Those who did not finish high school and earn a diploma still have options available. Most jobs want employee candidates to at least have a high school diploma, even if it is an entry level position. The good news is that if you did not earn a high school diploma and you are now an adult, you have options. You can get a GED, which will be considered on the same level as a high school diploma.
GED stands for general educational development test. Many people know GED as being the general equivalency diploma. It is the alternative that you can earn if you have missed the time to get a high school diploma or do not wish to go back to adult education to earn a high school diploma.
If you are an adult, and especially if you are an ex-felon, you have two choices when it comes to getting your high school diploma. You can go back to school doing a program that is known as adult education, or you can earn a GED. The adult education route will essentially put you back into going to school, but it will be with all adults, who are working toward earning their diploma. The GED is a quicker route that will end up being as valuable as the diploma.
What is a GED? :::: A GED is a test that you, including ex-felons, can take in order to make up for not earning a high school diploma. The test consists of the main subject areas that are taught in high school, such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. If you can take and pass the GED test, then you will earn a GED. When you look for jobs and they ask if you have earned a high school diploma or equivalent you will be able to say yes, because you will have earned a GED.
The GED is considered to be equivalent to earning a high school diploma. It is done by taking one test that you pass, covering the main subjects taught in high school. It shows that you know the basics that were taught in high school and are on the same educational level as someone who earned a high school diploma.
Deciding which route you should take, going to adult education or taking the GED, is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Many people like the idea of going to adult education and completing their diploma, especially if they are only short a couple of classes. Others opt to take the GED, because it is typically a quicker route that does not involve as much studying or time.
GED Statistics
You may not realize how popular the GED is until considering the statistics. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 800,000 people take the GED each year, and around 75% pass on their first attempt. This is good news for those who are considering taking it, because there is a high probability rate that you will pass the GED test on your first attempt. And do not worry if you don’t, because you can take it over until you do pass it.
It is estimated that since the 1940s, there has been over 20 million people who have passed the GED test. Those who pass it go on to work in all different fields, including starting their businesses, management positions, and many go onto college. Once you have the GED, you can decide what it is that you want to do. If you want to go to college, you typically need a GED or high school diploma, so passing the test will help you be able to take the next step in starting a community college.
How an Ex-Felon Can Get a GED
Anyone can earn a GED, including those who are ex-felons. If you are an ex-felon who would like to earn a GED that is a good step to take. It may help open doors to the next step in your life. Whether you plan to earn it to have more job opportunities or to be able to go to college, it is a step in the right direction.
The GED tests are administered by school districts around the country. If you contact our local school district they will be able to provide you with the information you need to take the GED test. You can also contact the department of education in your state to inquire about the closest option for you to take the GED test. They should also be able to provide you with the information on a local place that offers the test.
Very few people show up to take the GED test without having done some preparation for it. Doing a little bit of studying for the GED can help increase your chances of passing it the first time. Most people do some kind of GED prep, as it is called, before taking the test.
To prepare for the GED test you have several options. You can take an online study course, purchase a GED test prep book, or you can attend an in-person GED prep course. The courses may last several weeks, but they will go over the basics of what is on the test and help you prepare for it. They may also give you a practice test so you get a feel for how it is and what to expect.
No matter which route you take for GED prep, it is a good idea to do some studying for it, just as a refresher regarding the topics. You may already know a lot of the information in the prep course or book, but it is good to go over it so that you feel prepared and ready on the day of the test.
There is usually a small fee for taking the test, ranging from $20-80, depending on where you are located. Most states also require that you be either 16 or 18 years old to be able to take the test.
