How to Get a GED and Get the Job You Want

There are many reasons why teenagers never finish high school. More than 5% of students drop out due to challenging life circumstances or lack of interest in learning. Others get expelled for serious violations of school policies. If you never got that high school diploma, don’t be discouraged. Monster can show you how to get a GED to open the door to better job opportunities.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a GED?

If you’re looking to find out how to get a GED, you have a good reason for doing so. A high school diploma proves that you have gained secondary academic skills that can benefit you in the workplace. Without one, many employers won’t hire you. Not having a high school diploma can be a barrier to employment, but there is a way to overcome this challenge. A GED test prepares you for certification in the high-school-level academic skills that are valuable in the workplace.

Having a GED will open up a slew of career opportunities. With it, you can be admitted into a community college or be considered for employment in well-paying jobs that require a high school diploma, such as a janitor, shop service manager, land surveyor, tool and die maker, or sanitation supervisor.

Getting a GED can also raise your starting salary. The median weekly pay for people without a high school diploma is $606 for full-time work. However, people with a high school diploma or GED typically earn $749 per week.

Convinced that getting a GED is the right path for you? Read on to learn how to get a GED.

How to Get a GED

To be eligible to test for a GED, you must meet the following criteria:

• you haven’t already graduated from high school.
• you don’t currently attend high school.
• you meet the minimum age requirement in your state.

It’s important to check your state’s requirements before considering a GED. Most states offer GED tests, but not all do. Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and West Virginia offer High School equivalency testing (HiSET) instead. In the states that do offer GED tests, minimum age requirements range from 16 to 18 years old.

Once you’re ready, follow these steps for how to get a GED:

1. Find out what’s on the GED test.
2. Learn how much it costs to take the test.
3. Schedule your GED test.
4. Study for each of the four GED tests.
5. Use test-taking best practices before the test.
6. Add your GED to your resume.

We discuss these steps in further detail below.

1. What’s on the GED Test?

To understand how to get a GED, it’s crucial that you understand what the test consists of and how to prepare for it. The GED test is split up into four subjects: mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies, and science. To be eligible for a GED certificate, you must pass the tests for each of these subjects with a minimum score of 145 out of 200. Below, we discuss the four subjects and what to expect on each test.

Mathematical Reasoning

In the mathematical reasoning section, you must demonstrate proficiency in basic math, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions. Math skills are valuable for many jobs that don’t require a college degree, including positions in retail. There are two parts to this test that include multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and other answer selections. The duration is 115 minutes, with a three-minute break between each part, as well as two minutes of instruction and final review.

Reasoning Through Language Arts

The reasoning through language arts section demonstrates your ability to find meaning in text, identify key points and arguments, and analyze grammar and punctuation. There are three sections that include multiple choice and one written essay. The total duration of this test is 150 minutes. That includes 45 minutes to write the essay, 10-minute breaks between each section, and three minutes of instruction and final review.

Social Studies

When you complete the multiple-choice social studies portion of the GED test, you demonstrate knowledge of American social studies concepts, social studies data, and historical events and arguments. The duration for the social studies test is 70 minutes, with two minutes of instruction and final review.

Science

The science section is a one-part test that covers basic scientific concepts, numbers and graphs, and scientific experiments. This 90-minute test is made up of multiple-choice questions, with two minutes of instruction and final review.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Take a GED Test?

It costs $75 to take a GED test. However, you may be able to test for free in Alaska, Connecticut, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, or Virginia. Other states such as Arkansas, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ohio offer testing at discounted prices.

3. How to Schedule Your GED Test

So, we’ve discussed how to get a GED. Now it’s time to take the next step. You need to make an account, schedule a time and date to take your test online, and pay the $75 fee ahead of time at GED.com. Then, choose a testing site near you through Pearson VUE.

Remember that if you don’t pass the GED test, you will have two subsequent opportunities to retake it. However, if you don’t pass a third time, then you must wait 60 days before retaking it.

When scheduling your test, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to study.

4. How to Study for Your GED Test

Most students study for the GED for about three months before taking the test, but this is just a general estimate. We suggest waiting until you’re well-prepared and confident in your ability to answer the questions before taking the test.

You can prepare for the GED tests by studying the practice questions. While you must pay a fee for the practice questions, they come in bundles that include up to three months of access for all four subjects.

You can also take a free GED sample test online, so you know what to expect on the real test. The sample tests will also help you identify areas where you’re proficient and where you need more time to study.

Keep in mind that you’re not required to test for each subject at the same time. For example, you can take the math exam first, then give yourself plenty of time to study before testing for any of the remaining subjects. To maximize your study potential, take frequent mental breaks and focus on one subject at a time.

5. Advice for Taking the GED Test

Other good ways to prepare before your GED test include:

• getting plenty of rest the night before.
• eating a meal that will help keep you mentally alert and energized.
• getting directions to the testing site.

learning about onsite parking in advance to avoid being late.

6. How to Add Your GED to Your Resume

Once you’ve completed your GED, you can add it to your resume in the education section. Then, make sure you include a skills section that lists your soft skills, such as communication, perseverance, problem-solving, and organization, especially if you’re applying for your first job. If you have work experience, you may have also acquired some hard skills that can help prove your value, including computer skills, machine-operating experience, or the ability to work with tools.

Join Monster Today to Open the Door to Your Career

Now that you’ve learned how to get a GED, what next on your agenda? Once you’ve obtained your GED certificate, you’ll have the chance to apply your professional skills in a new job. Just sign up with Monster to find one. Once you’ve created your profile, we’ll break down the barriers to opportunities by directing you to jobs that match your skills and credentials. Plus, we offer free, customized job notifications, so you always stay one step ahead in your career.