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.

A high school diploma signifies high school graduation. It shows you attended and passed all the required classes in a traditional high school setting.

The GED credential is a high school equivalency diploma. It shows you passed four high school equivalency tests, demonstrating you have the same knowledge as a traditional high school graduate.

Perhaps the time requirement is the key difference in the GED vs. high school diploma question. Traditional high school students typically need four years to complete classes and graduate. The GED is a 7-hour test. For most people, preparing for it takes less than a year. In most states, you can take the GED tests any time after age 16.

As you can see, the difference between a diploma and a GED is not significant. Both allow students to join the workforce, launch a career, or attend college.

Is a GED Equivalent to a Diploma?

Most colleges and employers see the GED and a high school diploma as the same. Just under 100% of U.S. schools accept the GED, including community colleges, private secondary or technical institutes, and universities.

Coupling your GED with a decent ACT or SAT score will improve your chances of getting accepted into a top school. Or, you can bypass other standardized tests with a GED College-Ready score, awarded to those who earn a high score on their GED tests.

Because the GED is equivalent to a high school diploma, in addition to using it to register for college, you can also use it to apply for a job.

Many employers view these achievements equally when it comes to a GED vs. a high school diploma, and getting a GED can lead to a higher salary. Many GED graduates can make around $8,500 more annually than those without a GED or diploma.

Which Option Is Best for You?

What’s the difference between a high school diploma vs. GED? And which should you pursue? Both choices open up possibilities for a higher salary, additional education, and professional advancement.

High school diplomas can provide excellent preparation for an entry-level job or college studies. It’s an ideal option for those with the time and whose personal life situations make it possible to attend.

However, some students may need to leave high school for many reasons, including family obligations. In those instances, a GED may be the best option.

What Is a GED?

The General Educational Development Test consists of four subject tests that, once passed, earn you a high school equivalency credential. The four subjects are language arts, math, social studies, and science.

Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s because they’re subjects commonly taught in high school. You will have earned your credential after you successfully pass these four exams. What does this do? It proves you have a grade 12 education—even without a traditional diploma.

How Did the GED Get Started?

The American Council on Education developed the GED in the 1940s to help veterans who had joined the military without finishing high school. Passing the test allowed them access to colleges or jobs requiring a high school diploma. In the 80 years since, millions of Americans have earned their GEDs, including many celebrities.

Explore the Benefits of Earning Your GED

Now that you know the difference between a GED vs. diploma, which option is right for you?

GED.com makes it easy to work toward earning your GED with online resources, study guides, progress goals, practice tests, and more. Learn more about the benefits of earning your GED and how to get your GED as an adult today.

It’s the day before your GED exam and you’re thinking of ways to prepare. Don’t know where to start? The tips below will help you get ready fast.

Clarify All Your Doubts

Before test day, be sure that you understand all the info clearly. You can do this by jotting down every topic that’s challenging for you. Use previous study materials and online resources to help clarify your doubts.

The day before the exam, focus on reviewing those difficult topics and getting them down so test day is a breeze!

Complete a Practice Test

Completing a practice test is a great way to review and allows you to gauge your level of understanding. We recommend to take at least three practice tests throughout your GED prep. You can practice by using sample exams that your instructor provides or find them online.

Here’s another tip: time yourself while completing it to make sure you have good pacing. Use GED Ready or check out our free GED practice tests!

Review With a Friend

Studies have shown that reviewing with a friend helps to retain more information, increases your level of motivation, and encourages you to think more critically. When collaborating with another person, you get exposed to different points of view. This is extremely beneficial because it can make a difficult topic easier to understand.

Next time a big test is coming up, create a study group or call a friend!

Get Plenty of Rest

Don’t pull an all-nighter before an exam! Cramming and staying up late will leave you tired and struggling to focus the next day. Instead, lightly review before going to bed early and eat a filling breakfast the next morning. This will help you feel energized throughout the day and remain cool, calm, and collected when the exam begins.

Don’t forget to visit GED.com for study tips, practice tests, study tools, and more.

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.

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.

