What are the GED Tests?

Tests of General Educational Development (GED_®)

What are the GED Tests?
(1988-2001)

The GED tests are designed to measure skills and concepts associated with four years of regular high school instruction. Each test is developed by adult and secondary educators and subject matter specialists.

Most test questions require the understanding of broad concepts and generalizations, rather than the ability to recall facts, details or precise definitions.
GED Tests use practical and realistic settings that adults will recognize, relevant to adults' lives.
The tests are usually taken over a two-day period.
Each of the five tests uses a multiple-choice format.
Each of the five tests correspond to the general framework of most high school curricula: Writing Skills, Social Studies, Science, Interpreting Literature and the Arts, and Mathematics:
Part I of the Writing Skills Test measures the ability to edit and correct problems in sentence structure, usage and mechanics. Part II is an essay question to which examinees must respond in writing.
The Social Studies Test measures comprehensive skills from an overall review of: history, economics, political science, geography, and behavioral science.
The Science Test measures integrated concepts and principles of science. Subject matter is drawn from the life sciences (biology) and the physical sciences (earth science, physics, chemistry).
The Interpreting Literature and the Arts Test emphasizes interpretive skills in three areas; popular literature, classical literature, and commentary on the arts. It does not include items that require prior knowledge of literary works.
The Mathematics Test focuses on solving mathematical problems in areas of measurement, number relationships, data analysis, algebra, and geometry within realistic contexts.
Spanish-language editions of the GED Tests contain examples and test items drawn from Spanish language and culture, reflecting the language and cultural variety among adults of Hispanic origin.
French-language editions contain examples drawn from French language and culture.
Persons taking the Spanish language or French language versions must also take the Test 6 of English Fluency in a multiple-choice format.

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)