By Leonard Williams

The majority of GED students want to know what to expect on the GED test and what programs, strategies and resources are available to help students earn the credential the first time they take the GED test.

Without question, nearly every GED candidate can benefit from GED classes. GED classes are designed for adult learners and focus specifically on the knowledge and information needed for the test. Classes are readily available, providing students a no-cost or low-cost learning solution. In most cities and towns, GED classes are sponsored by local community colleges, public school districts, university adult education programs or through nonprofits, by volunteers and through family resource centers. Even some employers offer classes through workplace development and job readiness programs.

But many students can’t take a GED class because of family, job or budget obligations. Or transportation issues and lack of childcare interfere with a student’s ability to attend class regularly. These students can benefit from support services provided by education systems or nonprofits. Or, they may need to access GED test taking strategies and study resources that enable them to prepare for the GED on their own schedule.

Whether students and adult learners attend a GED class or need to design a self-guided program, Essential Education Corporation and PassGED recommend the following GED test taking strategies and resources to help candidates prepare for and earn the General Education Development credential:

1. Explore the Test: Review the testing requirements; understand what knowledge and information is needed for the science, social studies, math and Language Arts reading and writing. Determine the scoring requirements for your community’s official GED test center site.

2. Understand the Test: Get acquainted with the GED test structure — become familiar and comfortable with essay requirements and how test passages and questions are presented. Understanding the test will also help you learn the best way to find the right answer among five multiple-choice options to increase your score.

3. Practice First: Take some GED practice tests to increase your familiarity and comfort level with the test. Practice tests also determine skill weaknesses and strengths. Use the information from your practice tests scores to plan a self-guided study course or decide which GED classes you need most. You can also determine how much time you’ll need to prepare for the GED and  and be more acquainted with the GED test taking strategies.

4. Explore Online Resources: If GED class attendance isn’t an option, or you need extra classes to sharpen skills, consider using the plethora of online resources available, or enrolling in an online GED program designed for self-guided study. While free resources are available, a fee-based program may be necessary for complete GED readiness. But be sure to shop wisely; compare programs and read the fine print. Lots of online companies offer fake diplomas or promise results that they can’t deliver. And the GED cannot be taken online!

5. Get Motivated! What motivates you? There are many reasons adult learners work on their GED. For some, it’s a higher-paying job, a new career or the stepping-stone to educational opportunities. For others, it’s simply completing an educational milestone or being a role model for their own children. Regardless of your reason, it’s reason enough to motivate you. You’ll want to clearly identify your motive and visualize the benefits of achievement.

Motivation is essentially based on a single premise: how bad you want something. If you really want it to happen, it will. If you really want to pass the GED, you will. It’s that simple; it’s the cornerstone of your GED program, whether you opt for a classroom experience, an online program or create a self-guided study course.

 So, when preparing for the GED, prepare through small, well-planned steps. Ask for the help you need. Accomplish each step; build upon them. Then use these accomplishments as additional benefits and motivators to move you closer to the final achievement —the GED.

6. Get Support: Find a community-based support group, study group or online learning community of GED instructors and students. You may also find volunteer tutors and other supports through nonprofits, family resource centers or community-based self-sufficiency programs and support groups. Even your workplace may sponsor continuing education programs, or be willing to sponsor one for you and other co-workers interested in education.  Ask! Get support, and be a support. Likely, you also have knowledge and know about resources that will benefit others.

You’ll want support and also test advice, GED test taking strategies, learning materials and most importantly — encouragement from people who want you to achieve your educational and career goals. If a local study group is unavailable, PassGED offers an open online learning community.

More GED Resources

• The American Council on Education and most local libraries will also have additional resources designed specifically for GED students. Visit www.gedtest.org, or call 202.939-9490.
   
  
• PBS television offers broadcast classes; check local listings.
  
  
•  Is there a Volunteer Center in your community? Browse member listings of the Points of Light Foundation: http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/find_center.cfm
  
  
•  You may learn about other resources by contacting your local library, school system, or United Way. For a directory of United Ways, visit http://national.unitedway.org/myuw/..
  
  
•  Free resources and information on GED testing, official testing sites, financial aid and student support are available at http://www.passGED.com. The website also provides information on financial aid, links to agencies and nonprofits that serve GED students, instructors and workforce development programs.
  
  
• Contact your official GED Test Site Center or administrator. For a listing, visit GED Test Center  Sites.

About the Author: Leonard Williams, an e-learning instructor with www.passGED.com, is also a curriculum specialist who focuses on research and development, implementation and assessment of best-practice learning solutions for adult learners and people with educational challenges. You can contact Leonard at: ContactUs. He invites feedback and questions from GED instructors and students.

Want to reprint this article? It’s easy. Click for Guidelines

GED Test Strategies and Resources by Leonard Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.passged.com.