GED® programs prepare students to take the General Educational Development exam, which certifies that they have the academic knowledge required of a Canadian or American high school graduate. While some people may be able to take and pass the GED® exam without any preparation, many others benefit from completing one of several types of GED® programs that can help them improve their knowledge and skills while also preparing them to pass the exam. Some programs provide accelerated instruction in high school–level subjects, while others concentrate on exam preparation. GED® courses and preparation programs are available in a variety of formats, including classroom, online, and self-study.
Many high schools and community colleges offer GED® classes to community members for a small fee. The length of these programs varies, but they typically focus on teaching high school academic knowledge and skills. These classes are frequently held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate students who must work or care for family members. GED® test preparation is available through the military for some people. Adult education programs, rehabilitation facilities, and social service organizations are all possible sponsors of GED® programs.
Some students may not feel compelled to take a full course in the topics covered by the GED®. Instead, these students may choose to enroll in a short course that will prepare them for the exam. This type of program can ease a student’s anxiety about taking the GED® exam by providing an overview of the test’s content, as well as test-taking strategies and even a practice exam. Various for-profit educational test preparation centers may offer GED® exam preparation classes. A test prep course can also be completed online or through the purchase of a book or software.
There are online GED® programs available in addition to classroom training. Students who are unable to attend a scheduled class or who have difficulty learning in a classroom setting may benefit from an online program. The cost of these programs varies, with some sponsors even providing free online GED® preparation programs. GED® testing centers may also offer online resources to help students prepare for the exam. These materials could include online practice quizzes or downloadable study guides that a student can go over at their leisure.