General Educational Development (GED) Program

A General Educational Development (GED) is an alternative option for obtaining a Maryland High School Diploma. To qualify for a GED, you must pass a series of 5 tests (7 hours). The GED is an official high school diploma awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education. It is awarded to people who pass through standardized tests developed by the national American Council on Education. You must apply and meet certain criteria.

Maryland Department of Education – This is the primary source for GED information. Refer callers to www.marylandpublicschools.org. Put “GED” in the search box or click on “Programs” at the top of the page and select “GED”.

Eligibility criteria and test locations are on the MDE website. A non-family “witness” must attest, in writing, to MD residency and identity.
Test accommodations for persons with physical and/or mental disabilities (including learning disabilities) require special application process/form. Requests for accommodations during the GED test are reviewed according to national standards with an appeals process List of approved accommodations
English proficiency – Although the test is offered in Spanish, English proficiency must be demonstrated.
Requests for transcripts are made to the Maryland Department of Education.
Preparatory Courses are offered by private academic and commercial vendors as well as on public television. Official practice tests are available. A good starting place is the MD Adult Literacy Center - www.umbc.edu/alrc/ operated by the University of Maryland. The website lists programs/classes by county.
A Free Practice Exam: This is a commercial website that allows you take a free GED practice exam. The website gives you comments for why a question is right or wrong and grades you when you complete or exit the exam. You can go to www.gedpractice.com to access this site.

Source: Maryland Legal Assistance Network Last review Date 6/09/06 (MLAN/AC)

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