You’ve been dedicated to consistent study and are finally ready to take the GED. But before you go in for your test, it’s important to know your goal. A GED passing score on all four subjects allows you to earn a high school equivalency credential, and a college-ready score can allow you even more opportunities for your future education. So what is a good GED score? And how do you find out your GED score and what it means? The answer to this question depends on your goals.

What is a Passing GED Score?

You need to receive a score of 145 or better to pass the GED. But students who score higher may be eligible to receive college credit or even skip college entrance exams. So clearly, it’s in a student’s best interest to do as well as possible on the GED.

Overview of GED Scores

GED test score percentiles can be broken down into four categories: below a passing score, a high school equivalency score, a College Ready score, and a College Ready + Credit score that could result in college credit.

Below a Passing Score: 100-144

Students who get below a passing score will need to retake any test subject of the GED exam that they did not pass. If they earned below a passing score on all subjects of the GED exam, they would need to retake each subject.

Passing Score: 145-164

Students who achieve a score of 145 or higher on each section of the exam will earn a high school equivalency credential.

College Ready Score: 165-174

Though a score of 145 or better is considered a passing score on the GED, a college-ready score is considered to be anything above 164. Students who score 165-174 show that they have the skills needed to start college-level courses and may be exempt from placement tests or remedial (non-credit) courses in college. However, their score may not qualify them to skip entrance exams.

College Ready + Credit Score: 175-200

Any student who earns a score of 175 or higher may have the chance to earn up to 10 college credits, or have the chance to skip college entrance exams. GED Testing Service will endorse these students, but it’s ultimately up to the college to decide if they are eligible for these benefits.

Does a Score on the GED Test Translate into a GPA?

Though many students believe that a GED test can be easily translated into a GPA, there is actually no general rule of thumb to do so.

Do Your Best

When it comes to studying for the GED, doing your best is what counts most. Study the right topics, take practice exams, and hone in on your weaknesses. The better your score, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn college credit and begin your path to a rewarding future.

How long does it take to get a GED? Studying 2-3 times a week can help you become GED ready and more likely to pass the test in just a few months, which can vary based on the last grade you completed and how recently you attended school. In most cases, the more you study, the quicker you can learn the information needed to pass the GED test subjects. Decide how quickly you want to finish, and use a step-by-step checklist to get there.

There are four different tests you’ll take to earn the GED: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. If you shoot to finish the process of earning a GED in three months, you could either:

Option 1: Study a single subject for three weeks, take the GED test for it, then repeat for the next subject.

Advantage: Focus completely on just one subject at a time and finish faster.

Option 2: Study all four subjects for about three months, then take all four tests in one day.

Advantage: If you have to drive far to get to your testing center, avoid taking the trip four different times.

Either way, you’ve got to set a goal that will work for you and start using it. Be realistic about your situation and personality. For example, if you don’t have a lot of time to study, you may need to give yourself a longer timeline.

Updated 09/14/20

Check out our new Online Testing webpage to find out everything you need to know about the Online Proctored GED test and if you’re eligible.

The Online Proctored GED Test was launched in May 2020 and is currently available in select states in the U.S. and U.S. territories. With the Online Proctored GED Test, students can take the GED test from home while securely monitored by an online proctor. Prior to this, students could only take the GED test at approved test centers. This online testing option was created to help students continue testing while some test centers remain closed or have limited appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This option is not currently available internationally.

To qualify for online testing, you must meet the following requirements.

• Your state participates in online testing
• You’ve scored “Green” on the GED Ready practice test within the past 60 days

You can also log into your GED.com account to see if you are eligible.

If you meet these requirements, here are some online testing essentials to keep in mind:

• You’ll need a computer, webcam and reliable internet — no tablets or phones.
• You’ll need to take your test in a private room with a closed door.
• Before scheduling and paying for the test, it’s important to run a system check to be sure that your computer meets the requirements.

Check out the video below about how online GED testing works.

Updated June 8, 2020

We have a launched an online GED test, for more information, click here.

Being stuck at home can be frustrating, especially when you’re counting on getting your GED soon. We are doing everything we can to make testing available as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

In the meantime, we’d like to bring your attention to the CARES Act recently passed by the US government to help people cope during this uncertain time. Be sure to check your state governor’s website for more details and how to apply. Here are some highlights:

Increased unemployment benefits

The economic situation caused by widespread closings can feel scary, especially if your job requires you to be on site in order to get paid. You may be eligible for higher payments and/or longer periods of payments. Salaried and hourly employees, as well as self-employed, independent contractors and even gig workers, could be eligible. Learn more in this article: The historic $2 trillion CARES Act will be an economic lifeline for gig workers and freelancers.

