If you’ve ever wondered whether earning your GED is worth it, here’s your answer: yes—especially if you’re eyeing a career in the skilled trades.  

Right now, the demand for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters is surging as data centers and AI infrastructure projects expand across the country. These roles are not only essential—they’re increasingly well paid, offer long-term career stability, and don’t require a college degree.  

What is Credly?

Credly is the official issuer of GED® digital badges and hosts the largest and most connected digital credential network. Educational institutions and employers have trusted Credly for years to save time and provide verified confirmation of an individual’s educational achievements.

The Credly platform isn’t just for the GED credential. Credly enables organizations, educational institutions, and certification providers to create, issue, and manage digital badges. For context on the technical side, if you’re curious how the sausage is made: digital badges are often embedded with metadata that provide information about the accomplishment, the issuer, the criteria met, and the evidence supporting the achievement. This metadata is important for verification and validation purposes.

After receiving your GED credential – or after each subject test when you score College Ready or College Ready+ – you’ll get an email with instructions on how to access and use your Credly badge.

Earning a high school diploma is a crucial step on the path to academic and career-related success in life. But if you left high school without getting a diploma, it’s not too late.

You may be wondering: Can you be successful with a GED? Yes! In most cases, getting a GED will give you equal footing with those who earned a high school diploma, opening countless doors to further your education and career.

In fact, a host of famous people who started later in life earned their GED. Check out our list to learn more about these wildly successful celebrities.

1. Jay-Z
2. Jim Carrey
3. Chris Rock
4. Elton John
5. ​​Nicholas Cage
6. D.L. Hughley
7. Christina Applegate
8. Catherine Zeta-Jones
9. Robert De Niro
10. Arnold Schwarzenegger
11. Drew Barrymore – In Progress

As you know, getting your GED is a huge accomplishment. You worked hard, studied, and prioritized. It’s exhausting but well worth it. Congratulations! So what’s next?

For many recent GED recipients, attending college is the next thing on their to-do list. But how? The process of applying to college may seem challenging, but that’s what you thought about the GED process. You did that, and you can do this, too.

Here are 6 steps to apply for college after getting your GED.

1. Look into Schools

Research colleges within your price range and geographic location. Don’t forget to consider online programs as well. You can often take online classes anywhere in the country, and the prices are much lower than attending school in person. One option is the Accelerated Pathways Program, a non-traditional, online college experience that offers flexibility as you earn a Bachelor’s degree. You’ll have the opportunity to work with an academic counselor to develop a customized degree plan that fits their identified goals, budget, and schedule.

When doing your research make sure the schools offer your chosen major or minor and look into their programs and reputations. Check out their alumni program too. What percentage of their graduates find full-time work in their chosen field?

Now that you’ve got your GED, community college might be a great option. Every two-year community college accepts students with GEDs. They have smaller class sizes, so you’ll receive more one-on-one instruction. They’re also less expensive.

Community colleges often partner up with state schools. When you graduate with your associate degree, you can automatically transfer to participating four-year colleges or universities as a junior.

After you make a list of colleges, double-check any out-of-state schools to see if they accept the GED from the state where you received it.

2. Contact the Admissions Department

After you determine that you meet the schools’ qualifications, submit the necessary documentation. This often includes:

• An application.
• An application fee or a fee waiver.
• A FAFSA form for federal grants and loans.
• Copies of your GED transcripts and standardized test scores.
• Proof of identity and residence.
• High school transcripts.

3. Write an Outstanding Essay

A well-written essay is often required for incoming students. Give yourself plenty of time to write an outline. Complete the essay and ask a teacher or professional you trust to edit the final draft.

Inspirational essays about overcoming challenges do well. School requirements may differ, but an essay should be between 600-800 words. The theme could be a story about yourself and an accomplishment you’ve recently made.

4. Ask for Recommendation Letters

Tell your references you need the final draft about a week or two before it’s due. This is a typical requirement, so try to find at least three references ahead of time. Here are some suggestions for whom to ask:

• Former teachers
• Employers
• School counselors
• Instructors
• Local leaders

5. Consider Financial Aid

Create a spreadsheet with every college’s tuition schedule and related expenses. Include financial aid possibilities. When you’re doing this, inquire about a waiver for each application fee, but include that amount in your budgeted expenses just in case. You should also consider researching your eligibility for federal student aid.

6. Look for Scholarships

They’re out there. Find scholarships related to your background, including:

• Location/Community
• College
• Major
• Ethnic background
• Religion
• Gender
• Income bracket
• Hobbies/Interests
• Sport of choice
• Age

Websites like Fastweb.com offer a full database of national scholarships. As a “nontraditional student,” you may qualify for more benefits. Contact the financial aid departments at your schools of choice.

