If you’re thinking about taking classes to prepare for the GED test, you may be wondering, “How long are GED classes? Will taking GED courses help me pass the test?”
There are many different types of GED prep materials and courses available to help you study for the GED test.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
If you want some guidance on studying for the GED test, taking GED classes in person or online may be beneficial for helping you pass the exam the first time around.
How Long Are GED Classes?
GED classes are offered to students who want to enroll in courses to prepare for the GED test. The GED is a type of high school equivalency diploma you can earn if you were unable to finish high school.
Many wonder if GED classes are worth it. What is covered in GED classes, and how long do GED classes take? The GED test covers the four primary subjects studied in high school: math, science, social studies, and language arts. These subjects are reviewed in GED prep classes.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Some GED classes focus on specific material pertaining to an individual subject, such as algebra concepts you might see on the mathematical reasoning subtest.
A few things that GED classes might offer to help you prepare for the test include:
- Placement test to gauge your education level
- Flexible class schedules, including online and morning, evening, or weekend classes
- Instruction and study materials on all topics that may be included on the GED test
- Information on the GED test cost and format
- Practice tests
The length of GED classes can vary depending on the organization they’re offered through. Some classes are only a few weeks long, while others take a few months to complete.
Online GED classes are generally self-paced, meaning you can study on your own time and have access to all your study materials at any time. In-person GED classes have a more structured schedule. Classes may meet 3 to 5 times a week for a few hours per session.
Anyone planning to take the GED is encouraged to spend at least 3 months studying before taking the test. Taking a GED prep class can help you get a better idea of the format and types of questions you will encounter on the test.
What Are GED Classes?
GED classes are adult learning programs offered to anyone who wants help studying for the GED tests. The classes concentrate on the format of the test, the types of questions you might see, and content that may be included in each of the subject tests.
The entire GED test is split into four subtests, which include reasoning through language arts, mathematical reasoning, social studies, and science. GED classes may be offered through academic institutions, community resources, or online education resources.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
While the GED covers many topics that you learn in high school, the questions are based on logic and reasoning instead of memorization.
Local GED Classes
Local GED classes are taken in person and meet at set times each week. Some local GED classes may be a few weeks long, while others can be as long as 12 months.
Some of the advantages of taking a local GED class in person include:
- Face-to-face instruction
- Ability to ask your instructor questions in real time
- Potential access to career and college planning services
- Flexible class times in the mornings, in the evenings, or on weekends
If you think face-to-face instruction better suits your learning style, enrolling in a local GED class could be a strategic option.
Online GED Classes
Online GED classes are offered virtually in asynchronous or synchronous sessions.
Some benefits that come with taking an online GED class may include:
- Flexible, self-paced learning schedule
- 24/7 access to your online GED test prep materials
- Live, synchronous sessions
- Open enrollment
If you’re self-motivated, an online GED class might be a more convenient option. Instructors may host live sessions so you can ask questions in real time. Instructors for online GED programs may also post all materials for the entire course, which you can gain access to any time you want to study.
How Hard Is the GED Test?
If you take your time studying for the GED test, passing it may not be very difficult. Once passed, you can explore online colleges that accept the GED or pursue careers with just a GED.
These are some subjects and concepts you may be tested on in some of the four subtests:
- Draw conclusions from passages
- Create clear sentences using proper spelling and grammar
- Interpret and gather information from graphs and figures
- Solve mathematical problems using the order of operations
In order to pass each subtest, a score of 145 or greater out of 200 is required. Question point values can vary, so it’s beneficial to try and answer at least 60% to 65% of the questions correctly.
How Many Questions Are on the GED Test?
The amount of questions on the GED may be updated any given year. According to the GED Testing Service, there have been four updates to the test since the first series was released in 1942.
These are the approximate number of questions you can expect on each of the four GED subtests:
- Mathematical Reasoning: About 50 questions
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: About 50 questions
- Social Studies: Around 35 questions to 50 questions
- Science: Around 40 questions to 50 questions
You’re given a certain amount of time to complete each subtest. If you take the test in one sitting, it typically takes a little over 7 hours to finish. How much does it cost to get a GED? The cost for each single subject varies by state and testing location and you can get the GED online or in person.
GED Classes Online
GED prep classes are available if you want additional help and guidance when studying for the GED test.
GED classes introduce you to the structure of the test, how it’s delivered, the types of questions you may encounter, and the skills and concepts you may be tested on. The GED Testing Service provides a search database you can use to find a local GED test prep center. There are also many community and online education resources that offer GED prep courses.
Some GED programs have an open enrollment system that allows you to register for classes year-round. You can start exploring GED prep resources today!
