas they need to focus on the most. But don’t let the average timeline determine when you take the test—instead, wait to take the exam when you’re confident in your abilities.

Remember that you don’t have to take every subject on the exam on the same day. It may be best to spread them out over several weeks or months. And as you consider how to study for the GED test at home, remember to take breaks during your study time to keep your mind fresh.

You can also create a positive study environment (link to best study environment article here) by removing distractions, setting a regular study time, and keeping an organized desk surface.

Start Studying for the GED Today

Learning how to study for the GED test doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one subject at a time, follow our study tips, and get started today with our GED practice questions. Then create a free account to access additional study resources, including our online and in-person GED test prep classes.

As a someone who’s just gotten her college degree after years of blood, sweat, andmaybe a few tears (literally),I know just how important it is to find a schedule and tools that work for you. There are many benefits of using apps to help you study.

For example, appscan help you work on procrastinating less (we’ve all been there). Whether you need help being organized or staying on task, there are a multitude of resources out there for you!

Here are four free, and I mean FREE, apps and study tools that will help you be successful on your educational journey. I personally love and use allthese study tools.

Quizlet

What:A lot of you may be familiar with Quizlet during your last-ditch attempt to study for a big test, but it can also be used to study ahead of time.It allows anyone to create a set of flashcards to help them study, or search for flashcard sets made by others for any class or subject.

Best Features:Some perks include being able to utilize the text to speech function, add photos to your study sets, or star important terms.

Is it For You?:Quizlet is great for people who need a quick review of their material prior to a major test or quiz. Basically, there’s no reason not to pass when using this amazing app.

Flora

What:Florais one of my favorites, because it blocks distracting apps on your phone and prevents you from going on them while working.

Best Features:Not only does it block apps for you, such as social media or games,but you can also set a specific amount of time that you want to focus. There’s even a virtual tree that grows the longer you stay focused!If you leave Flora to go on one of your blocked apps, the tree dies, creating a real consequence for not staying on task. So, save the planet!

Some other features include being able to challenge friends, create to do lists, and you can also pay to plant real trees anywhere in the world!

Is it For You?:This app is a good tool for those of us who are easily distracted. Use Flora if you want to get good grades while also getting a green thumb.Talk about saving trees, am I right?

Notion

What:As someone who loves keeping digital notes for everything, I really enjoyed using Notion! This is truly an all-in-one note taking app.

Best Features:In addition to being able to take notes, Notion is a planner, journal, database, habit tracker, calendar and so much more. It allows for customization so you can tailor it to best suit your style.

Is it For You?:I recommend Notion to anyone who likes to keep all their notes in one place. It’s perfect if you’re a student who likes to keep a digital planner or take online notes.

Xmind

What:Xmind is a study tool that focuses on creating mind maps.Mind maps are used to visually organize information and allows you to see the relationships between different topics.

Creating mind maps is great not only for studying, but also planning out projects or working with a team.Now you can finally answer the age-old question, can you compare apples to oranges?

Best Features:In the free version of the app, you can insert notes, markers, stickers, and hyperlinks.You’re also able to add labels to your topics anddownload your maps to look back at later.

Is it For You?:Xmind is a great tool if you like to learn by visualizing topics or enjoy breaking down complex information.

Make sure to check out all the study tools above and get started on your student journey.It’s not easy but it is worth it.Good luck!

*All recommendations are available for iOS and Android users.

If you don’t know where to take the GED test, there are hundreds of GED locations across the country, and chances are one of them is conveniently located in or near your community.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most states now offer the option to take the GED test online from the safety of your home.

Let’s take a look at the possibilities available to you and go over what you can expect when scheduling your test.

In-Person Locations

In-person testing is the preferred option for many people who need to take the GED test. If you need to know where to take the GED in your community, take a look at our scheduling page to find a location near you.

In-person testing takes place in monitored test environments at test centers, colleges and other educational facilities across the country. When scheduling your test, you can choose which subjects you’ll be testing for that day, and then you can select a date and time at a nearby testing center that works for you.

To help promote safety during COVID-19, GED locations will have additional test-day requirements around mask wearing, social distancing, and other health-oriented behaviors. Alternately, some locations may be closed, and others may have fewer time slots available to choose from for taking your test. Plan ahead so you can schedule the time slot and testing center that works best for you.

Online Testing

Online testing is a new option available in most states to help you safely take the GED test even when testing centers are closed or have limited capacity. With no need to drive to a testing center, along with testing time slots available around the clock, many people prefer the online testing for its convenience. However, online testing has its own requirements, so you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared.

Like an in-person test, when you take the GED online, you’ll be monitored and recorded during the exam. This will happen through your webcam, so you’ll need a computer with a webcam and a good internet connection. In addition, you’ll need a private workspace with four walls, a closed door, and no distractions.

Online testing has a few additional rules and restrictions, which you will learn more about when you schedule a time to take the test online.

GED Locations for Your Success

Whether you choose an in-person location or take the test online, your hard work will be rewarded, and you’ll be one step closer to earning your GED and unlocking new opportunities for your future.

First, let’s clear up what the terms cause and effect mean.

Cause and effect is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen. A cause is something that happens. As a result of that, an effect is what follows. For example, as a cause, if you spend a week lounging around munching on junk food all day, the effect is that you’d gain a couple pounds.

• An effect answers the question*: “What happened?”
• A cause answers the question*: “How or why did it happen?”