GED Testing Service can provide more information about these steps to apply for college. Get started today.

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.

The GED and the military have a closer relationship than you might think. In fact, the GED was originally created in 1942 for veterans and members of the military to find good jobs. So if you’re interested in knowing if, and how, you can get into a branch of the military with a GED, keep reading to find out more.

Can You Join the Military With a GED?

Yes! You can join the military with a GED. The military often requires a high school diploma, but it is still very possible for you to become a member of the armed services after you earn a GED.

No matter which branch you are looking to serve in, you still must meet the age, citizenship, height and weight, and legal requirements in order to join the military.

Each branch of the military has tiers for recruits and classifies all of their recruits into one of three categories. Tier 1 recruits have earned a high school diploma or have completed 15 credits (one semester) of college. Tier 2 recruits have a GED. Tier 3 recruits have neither a GED or high school diploma.

Tier 3 Recruit

There are almost no Tier 3 recruits. It is rare for Tier 3 recruits to join the military. If you are looking to join the military and you do not have a GED, it is highly recommended that you study and pass your GED exam.

You can get help with earning your GED with practice tests online. They can help you feel prepared for earning your degree so you can have a better chance of entering into the armed forces.

Tier 2 Recruit

If you have a GED and are looking to get into the military, you have to know that each branch sets its own limits. For example, less than 1% of the annual recruits for the air-force are Tier 2, while roughly 5% of the USMC are Tier 2. One of the biggest ways to help you get into that small percentage of Tier 2 recruits, is to score well on your ASVAB.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is key for a Tier 2 recruit to make it into the military. Tier 1 recruits only have to score 31% or higher on the ASVAB. Tier 2 recruits have to score 50% or higher. The ASVAB also provides grounds for what you are qualified to do in each branch. If you score well enough in certain areas and show knowledge or talent in those areas, you can be recruited to fill a specific job, which pretty much guarantees your recruitment.

Tier 1 Recruit

It doesn’t matter if you have a GED or not if you have either a high school diploma or 15 college credits. You are considered to be a Tier 1 recruit, and Tier 1 recruits get first pick for any open positions.

If you have a GED and want to become a Tier 1 recruit, you need to earn 15 college credits. These credits do not have to be at a large university or state-run school, but can be earned from vocational, community, or business colleges. Before you apply to colleges to get 15 credits (which can be completed in one semester of school), double-check with your recruiter to make sure you are applying to a school that is recognized in programs that will count towards your 15 credits.

If you’re looking to enlist in the military but need your GED, get GED Ready the official GED practice test. This practice test can help you know where your strengths and weaknesses are within the GED and let you know if you’re going to pass or not. Not only does it show your progress on GED topics, but it can help you create a custom study plan to work on areas that you need to improve, with exact chapters and pages to study that will directly improve your score.

What kind of jobs can you get with a GED? Since more employers require either a high school diploma or equivalency, like the GED, you’ll find opportunities in every field. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 73% of all jobs require a diploma or GED at a bare minimum. This means your chances for employment go up when you get your GED.

It’s never been easier. With plenty of online resources to assist you, now’s the time to get started earning a GED so you can begin qualifying for higher-quality jobs that lead to a better future, and a higher salary.

Jobs You Can Get with a GED

Do some digging, and you’ll find that many industries hire people with a GED. This may be just what you need to get a foot in the door to something new and exciting and then work hard to get ahead.

You can discover what jobs you can get with a GED in this list we’ve compiled.

Office Support Administration

With an annual salary of $29,950 to $51,730, these jobs offer a professional office environment for someone who can read, write, and use a computer. Roles include:

• Receptionists
• Bill collectors
• Tellers or representatives
• Personal secretaries
• Clerks
• IT aides
• Corporate assistants
• Tellers

You can expect to manage day-to-day responsibilities in these roles. This may include greeting customers, clients, or patients; answering phone calls; preparing budgets; operating payroll; maintaining equipment and supplies; and organizing office space.

Arts

Artists find jobs in general arts and crafts or even something specific like floral design. Annual salaries fluctuate depending on where you live and what job you do. Talent and available audiences for your work also matter. For example, floral designers average $29,880 per year, while craft and fine artists average $49,960.

Grounds or Building Maintenance

Professionals in this line of work can earn between $29,760 and $37,540 per year. A GED will help get you a position in:

• Maintenance
• Janitorial or cleaning services
• Bug and pest control

Building and grounds cleaners keep buildings safe, operational, clean, and sanitary. They also keep their surrounding areas looking good and well-kept, which includes spraying for bugs and overall lawn care.

