The G.E.D. Tests or otherwise known as the General Educational Development Tests are series of 5 tests taken by students to certify them of having either a Canadian or American high school academic capabilities and skills.  To be able to pass and harbor a G.E.D. credential, the examinees must acquire a score above 40% of the high school students nationwide.  In some jurisdictions, however, the students are required to pass additional examinations such as civics test or English proficiency test.

Sometimes, G.E.D. is known as “General Equivalency Diploma” or a “General Educational Diploma.”  American Council on Education does not accredit these inappropriate references to G.E.D.  The ACE or American Council developed the tests, as well as the rules.  Administrations then award a “Certificate of General Educational Development” or any similar credentials to students who passed the required scores.

However, only persons with no high-school diploma or has not earned his or her secondary education can take the G.E.D. Tests.  Originally, this set of examinations was created to abide veterans of the Second World War to return to normal lives.  The usual reasons for G.E.D. takers not able to complete their high school studies include home schooling, immigration to Canada or the United States, and purposely leaving high school simply because of the lack of interest, inability to pass courses, personal problems, the necessity to earn a living or failing to pass mandatory achievement exams.

Meanwhile, a college-level G.E.D. Tests used to exist especially for persons who were able to complete the testing requirements.  A particular agency wherein the tests were practiced was called the DANTES testing program.  But then the college-level G.E.D. Tests were stopped.  Over 15 million people had their G.E.D. credential after the program started out.  Truth be told, one of the seven Americans bearing high school credentials got the G.E.D., along with one from the 20 college students.  Meanwhile, 70% of G.E.D. beneficiaries were able to complete 10^th grade prior to leaving school.

Aside from the English language, the G.E.D. Tests also are available in large prints, Braille, French, Spanish, and audiocassette.  Test preparation and the tests itself are offered routinely on military bases and correctional facilities in addition to traditional settings.  Meanwhile, for individuals living in locations outside the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada, are also eligible to take the tests through private companies.

November of 1942, the USAFI or the United States Armed Forces Institute was asking the American Council on Education to create a series of tests to determine precise secondary-level academic skills.  These G.E.D. Tests gave veterans and military personnel to showoff their knowledge.  By passing the tests, returning sailors and soldiers alike were given their credentials necessary in applying for civilian jobs.  By 1947, ACE acceded to New York State’s permission to apply the tests to civilians who were not able to compete their high school.  And so, by 1960’s, civilians occupy the most percentage of G.E.D. takers.  

In 1988, the American Council on Education revised the tests for the third time.  Most obvious change was the addition of essay or writing sample.  New tests emphasized more on social topics and tackles on problem solving.  And for a change, surveys indicated that approximately 65% of the test takers took the exams to further their education rather than for employment reasons.  The latest series, which were introduced to the public in 2002 covered mostly on business and more adult-related topics.  Also, the current series reflects more on the cultural diversities rampant all throughout Canada and the United States.

Once can say that G.E.D.’s future is quite uncertain.  Research is ongoing with regards to the idea of a computerized version of the exams to be held in 2009.  At present, the paper and pencil test is offered with alternative audio-test for special circumstances.  And it is still unclear if the traditional paper-pencil test will be retained once the computerized for of G.E.D. Tests will be pushed through.  However, to keep the integrity of the whole examinations, most probably, G.E.D. Tests will not be provided online and unsupervised.