What do I do after I pass my GED?

After earning your GED, you can pursue higher education (community college, university), vocational training (trade school), get a better job or promotion, or gain certifications, with options including immediate digital access to your diploma and transcripts for applications. The best next step depends on your career goals, but community colleges and career centers offer great resources to help you decide on paths like a certificate, associate's degree, or specific job training.

What happens after you pass GED?

After you take and successfully pass the test, the State of California will send you a certificate showing you have the same knowledge as a high school graduate (note: you must be 18+ years old to receive this certificate).

How much does a GED cost in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the GED test costs $36 per subject, totaling $144 for all four subjects, whether taken in person or online; however, many community colleges and adult education programs offer free classes and cover testing fees for eligible students, often requiring enrollment in their programs and demonstrating readiness. For online testing, you also need to factor in about $28 for the required GED Ready practice tests. 

How long are my GED scores good for?

Q. When do these GED tests expire? They don't! Since you are not buying vouchers, but actual tests, they don't expire.

What goes after GED?

GED certificate-holders can go on to earn undergraduate and advanced degrees. GED diploma-holders may choose to go to a community college to earn an in-demand associate degree, or they may apply directly to a four-year school.

4 things you can do after passing the GED

What is my GPA if I got a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took. Most students are tested on five sections of the GED. For example, if your total score was 2300 and you took five sections, your average GED score would be 460 (2300/5 = 460).

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you absolutely can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's officially a high school equivalency diploma recognized by employers and colleges, but you should be accurate and list it as a "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or mention you earned your "high school equivalency diploma," demonstrating you met 12th-grade level skills. It's best to list it in your education section just like a diploma, showing you achieved equivalent knowledge, and it opens doors for jobs and further education. 

What is the hardest GED test to pass?

Most GED test-takers find the Mathematics section the hardest due to complex algebra, geometry, and problem-solving, followed by Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) because of the essay, though personal background greatly influences difficulty, with some finding Science or Social Studies more challenging. Math consistently appears as the toughest, with many needing multiple attempts, but proper study focusing on core math skills makes it manageable. 

How long after passing the GED do you get your diploma?

Most physical diploma/certificate or transcript orders take approximately 1-2 days to process and mail out but may take up to 2 weeks. Please allow sufficient time for processing and shipping.

Is the GED test all in one day?

It is possible to take all 4 GED® tests in one day. However, this requires testing for approximately 8 hours and not all test centers have 8 hours available to test in a given day.

Is the GED hard to pass?

The GED test isn't inherently "hard," but it requires solid preparation because it tests high school level knowledge in four subjects, with a focus on reasoning and critical thinking, not just memorization; success hinges on dedicated studying, especially for math (algebra/geometry) and the extended essay, as it's designed to be comparable to a diploma, but manageable with practice and good study habits.
 

Can I get a GED fully online?

Yes, you can get a GED fully online by taking the official GED test from home in most states, provided you meet specific requirements like having a computer with a webcam, a private workspace, passing GED Ready practice tests with "green" scores, and your state allows it, as some states still require in-person testing. You'll need a secure setup, a government ID, and must follow strict rules monitored by an online proctor through GED. 

What is the youngest age to get a GED?

There's no single GED age limit; it's usually 18, but most states allow 16 and 17-year-olds to take the test with parental consent and proof of school withdrawal or enrollment in a special program, with specific requirements varying by state, so checking your state's official GED website is crucial for exact rules, especially regarding age waivers.
 

What can I do once I get my GED?

As a GED holder, you can apply to community colleges, technical schools, and universities to earn a college degree or pursue vocational training. Many colleges and universities even have specific programs designed for GED holders that provide additional support and resources to help you succeed.

Can I get a job with no GED?

Many employers hire workers based on skills, work ethic and personality rather than education. Start by searching online for jobs that don't require a diploma or GED. Many job boards now let you filter results with options like “no degree required” or “no diploma needed.”

What is the downside of getting a GED?

However, there are some downsides to a GED. It carries a stigma of not being as robust as a high school degree and may appear as a “red flag” to potential employers. While GEDs are valuable and can help you start a new career or prepare you for college programs, they aren't always treated like a degree.

Is a GED harder than a diploma?

Passing the GED might be harder than you think. It's not easier to get a GED than your high school diploma. The GED exam has become harder for people to pass, especially after the test format was redesigned in 2014.

Does Harvard accept GED?

Yes, Harvard University accepts GEDs as an equivalent to a high school diploma for admission, but applicants need to demonstrate exceptional academic readiness and promise, often through outstanding SAT/ACT scores, strong extracurriculars, and compelling personal experiences to stand out among highly competitive applicants. While a GED allows you to apply, you must prove you're academically competitive with traditional high school graduates, as Harvard looks for top-tier candidates.
 

What level of math is on the GED?

The GED math test covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Graphs & Functions, focusing on applying these concepts to real-world problems, roughly equivalent to 9th-grade math skills but emphasizing practical reasoning rather than advanced algorithms, with topics like fractions, decimals, percentages, equations, and data interpretation being key. You'll use a calculator for most questions, and formula sheets are provided, so it's more about understanding how to use math than complex memorization. 

What's a good GED math score?

The GED® test has a passing score of 145 for each test subject. To earn your high school equivalency, you'll need to score 145 or higher on all four subjects.

Do I put my GED on my resume?

Key takeaways

Your GED is your golden ticket to prove that you have a high school diploma equivalent. Your GED should almost always sit in the education section of your resume.

Is a GED impressive?

A GED also is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers. That said, there may be a social stigma associated with obtaining a GED versus a diploma, which is something students should consider when deciding which option is best.

Does GED count as a degree?

No, a GED (General Educational Development) is not a degree; it's a High School Equivalency credential, a certificate earned by passing four tests that demonstrate knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma, serving as an alternative for those who didn't finish traditional high school. While most employers and colleges view it as equivalent to a diploma, it's a different path to showing you've met secondary education standards, opening doors to jobs, trade schools, and further college education.