Community or Social Services

The average annual salary for someone with a GED in community or social service professions is $37,610. A GED helps you become qualified for a position as a:

• Health liaison or aide
• Social service clerk
• Counselor or advocate

Community and social service workers help people struggling with personal issues. They also help people navigate through different local services. In counseling or other support roles, workers perform their duties with empathy and compassion.

Construction Services

Construction workers and contractors can earn between $37,520 and $97,860 per year. You can qualify for many roles in new construction or repair, including:

• Day laborer
• Electrician
• Professional handyman
• Glazier
• Equipment, machine, or service vehicle operator
• Ironworker
• Woodworker
• Insulation or another type of installer
• Masonry worker
• Carpenter
• Sheet metal worker

While this field is vast and ever-expanding, you’ll generally work to build or repair commercial structures or residential homes. You may also take on projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems. You could start as an apprentice or trainee and go up from there.

Food Service Industry

Food service workers make between $25,980 and $50,160. Restaurants and catering businesses often don’t require proof of graduation or GED, so you may stand out from the rest if you’ve earned yours. Roles include:

• Waiter
• Bartender
• Food prep worker
• Cook
• Baker
• Server
• Host

Food servers and preparation workers ensure work areas operate according to strict cleanliness and sanitation regulations. They also work with cooks, prepare the food, slice meat and cheeses, peel and cut vegetables, and perform other duties.

Farming and Forestry

You can earn between $29,680 and $46,330 in the fishing, forestry, and farming industries. This work means spending a lot of time outside, working in the elements. Roles include:

• Machine and equipment operator
• Breeding expert
• Fishing deckhand
• Hunter’s apprentice

These roles often require workers to understand the mechanics and business of agriculture, farm work, fishery, and parks and recreation.

Healthcare Industry

Healthcare is a massive industry and one of the top employers in the country. With your GED, the average annual pay ranges anywhere from $29,430 to $37,570. Roles can include:

• Childcare professional
• Home health aide
• Nurse or healthcare assistant
• Occupational or physical therapy aide
• Intake manager for psychiatric settings or personal care agencies

Healthcare and personal care aides typically assist patients or clients with daily activities in an assisted living facility or home. These duties include companionship, making meals, laundry, and other basic chores.

Legal Professions

Positions in the legal industry average $52,390 per year as a:

• Title examiner
• Title abstractor
• Title searcher

Professionals in the title abstractor, examiner, or searcher field gather data to review and summarize. They also write and edit company paperwork so that executives or lawyers better understand the information.

Management

Management positions help you learn valuable people skills. They also provide better pay and more opportunity. Management comes with an average annual salary of $59,230 to $73,060 in the United States for GED holders.

You may begin in entry-level positions, but with hard work and determination, you can advance to management in places like:

• Food services
• Ranching
• Commercial or residential real estate
• Lodging
• Agriculture
• Property management

You need strong interpersonal skills to succeed as a manager in any field. You’ll also benefit from the ability to communicate, organize, strategically plan, and solve problems.

Protective Services

Average salaries in the protection field range from $31,470 to $59,380. With a GED in hand, you can apply for work in certain types of law enforcement or protection, including:

• Prison guard
• Correction officer
• Private investigator
• Police or sheriff’s deputy
• Bailiff
• Security professional

Protection officers ensure the safety of others. They perform these roles in a variety of settings, and it typically involves being armed and/or preventing crime. Knowledge of local laws and ordinances is essential.

Sales

Sales positions attract people with an inner drive and outgoing personality. These professionals find themselves valued by corporations who make money from selling goods and services. Sales representatives make between $27,260 and $52,340 per year. You’ll become a vital team member in companies specializing in:

• Insurance
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Real estate

You’ll generate leads and meet goals by negotiating, delivering presentations, and networking to build relationships.

Transportation Services

The average annual salary for a job in this industry is anywhere from $36,660 to $64,150. Meet lots of different kinds of people and travel all over the country with jobs in transportation, including:

• Marine oiling
• Cargo handling
• Truck driving
• Taxi driving
• Chauffeur work
• Sailing work
• Bus driving

Transportation involves working in fields that move passengers to and from planes, trains, buses, and other modes of transportation. You might even move cargo or goods. This industry can also include tourism.

A Future with No Limits

These positions represent only a sample of the good jobs with a GED that you can pursue. Salaries depend on where you live and how much effort you put into a position.

When you earn your GED, you’re opening doors for a brand-new outcome. It’s the missing ingredient to continue your education or to earn a professional certificate to get to the future you want. Take this opportunity and earn your GED.