Where are GED records kept?

GED records are primarily kept by the state where you earned the credential, usually managed by the state's Department of Education or a designated agency like GED Credentialing or DiplomaSender (for PA), not the national GED Testing Service (GEDTS) for older tests. You need to find the specific state agency responsible for high school equivalency records for the state where you took the test to request transcripts or diplomas.

How do I find my old GED scores?

Your transcript is the official record of the GED test subjects that you took and your scores.

Do employers check if you have a GED?

Background checks usually verify whether a candidate received a post-high school academic degree from an educational institution. If necessary, high school diplomas and GED credentials may also be confirmed.

Does the GED have history?

The test contains questions about ways to analyze historical events, use numbers and graphics in social studies, and read social studies-related materials. It also tests an applicant's knowledge of how to develop an argument in the field.

Do GED transcripts expire?

Once you've passed all four GED subtests, you've earned your diploma, and that will retain its validity forever! Just like a high school diploma, a GED certificate retains its value, and our paycheck calculator will exactly tell you how your hourly wages compare to periodical earnings like monthly or weekly.

Where Can I Find My GED Official Score Report? - Your GED Coach

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

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.

Does Harvard accept GED?

Yes, Harvard accepts applicants with a GED, as they consider it equivalent to a high school diploma, but admission remains highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic preparation, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and unique accomplishments to stand out, not just the GED itself. 

Why is a GED not as good as a diploma?

Studies show that high school diploma holders are more prepared for college and score higher on placement exams. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 5% of GED holders will actually receive a Bachelor's Degreei. 77% of students with a GED do not continue past the first semester of collegeii.

Is GED equivalent to 12th?

The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four academic subject tests in the United States and its territories certifying academic knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma. This certification is an alternative to the U.S. high school diploma, as is HiSET.

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.

Can I get hired without a 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.”

Is a GED traceable?

Most states now have a data base that can be found by contacting the Department of Education for the state in which the GED was earned. The state Department of Education may direct you to another agency or office; but, once you identify where the records are kept, verifying a GED should be a simple matter.

What happens if you lose your GED certificate?

Should you lose your GED diploma, you can request a copy through the Department of Education in your state by mail or telephone or online.

Is there any way to get my GED online?

Yes, you can get your GED online in most states, taking the official test from home with a live proctor, but you must meet specific eligibility requirements, including passing GED Ready practice tests and having a valid ID, and it's not available in a few states like NY, HI, FL, WY, MA, and WV. The online experience is the same as the in-person test, just monitored remotely through your computer. 

Is the GED hard to pass?

The GED test isn't inherently "hard," but it requires focused study and motivation, feeling challenging if you lack high school fundamentals, especially in Math, though you only need about 45% correct to pass each section. With proper preparation, practice tests, and a consistent study plan covering high school-level subjects, most people can pass, with many finding it manageable within a few months. 

Can I say I graduated with a GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

Do colleges not like GED?

According to the GED Testing Service, 98% of colleges accept applicants with GED diplomas. Over 20 million students around the world have earned GED certificates.

Can you be successful without a GED or diploma?

Entry-level manual labor: Some entry-level manual labor jobs, such as landscaping, construction, or warehouse work, may not require a high school diploma or GED. Caregiving: Many caregiving roles, such as home health aides or personal care assistants, may not require a high school diploma or GED.

What celebrities got their GED?

50 Successful People With A GED – Actors with a GED

• Jim Carrey. Jim Carrey quit high school prematurely at age 16. ...
• Michael J. Fox. ...
• Christina Applegate. “Passed the GED with flying colors toward the end of her Junior Year.”
• Nicholas Cage. ...
• Brandon Lee. ...
• D.L. Hughley. ...
• Christian Slater. ...
• Lindsay Lohan.

Is it harder to get into college with a GED?

It's not inherently harder to get into most colleges with a GED, as 98% of U.S. colleges accept them, but it can present different challenges, requiring higher GED test scores (around 165+), strong SAT/ACT scores, and extra effort to showcase readiness through essays or community involvement, especially for competitive schools where a diploma is standard. The path often involves demonstrating equivalent preparation beyond just the credential. 

Can a 2.5 GPA go to Harvard?

It's extremely unlikely, but theoretically possible, to get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA, as they use holistic admissions, but it would require extraordinary achievements (like founding a major company, Nobel Prize, extreme athletic recruitment, or immense donations) or documented hardship to explain the low grades, as most admitted students have GPAs near 4.0. While a handful of students with GPAs in the 2.0-2.9 range are admitted, these are rare exceptions, often balanced by exceptional test scores or other unique factors, with many examples showing that even strong extracurriculars don't guarantee admission with low grades. 

What is the hardest GED test to pass?

Most GED test-takers find the Mathematics section the hardest, with many citing challenges with algebra, geometry, and word problems, though some find Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) difficult due to reading and writing. Science and Social Studies are generally considered easier, but difficulty is subjective and depends on your strengths and past education. 

Is the GED test changing in 2025?

Yes, the GED test changed in 2025, with significant updates including new drag-and-drop question types, a major platform shift to Pearson VUE centers for some locations, higher test fees (to $85/subject), and a new Android app expected, all aiming to better prepare test-takers for modern workforce demands. The updates also introduced fewer free retakes (1 free within 12 months in Ohio) and saw the closure of older testing sites for the new system. 

How many times can I fail my GED?

If you did not pass one of your GED® test subjects, you can take two subsequent retests, with no restrictions between retakes. If you fail the third or any subsequent retest, you must wait 60 days for your next attempt. Additional state requirements may apply.