A GED or General Education Diploma.
A GED, or General Education Diploma, is a high school equivalency diploma that is recognized by most colleges and employers as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. It is typically obtained by individuals who have not completed high school, but want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in core subject areas such as math, science, social studies, and language arts.
To obtain a GED, you will need to take and pass a series of tests in these subject areas. The GED tests are designed to measure your knowledge and skills at a level that is equivalent to that of a graduating high school senior. The tests are offered in a variety of formats, including online, in-person, and at testing centers.
In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to take the GED tests, although some states may allow individuals who are 16 or 17 years old to take the tests with certain restrictions. You may also need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as not being enrolled in high school and not having already earned a high school diploma.
Earning a GED can be a valuable stepping stone to further education or employment. Many colleges and universities accept GED holders and consider them for admission, and many employers view a GED as evidence of a strong work ethic and commitment to education.