GED and High School Equivalency 2026 — What It Is and How It Works

What Is the GED High School Equivalency Diploma?

The GED (General Educational Development) is a nationally recognized high school equivalency diploma credential available to adults who did not graduate from high school. Passing the GED demonstrates that you have achieved a level of academic knowledge and skills equivalent to a high school graduate — without completing 12 grades of traditional schooling.

The GED was originally created in the 1940s to help World War II veterans re-enter civilian life and the workforce. Today it serves millions of adults who left school early for any reason: family obligations, economic hardship, health issues, homelessness, incarceration, or other life circumstances. The GED is now the most commonly used high school equivalency test in the US, although some states also accept HiSET or TASC.

To prepare with free practice questions for all four GED subject areas, see our ged ready practice test question bank.

GED vs High School Diploma — What Is the Difference?

The GED and a traditional high school diploma both demonstrate high school-level academic achievement, but they differ in how they are earned and how they are perceived:

How they are earned: A high school diploma requires completing four years of coursework across multiple subjects, including non-academic requirements like physical education and electives. The GED is earned by passing four subject-specific tests demonstrating equivalent academic knowledge — without seat time requirements.

Employer perception: Approximately 96% of US employers accept the GED alongside a high school diploma for employment. For most entry-level and mid-level positions, the distinction is minimal. Some highly competitive employers and professional fields (particularly in the military and some government roles) do track whether a candidate holds a diploma vs. equivalency credential.

College acceptance: Nearly all community colleges and most four-year universities accept the GED for admissions. Some selective universities consider high school diplomas and GEDs equally; others request additional materials from GED applicants. Contact your target institution's admissions office for their specific policy.

On your resume: You can list your GED diploma on your resume with the full credential name (GED or High School Equivalency) and the year you earned it. It is not necessary to label it 'equivalency' rather than 'diploma' — many people simply list it as a credential with the year.

How to Get Your GED High School Equivalency

The path to earning your GED involves four steps:

Step 1 — Check your eligibility: You must be 18 or older (or 16–17 with parental consent in some states), not currently enrolled in high school, and not hold a high school diploma. Create a myGED account at ged.com to register.

Step 2 — Study and prepare: Review the four GED subject areas using official study materials at GED.com (free), Khan Academy (free), and GED-prep study guides. Take the GED Ready practice test ($6/subject) to predict your readiness. Most test-takers prepare for 1–6 months depending on their starting skill level. Our ged study guide provides a structured subject-by-subject plan.

Step 3 — Schedule and take the test: Register for a Pearson VUE testing center near you at ged.com (~$36 per subject). You can take each of the four subjects separately. Subjects include Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.

Step 4 — Receive your credential: Once you pass all four subjects (145+ each), your GED diploma is immediately available in myGED. Download it, share it with employers, and order official transcripts for colleges. Find ged classes near me to get local support throughout your preparation.