Virtual Secretary Services and Remote Receptionist

Passing the GED Test a Rigorous Exam and Important Milestone

Answering Service > Call Center Resource > Education > Adult Education > Passing the GED Test a Rigorous Exam and Important Milestone

Passing the GED Test a Rigorous Exam and Important Milestone

by Michael Ormsby

Many people question whether the GED credential is as good as a high school diploma. Without question, the GED is a demanding basic skills exam that also measures critical thinking and deductive reasoning, along with practical knowledge and application.

The GED refers to the General Education Development credential, the adult learners alternative to a high school diploma. The GED tests are standardized and normed using a national random sample of graduating high school seniors. To pass the GED tests, a candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that meets or exceeds that demonstrated by 60% of graduating high school seniors. This means that 40% of graduating high school seniors wouldnt pass the GED tests.

According to national research and learning solutions data compiled by e-learn, inc. through www.PassGED.com:

A GED program enables adults to learn and reinforce basic skills and critical-thinking skills through knowledge development and application.
The GED test is a 7.5-hour exam, and measures knowledge and skills in science, social studies, math, reading and writing ability addressing grammar, English mechanics and comprehension.
GED test questions determine ability to make evaluations and deductions from literary and analytical materials including data, charts and graphs.
The GED math test requires knowledge, skill and ability with basic number operations, basic algebra and geometry, along with data analysis and calculator functions.
Rigorous standards define GED programs, and test guidelines and testing are monitored by the federal oversight agency, the American Council on Education (ACE).
Conclusively, earning a GED is a solid demonstration of basic skills, knowledge application and higher thinking skills. The credential has also proven to be an important milestone for employment and educational opportunities. According to national research and statistics:
People without a basic education have difficulty finding employment in todays workforce. Most adult learners seek a GED because they want to progress in the workplace, or theyre seeking a career.
The GED credential is a viable diploma, and enables access to work, advanced training in the workplace, as well as access to higher educational opportunities.
The GED is accepted as an equivalent to a high school diploma by approximately 97% of colleges and universities in the U.S., and 95% of employers.
Obtaining a GED is a demonstration of skills and knowledge application that extend beyond the basic skills of education employers want employees who have - or can acquire - a broad skill set that includes technical competencies, and general abilities considered equally important. These abilities include communication skills, problem solving, perseverance, flexibility and work ethics.
Over a lifetime, a GED graduate will make 40% more than a non high school graduate. This means that people with a GED make an average of 385,000 more in their lifetime than people without the credential or a high school diploma.
Other benefits both tangible and intangible - extend to GED holders, their employment and financial security, to their families and even communities. According to research:

People without a GED or high school diploma are relegated to low-wage jobs, and research shows the climb from poverty toward economic security is linked to continuing education, which includes GED accreditation.
According to ACE research, two-thirds of GED candidates are seeking more education. Most GED holders about 60 percent continue their education with training, technical programs, adult continuing education or higher education programs through community colleges and universities.
Those with a GED have more full-time work and experience employment consistency for longer time periods.
Those with a GED report more job satisfaction, better self-esteem and confidence in their work and abilities.
One study of GED graduates shows theyre more likely to encourage their children to finish school since theyve had to overcome handicaps resulting from a lack of basic skills credentials.

In conclusion, for more than 34 million adults in the US today who dont have a high school degree, the GED is an important educational milestone - a goal well worth seeking. And for the employers and communities where these adults work and live, GED students deserve support in their studies, along with recognition of their achievements.