One-time payment to boost cash flow

Depending on your income, you may have already received or will soon receive a check or direct deposit of up to $1,200 for an individual who makes up to $75,000 per year. The amount is up to $2,400 for married couples who make up to $150,000 per year in total. Plus $500 more per child to help with expenses. Calculate how much you’ll get from the $1,200 (or more) coronavirus checks in this news article. You can also track when you will receive your payment through the IRS ‘Get My Payment’ tool.

COVID-19 testing and treatment

The cost of testing and even vaccinations, when they become available, will be covered. This means you don’t have to hesitate if you or a family member may be showing potential coronavirus symptoms. You can get tested without worrying about money. Get more details in this news article: What’s inside the Senate’s $2 trillion coronavirus aid package.

We’re proud of you for staying strong and focused. Try the suggestions below to be confident and ready to test when the time comes.

Free study guides

After logging in, you’ll discover free study guides for every subject. It’s a great way to get started or refresh your skills during downtime.

Comprehensive online classes with GED Live

GED Live brings top Kaplan instructors to your screen with interactive lessons and a library of recordings in case you miss a live session.

Stay social at a distance

Keep up with the GED community and connect with other students on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also watch helpful videos on our YouTube channel.

Updated 09/15/2020

The GED test is a second chance for people who didn’t receive a formal high school degree to earn their high school credentials. Having a valid GED provides an opportunity to move forward in life like going to college or opening the door to a wider variety of careers.

Do Fake GED Certificates Work?

Unfortunately, there are diploma mills out there that try to take advantage of those who want their GED certificate and only provide fake tests and certificates. Fake certificates hold no value. Therefore, if students use a fake GED credential or high school diploma, they can get kicked out of school or lose their job. It is definitely not worth the risk. A real GED is worth it.

Additionally, sometimes these certificates are purchased intentionally, while other times people purchase them as victims of a scam. That’s why it’s important to know ahead of time how to prevent purchasing a fake GED certificate. Here are five tips to help avoid getting fooled by a faulty GED website.

1. Online GED Tests Are Only Administered on GED.com

GED tests are given to those eligible – you must reside in a participating state and score “green” on the GED Ready practice test. You can find everything you need to know about the official Online Proctored GED®test here. Be aware of other sites that are not affiliated with GED and offer a quick, often fake GED credential.

2. They’re Attached to Non-Accredited Online High Schools

While some school districts are moving toward online schools, there is a difference between an accredited program from a school district that is working with high school age students, and an online high school that is promising it can give you a GED diploma when you complete. Be careful when dealing with online schools and fake programs.

If you want to know if the program you’re looking to join is accredited and can provide you with a GED certificate, a simple search online may provide you with the answer and provide you with reviews. If that doesn’t work, consider getting in touch with a local college or community college. You don’t have a real GED certificate if they don’t accept the certification.

3. They Offer a Test “Based On” the GED Test

A legitimate GED test is never going to be “based on” the GED test. It is not the real deal if there is any wording in the test that distances it from the official GED test.

4. They Try to Sell You Your GED Diploma

You should never be able to buy a GED certificate without taking the test. If you pay to skip the test, then you do not have a legitimate certificate.

Do not be confused by having to pay to take the test. The official GED test is not free to take unless you reside in a state that currently offers free or discounted testing. You can find out what your state charges for the test by visiting the state policy pages. It’s not official if you did not go to a testing center or take it through GED.com.

Earning a Valid GED Certificate

If you’ve discovered your certificate is a fake, then you should get a real GED credential. For example, it’s a lot like having a fake driver’s license. It isn’t the same as having a real one and you can run into trouble for being in possession of it.

Fortunately, it is possible, and worth your while, to earn your GED certificate the right way. Therefore, by taking the time to prepare for the test, you can pass and receive a valid certificate. Once you earn your GED certificate the right way, you will be on your way to a better future without having to look over your shoulder.