What to Expect When You Take the GED

By arya

The GED is perhaps one of the most crucial stepping-stones for either one’s education or career. Therefore, on exam day (like any major exam) some things should be taken seriously not only to enable you to pass the exam but also to make it easier for you, as you’ll already by now have gone through enough stress and tension. The following will help you have a smooth sail on that defining day.

Arrival

One of the secrets of any major exam day is to get to the testing center or the exam room at least 30 minutes before the exam. That extra period will give you ample time to handle any prerequisites of the exam and get comfortable.

For the GED, you’ll need to be in possession of a valid government-supplied photo ID such as a learner’s permit, driver’s license, or passport for identification and registration prior to the commencement of the exam. Get there early to give yourself and the administration enough time to get you settled and comfortable.

Accessories


The GED is a major exam, and no room is given for any sneaky stuff. Hopefully, your GED tutor has by now revealed to you that the entire exam will take place on a computer, which will be available at the testing center.

Besides a TI-30XS hand-held calculator, electronics like cellphones, smartwatches, or laptops, among others, won’t be allowed in the exam room. Foods, drinks, rulers, and any books or external documents are also not permitted in the exam room.

The center will provide a marker and three erasable note boards for scribbling on during the exam. Any personal belongings will not be allowed inside the exam room; ladies, you’ll have to leave your purses outside and gentlemen you’ll have to empty your pockets.

The computer you’ll be using will have a timer for all your exams and breaks in between papers, so don’t concern yourself regarding timing.

Furthermore, if you know you’ll be doing multiple papers on the same day, take the initiative to schedule for a lunch break in advance. If you fail to do this, you may not have sufficient time for lunch, since by default you’ll be given only ten-minute breaks between papers.

What Not To Do


The GED is an important exam that is not taken lightly by those administering it. If you go against any of the suggested guidelines above, you are likely to be disqualified without a refund for your fees. For the sake of clarity and your security, pay attention to the following:

  • Leave your cell phone outside the exam room
  • Don’t give unsolicited or solicited help to a fellow examinee
  • In case of any challenges or discomfort, only ask for help from the examiner or the person supervising you
  • Don’t take the exam for another or have someone else sit in for you
  • Don’t cause any unnecessary disturbance in the course of the exam
  • Remember, foods and drinks are not allowed in the exam room
  • Pay attention to every rule or guideline given at the examination center

    Ultimately, provided you had a reliable GED Tutor (human or machine), did your studies, and prepared well for the exam, nothing should trouble you. The fact that you are reading this article implies you are already on the right track. Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams with one heart.