The GED is the most widely used high school equivalency diploma in the United States — accepted by employers, colleges, the US military, and professional licensing boards in place of a traditional high school diploma. This guide explains what the GED high school equivalency credential is, who needs it, how it compares to a regular high school diploma, who qualifies to take it, and how to get started on your path to earning one.
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.
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.
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.
The US military accepts the GED for enlistment in all branches, but with a key difference: GED holders are classified as 'Tier 2' applicants while high school diploma holders are 'Tier 1.' Tier 2 status means higher ASVAB score requirements and limited enlistment slots in some military branches. If military service is a goal, earning additional college credits (even just 15 credit hours from a community college) alongside your GED can move you to Tier 1 status. Use our ged programs near me guide to find programs that combine GED and college credit preparation, and our free ged practice test for no-cost practice before testing.