GED - The Alternative to a High School Diploma

GED stands for General Educational Development. It is also known as a General Equivalency Diploma or a General Education Diploma. When this is referenced, it is referring to a group of tests that are administered about five specific subjects. To pass the tests, the score must be higher than 60% of the graduating seniors nationwide. Upon successful completion, the individual is certified as having high school-level academic skills. English proficiency and civics tests may also be required, depending on the state or region in which the individual resides. There is one developer for this test, the American Council on Education.

High school equivalency tests that are certified by any other group or association are not considered a legitimate GED. At this time, the tests must be administered in person, not online, at one of the more than 3,000 locations throughout the world. The tests were originally created to help veterans returning from World War II. Many of the soldiers had left school to join the war effort. The accompanying educational classes were designed to help them reintegrate into civilian life. Today, there are many reasons that a person may choose this option rather than achieve a formal high school diploma.

The number of children being home schooled has increased in recent years. The widespread use of home computers has allowed the development of many certified programs. They are available in a variety of subjects and allow the children to learn at their own pace, without the distractions created by peer pressure. Those students who complete a home school program often take the GED and other academic competency tests so that they can apply for college. Many people have the knowledge and capability to pass the classes they attend in high school, but lack the interest.

The GED allows these students to take the test so that they can be certified without being required to attend the classes that hold no interest for them. Though this is not the norm, it is not uncommon for students to take the exam rather than attend a senior year in high school. Many use this as an opportunity to begin college early. Others need it to help them retain options for employment. The five subjects that are used for testing are the same as are taught in accredited high schools. Individuals who pass this test are able to further their education or enter the workforce with the same qualifications as a high school graduate.