Frequently Asked Questions

When and why did GED® testing begin?

At the request of the military, the GED® test was first developed in 1942 to help returning World War II veterans finish their high school studies and reenter civilian life. The GED® tests first became available to civilians in 1947 when New York implemented a program to award its high school diploma to those who passed.

Will the new test be online?

The new assessment, to be launched January 2, 2014, in all jurisdictions (except Canada) will be administered through testing on computer (also known as computer-based testing or CBT). Pencil-and-paper testing (or PBT) will only be available in limited circumstances such as accommodations or for test versions not yet released in the computer delivery mode.

The computer-based version of the GED® test will be offered at Official GED Testing Center™ locations. The test will not be administered via the Internet ("online testing") outside of those official centers. This is crucial for each GED Administrator™ and examiner to promote security for test-takers who may be at risk of falling victim to online diploma mills or frauds. Until the new assessment is launched, the 2002 Series GED® Test will be administered in both PBT and CBT formats.

Will there be more than one version of the GED® test in the new initiative? For example will there be an edition for those who want to go on a college track and one for those who need to show basic skills for entry-level jobs?

The new assessment system will continue to measure high school equivalency as it's done since 1942. But it doesn't stop there. We're taking a quantum leap forward in score reporting and we've added the opportunity for adults to demonstrate career and college readiness through a new endorsement. As explained at forums nationwide, the goal is to help more adults become both career and college ready, and able to earn a family-sustaining wage. Part of that goal requires the new assessment to evaluate readiness for multiple postsecondary options such as those adults who want to earn a credential for a job requirement and those adults who wish to earn a college degree. Download the Assessment Guide for Educators to learn more.

What is computer-based testing (CBT)?

Computer-based testing is a standardized mode of test delivery that includes technology-based tools for data management, consistency in delivery, scoring, reporting, and enhanced security monitoring and enforcement. It is not a system that completely replaces human interaction, proctoring, or judgment. The GED® test on computer must be taken in-person at an Official GED Testing Center™. It cannot be taken online.

Can you get your GED® credential or diploma online?

No. Just like paper-based testing, the computer-based version of the GED® test will only be offered in a proctored testing environment and only at an Official GED Testing Center™. The test will not be administered on the Internet and there is not "online testing." The proctored testing environment ensures security measures present today and those continuing to be developed will be enforced.

Will the computer-based test be similar to the current test?

Test-takers will be taking the same 2002 Series GED® Test on computer that they currently take using the paper-and-pencil format, until the new assessment is released in 2014. The 2002 Series GED® Test delivered on computer will have five content areas, be multiple choice, and offer the ability to navigate back and forth to change any answers before submitting the test on the computer. The GED® test on computer must be taken in-person at an Official GED Testing Center™. It cannot be taken online.

Why is GED Testing Service implementing computer-based delivery of the GED® tests?

Computer-based testing (or CBT) is a test delivery method that improves access to the testing program today and gives us innovative new information for tomorrow’s educators and test-takers. Offering the GED® test on computer will improve the testing experience for thousands of people that depend on it to open doors to training, education, and careers.