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!

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.