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Overview
The General Education Development (GED) certificate is widely accepted as an equivalent to a high school diploma. The tests are designed to measure the knowledge and skills of a High School graduate. This certificate is earned by passing the official GED Tests. The tests are offered in English, Spanish, and French.
There are five tests in the areas of Writing , Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. The questions in each of these tests require you to use general knowledge and thinking skills. Very few questions ask you to recall facts, details, or definitions. Even though you have not finished high school, you may have gained skills and knowledge through reading, informal training, and your own life experience. The purpose of the GED testing program is to provide you an opportunity to have learning acquired from such educational experiences evaluated and recognized.
Eligibility
Anyone who is at least 18 years of age or within 60 days of their 18th birthday may take the official test. Some other exceptions may apply to 17 year olds. Call the GED Office for clarification or see additional information below.
Testing Breakdown
Language Arts – Writing |
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PART 1: Multiple Choice
Asks you to find errors in capitalization, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure and to organize sentences within real life documents like reports, resumes and e-mails.
• 50 questions
• 75 minutes
Part 2: Essay
Requires you to write an essay on a given topic familiar to most adults that will explain something or present an opinion.
• 45 minutes
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Language Arts – Reading |
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The questions on this test are based on reading passages from newspapers, magazines, prose, literature, poetry and drama. You may be asked to restate, summarize or explain what you have read.
• 40 questions
• 65 minutes
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Social Studies |
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This test has readings and questions from U.S. history, economics, geography, and political science. You will also interpret charts, maps, political cartoons, speeches and photographs.
Questions also come from the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and landmark Supreme Court decisions.
• 50 questions
• 70 minutes
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Science |
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The Science test contains questions on biology, earth, space and environmental topics. You will be asked questions requiring critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• 50 questions
• 80 minutes
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Mathematics |
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PART 1: allows the use of a calculator*
PART 2: no calculator
A basic knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is required. Also included are questions relating to Geometry, Algebra, data analysis, and number operations.
• 50 questions
• 90 minutes
* Calculator provided by GED Test Center. You may not bring your own.
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| Presently, it costs $110.00 to take the full battery of the GED Tests. Re-tests are $25.00 each (per test). Fees are to be paid in Cash or Money Orders only. PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. |
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FAQs |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the tests only in English?
In addition to English, the GED Tests can be taken in Spanish and French. Some adult schools offer preparation for taking the GED Tests in Spanish.
To contact an LAUSD adult school in your area, click here, or call (213) 62-LEARN.
Should I study/prepare?
Yes, absolutely!
At our adult schools, counselors are available to provide you with an individualized course of study that will help you prepare for the GED Tests. Some adult schools offer preparation for taking the GED Tests in Spanish.
To contact an LAUSD adult school in your area, click here, or call (213) 62-LEARN.
Are there practice tests?
Yes, half-length GED practice tests are available at all adult schools in the LAUSD. The tests are comparable in content, difficulty, and format to the Official GED Tests. They will give you a very good idea of how well prepared you are to take the Official GED Tests.
To contact an LAUSD adult school in your area, click here, or call (213) 62-LEARN.
How are the tests scored?
GED scores for each test area are reported as "standard scores" which range from 200 to 800 and percentile ranks ranging from 1 to 99; higher scores result from correctly answering more test questions.
To pass the GED in California, examinees must receive a standard score of at least 410 on each of the five GED subsets and earn a total score of 2250 or an average standard score of 450 or higher.
May I take the test more than once?
You may retake the GED up to a maximum of three times in a single year. Additionally, you need only take the sections you haven't passed.
Examinees who pass the test should receive the California High School Equivalency Certificate and an Official Report of test Results from the State GED Office within 6 weeks.
When will I receive my certificate?
The High School Equivalency Certificate will be mailed to each eligible client that passes the GED Test. Clients who do not pass will be sent a copy of their scores by the Test Center.
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