Need to take the General Education Development (GED) test? Wondering what it is? Want to know more about it?

We turned to the U.S. Department of Education to help you find answers to some of your questions.

We know: How the GED Test Works

What is the GED test?

The General Education Development test was designed to give people who did not earn a high school diploma an opportunity to earn a high school credential. It often makes pursuing higher education and obtaining jobs and job promotions easier.

Let's say for instance you live in Salt Lake City, UT. Then if you never graduated from high school, you will need the GED to apply not only to any state colleges in Utah, but also for all out-of-state universities.

How does the test work?

The test measures major academic skills and knowledge in core content areas that are covered in the four years of high school. When an adult passes the 7.5 hour battery of tests, he or she receives a GED credential.

What does the test cover?

The battery of GED tests includes language arts and writing, social studies, science, language arts and reading, and mathematics.

Is the GED offered in other languages?

Yup. Besides English, the test is offered in a Spanish and a French edition.

What’s the GED test like?

In general the different subject area tests are as follows:

Language Arts, Writing Part 1 is 50 questions and 75 minutes
Language Arts, Writing Part 2 is essay and 45 minutes
Social Studies, 50 questions and 70 minutes
Science, 50 questions and 70 minutes
Language Arts, Reading, 40 questions and 65 minutes
Mathematics Part 1, 25 questions, 45 minutes
Mathematics Part 2, 25 questions, 45 minutes

How do I prepare for the GED?

Some people simply brush up on the areas where they feel they need practice. You can also take classes, study GED preparation books and other materials. You can take the Official GED Practice Tests as a tool to help you decide how much preparation you need.

You can contact local adult education programs sponsored by school districts, colleges and community organizations to help determine how much preparation you need.