Adult Education Connection for Feb. 25
Are you thinking about getting your GED® credential? You likely have many questions about the process and how it compares to a traditional high school diploma. What really is the difference between a GED® and a diploma? Do colleges or employers prefer one over the other? Is a GED® equivalent to a diploma?
The General Educational Development Test consists of four subject tests, that once passed, earn you a high school equivalency credential. The four subjects are language arts, math, social studies, and science. Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s because they are subjects commonly taught in high school. After you successfully pass these four exams, you will have earned your credential. What does this do? It proves you have a grade 12 education even without a traditional diploma.
A GED® and a high school diploma are more similar than different. A high school diploma signifies high school graduation. It shows you attended and passed all the required classes in a traditional high school setting. The GED® credential is a high school equivalency diploma. It shows you passed four high school equivalency tests, demonstrating you have the same knowledge as a traditional high school graduate. Both allow students to join the workforce, launch a career, or attend college.
The main difference between a GED® and a diploma is the time requirement. Typically, traditional high school students need four years to complete classes and graduate. The GED® testing takes around 7 hours to complete the entire battery of testing (meaning all 4 subject tests); preparing for it typically takes less than a year.
Most colleges and employers see the GED® and a high school diploma as the same. Just under 100% of U.S. schools accept the GED®, including community colleges, private secondary or technical institutes, and universities. Since it is equivalent to a high school diploma, in addition to using it to register for college, you can also use it to apply for jobs. Many employers view these achievements equally, and getting a GED® can lead to a higher salary.
If you are interested in obtaining your GED® or taking an adult education class, there are many options available in our local area. Please contact Southwest Regional Adult Education at 276-889-5424 for more information.
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.
