Learning how to get your GED online can help you advance your education and unlock new career opportunities.
GED is an abbreviation for the General Educational Development test. This credential is considered equivalent to a high school diploma, so adult learners who didn’t complete their high school education often earn their GED instead.
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This guide covers what you need to know to take the GED online, including the test requirements, rules, and tips to prepare.
How to Get Your GED Online
There are two ways to take the GED test. You can schedule an appointment at an official GED testing center and complete the test in person.
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Alternatively, you can take GED test online under the supervision of an online test proctor. You can follow these steps to get your GED online:
- Check your state’s requirements. Check to see if your state allows you to take the GED online.
- Ensure you have access to the necessary testing equipment. This includes a computer with a microphone and webcam. It’s also necessary to have a reliable Internet connection and a private workspace.
- Complete a GED Ready practice test. It’s necessary to achieve a passing score for each subject exam. You’re required to complete this step within 60 days of your exam date.
- Schedule a test appointment. You can schedule an appointment for your exam through the GED Testing Service.
- Download the OnVue software. With this software, you’ll perform a system test before your exam day.
- Log in to the testing platform. You’ll log in at least 30 minutes before your exam time to check in.
- Take required photos. You’ll take photos of yourself, the room, and your government-issued ID for the testing proctor.
- Take exam. You’ll complete the GED exam as the online proctor monitors you through the webcam.
The GED exam includes four subject tests that cover mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies, and science. You’ll complete these steps for each subject test and pass them all to earn your GED. After the exam, your score will be posted to the GED website within 1 to 3 business days.
GED Test Online Requirements
The GED Testing Service has specific requirements for test takers, including:
- Computer, internet, and webcam. You’re required to take the GED on a desktop computer or laptop, not a smartphone or tablet. Your device should have a stable Internet connection and a working webcam to ensure the online proctor can monitor you continuously.
- Workspace. The GED Testing Service requires test takers to complete the exam in a quiet, private room with four walls and a closed door. No one else should enter the room during the test.
- Government-issued ID. You’ll submit photos of a valid, government-issued ID on test day so the proctor can verify that the correct person takes the exam. The GED Testing Service accepts driver’s licenses, state IDs, passports, and military IDs.
- Green GED Ready score. It’s necessary to complete the GED Ready Practice Test and earn a green—or passing—score within 60 days of your exam. The practice test costs $6.99 per subject or $22.99 for all four subjects.
It’s beneficial to check that you meet all requirements before you schedule your GED exam to ensure a seamless testing experience.
Testing Tools During the GED Online Exam
The GED Testing Service doesn’t allow test takers to bring physical supplies like calculators into the exam room. But they do provide online support and tools during the test, including:
- Technical assistance. You can communicate with your online proctor during the exam through a chat box. But the proctor can only offer basic technical support. They won’t answer questions about the content of the test.
- On-screen calculator. An online calculator will appear on the screen during the mathematical reasoning, science, and social studies tests. You can use this tool to solve equations, calculate fractions and percentages, and more.
- On-screen scratch pad. You can use the online scratch pad to jot down notes while taking the GED exam.
- On-screen whiteboard. You can access an online whiteboard during the exam. This tool lets you type notes, draw diagrams, and solve math problems by hand.
The GED website has tutorials for the on-screen calculator and whiteboard that you can use to get familiar with these tools before your exam.
GED Online Testing Rules
There are specific guidelines to follow when taking the GED online, such as:
- No cheating is allowed during the test.
- You’re required to keep your webcam on during the entire test, and you can’t adjust it once the exam has begun.
- You can’t eat or chew gum during the exam, but you can drink from a clear water bottle.
- No one can enter your workspace during the exam.
- You can’t speak out loud during the exam.
- You can’t take breaks or leave your workspace during the test for any reason.
- You can’t use headphones, phones, or watches during the exam.
- You can’t bring a calculator or scratch paper into the exam room, but you can use the on-screen tools.
If you don’t comply with these rules, the GED Testing Service will revoke your exam and prohibit you from taking the GED in the future.
What Is a GED Exam?
A General Education Development (GED) Exam is comprised of four subject tests: language arts, math, science, and social studies. These tests assess your knowledge of the primary subjects taught in high school.
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You can take all the tests during a single session or complete them individually. The GED is intended for people over the age of 16 who have left high school without earning a diploma. Is a GED the same as a high school diploma? Passing this exam demonstrates that you have the same level of knowledge and proficiency as a high school graduate and provides many opportunities as that of a high school diploma.
Can You Prepare for the GED Online?
Yes, you can prepare for the GED exam online. Many colleges, community groups, and other organizations offer online GED classes. How long GED classes are vary depending on the organization they’re offered. Some programs take a few weeks while others take a few months to complete. These courses typically cover concepts tested on the exam and teach effective test-taking strategies.
In addition, many websites provide free resources for taking the GED online for adults. For instance, you can watch video lectures, take practice quizzes, and review concepts with online flashcards. You can also hire an online GED tutor. These experts provide personalized guidance as you learn the material, and they may help you identify your weaknesses.
Can You Get Your GED Online?
Yes, you can get your GED online. The GED Testing Service allows people in select states to take the GED exam online from their homes or another private workspace, like a testing room at a community college. It’s necessary to meet specific requirements to take the GED online.
For instance, you’re required to have the proper equipment and pass the GED Ready Practice Test. You’ll also schedule and sit for your exam. Plus, the GED Testing Service requires test takers to follow strict rules, such as not eating or taking breaks during the exam.
Getting Your GED Online
If you didn’t receive a high school diploma, you might wonder how to get my GED online. The GED Testing Service clearly outlines the steps and requirements for taking the subject tests online so you can know what to expect on exam day.
There are many convenient online resources available to help you study for the GED exam. For example, numerous community colleges offer affordable online GED programs to help you master the material and sharpen your test-taking skills. Earning this high school equivalency credential can help you expand your career opportunities or apply for college degree programs. There are several online colleges and universities that accept the GED for admission.
You can start exploring accredited colleges today to find GED prep courses available near you or online.
