Overview of the GED Testing Program

Tests of General Educational Development (GED_®)

Overview of the GED
Testing Program

The first tests of General Educational Development (GED) were administered in 1942 to World War II military personnel who had not graduated from high school. Initiated by the US Armed Forces, the testing program was extremely helpful to war veterans returning to civilian life. In 1963, the GED program was expanded to serve more civilians and nonveteran adults.

In New Jersey, the GED tests are jointly supervised by the GED Testing Service (GEDTS) of the American Council on Education and the New Jersey State Department of Education.
Tests are available in many formats: English-language, Spanish-language and French-language editions; Braille; large print; and audiocassette versions.
New Jersey state-endorsed diplomas are official documents and, like locally issued high school diplomas, are nearly always accepted as valid credentials of high school completion by employers, training programs and educational institutions.
GED tests are widely used as a basis for issuing high school credentials in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, 10 Canadian provinces and territories and several foreign countries.
Each state establishes its own minimum passing score requirements to qualify for a diploma. It is possible to qualify for a diploma in another state if you meet their eligibility requirements and yet not qualify for a diploma in New Jersey.

Overview	What are the GED tests?	Eligibility	Registration
Disabilities/special testing	Passing scores	Transcript/diploma verification request	Testing centers
What are the NEW GED tests (2002)?	How to qualify for a New Jersey High School Diploma	How to prepare for the GED Tests	GED Transcript Request Form (Microsoft Word \| PDF)