The General Educational Development (GED) program offers you an opportunity to earn a GED high School diploma. Many people who did not finish high school have knowledge and skills comparable to people who did graduate. This idea is the basis of the GED testing program. The GED Tests ask questions about subjects covered in high school. The GED Tests are given in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, most Canadian provinces, and the Canadian territories. Each year, about on-half million people earn their GED Diplomas.

The GED Tests are available in English, Spanish and French. Special large-print, audio cassette, and braille editions of the GED tests are also available, and adaptations to testing conditions are permitted for adults with disabilities.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A GED DIPLOMA?

Education. The GED program provides and opportunity for adults to continue their education. Ninety-three percent of colleges and universities accept GED graduates who meet their other qualifications for admission.

Employment. A GED Diploma documents that you have high school-level skills. Approximately 96 percent of employers accept the GED Diploma as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma.

Self-Esteem. Many GED graduates say they have feelings of increased self-esteem and self-confidence

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE GED TESTS?

If you left high school without graduating and your high school class has graduated, you are probably eligible to take the GED tests. Contact your nearest GED Testing Center or the department of education in your state, territory, or province for specific eligibility requirements.

HOW CAN I DECIDE IF I AM READY TO TAKE THE GED TESTS?

It's a good idea to take the Official GED Practice Tests before taking the actual GED Tests. Comparing your Practice Test scores with the minimum scores required in your area will help you decide whether you are ready to take the full-length GED Tests. If your score are high, you have a good chance of passing the GED Tests. If your Practice Test scores are low, you will probably need further study in one or more subject areas. The "Official GED Practice Tests" are available through your local adult education program. You can also purchase the Practice Tests yourself by ordering Form CC of the "Official GED Practice Tests." To place your order contact:

The Learning Line
P.O. Box 81826
Lincoln, NE 68501-1826

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE GED TESTS?

By Attending Classes. If you need help deciding whether you're ready to take the GED Tests or if you want help preparing for the test, contact an adult education program in your community. Many programs that are sponsored by local school districts, colleges, and community organizations provide GED classes. The teachers at these adult education programs can help you decide whether you need to study for all of the tests, or whether you should spend time brushing up in just a few areas.

By Yourself. If you can't answer some questions on the "Official GED Practice Tests" correctly because you have not studied these subjects in a long time, you may be able to improve your skills by studying on your own. Many study materials that are available through libraries, adult education centers, schools, colleges, and book stores may help you improve your skills. There is also a television series called "GED on TV" on The Learning Channel and many public television stations throughout the country.

You can take the GED Tests at one of more than 3,000 Official GED Testing Centers in the United States and Canada. There is probably an Official GED Testing Center not far from your home. Call your nearest adult education program and ask for the location and schedule of the testing center near you. Or contact your state, territorial or provincial department of education and ask for the location and schedule of the closest Official GED Testing Center.

IN WHAT SUBJECT MATTERS WILL I BE TESTED?

The GED TESTS measure important knowledge and skills expected of high school graduates. The five GED Tests are:

1. Writing Skills
2. Social Studies
3. Science
4. Interpreting Literature and the Arts
5. Mathematics

These tests contain multiple-choice questions that test your ability to understand and use information or ideas. In many cases, you are asked to use the information provided to solve a problem, find causes and effects, or make a judgment. Very few questions ask about narrow definitions or specific facts. Instead, the focus of questions is on the major and lasting skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates.

In addition to the multiple-choice questions, the Writing Skills Test includes an essay section. In this section you are given 45 minutes to write an essay on the topic given. The topics are designed to be very general, so everyone can think of a subject.