According to a 2019 study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school graduates earned a median of $749 a week while high school dropouts earned just $606.
In a month, a high school grad would earn nearly $600 more than a dropout would. That extra money could mean the difference between renting and owning a home.
If you dropped out of high school, it’s not too late to get your GED or high school equivalency certification. Read on to learn how to get your GED so you can access the better job opportunities you deserve.
Check the Requirements for Your State
In most states, you need to be at least 16 years old to sign up for the GED test. But, a lot of states require test takers to be 18 or older, unless you get an age waiver. To get an age waiver, know that there’s an approval process.
In all states you’ll need access to a computer as well as basic typing and computer skills to take the test.
Get Ready for the GED Exam
The next step is to prepare for the exam. The test is broken down into four subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts.
To prepare, you can take practice tests online, sign up for in-person GED classes at your local community college, or take online classes. The great news is, you can find a ton of great resources and GED practice exams for free on sites like ugoprep.com. You can also get free test prep materials from your city’s library.
This is the longest step in the process of getting a GED, so make sure to give yourself enough time to study.
Schedule and Take Your Test
If you feel like you’re ready, you can schedule your GED exam date. You’ll need to schedule online on GED.com. You have the option of taking the exam at an in-person testing site or online.
There are four parts to the exam, but you don’t have to take them all on the same day. Just know that it takes a total of 7.5 hours to take the entire test.
Choose a day or several dates that work with your schedule and pre-pay for the exam online.
To calm your nerves on testing day, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal. Make sure you know where the testing site is and bring a snack with you. Listen to the proctor’s instructions and focus on the test.
Check Your Scores
After the test, you can check your scores online about three hours later. You’ll need a score of at least 150 on each section to pass and get your GED diploma.
If you need to retake the test, you may need to observe a waiting period. But, you will get a discount on the exam price if you need to retake it.
How to Get Your GED and Change Your Future
Learning how to get your GED is the first step in changing your future. Once you know the steps, you just need to dedicate yourself to studying and passing the test. With a GED, you’ll be able to apply for better-paying jobs and college courses.
To learn about more ways you can better yourself and improve your life, keep scrolling through our blog.
