What Does GED Stand For?

What does GED stand for in education?

In education, the GED is a path to a high school level credential for people who did not finish high school. Each letter maps to one word:

The name describes broad knowledge and skills, the kind a high school graduate is expected to have, rather than one subject. States issue the credential, so its official title can vary, such as a high school equivalency diploma or certificate.

What is on the GED test

The current test has four parts, and each can be taken on its own day:

• Mathematical Reasoning: algebra, geometry, data and word problems. A calculator is allowed on most of it.
• Reasoning Through Language Arts: reading passages, grammar and a written response.
• Science: reading charts and experiments in life, physical and earth science.
• Social Studies: civics, US history, geography and economics.

Scores run on a scale, and test takers must reach a passing score on every subject. Many adult education centers offer free or low cost prep classes and practice tests.

Where the GED came from

The tests were created in 1942 to help service members returning from World War II, many of whom had left school to serve, show what they knew and move on to college or jobs. Over the following decades the program opened to civilians, and the test has been revised several times to match what high schools teach.

Today, millions of people hold the credential. Some states also offer other high school equivalency exams, so "GED" is sometimes used loosely for all of them.

GED vs a high school diploma

A diploma comes from finishing the required classes at a high school. A GED comes from passing the equivalency tests. Most employers, colleges, trade programs and the military accept the GED, though a few programs set extra steps for GED holders, such as more college credits or higher test scores.

Neither one is a college degree. If you see "GED degree" on a form, it means the high school level credential. To read about the other main school tests, see SAT and ACT.

How to say and write GED

Say the three letters, "G E D." Keep all three letters capital and skip the dots. The letter G sounds like "jee," so the article is "a": "a GED class," "a GED program."

• "He earned his GED at 19 and started community college the next fall."
• "The library hosts GED prep on Tuesday nights."
• "She passed the math section on her second try."
• "Many GED holders go on to two year degrees, like an AA."

For more letters you meet in school and college, see the school acronyms page, and for the reason GED is filed under initialisms, try acronym vs abbreviation.