In short
The GED is a high school equivalency test with four subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies and Reasoning Through Language Arts. You can take them all together or one at a time at an official test center, and the first step is a free account at ged.com. Most trade apprenticeships and federal student aid ask for a high school diploma or an equivalent. On our form, pick "Some high school" and we'll include schools that help you earn a GED while you train, or first. Fill out the form to get started.
Why it matters for trades
Here's what BLS lists as the typical education to start in each trade on this site.
| Trade | Typical education to start |
|---|---|
| Electrician, plumber, pipefitter, ironworker | High school diploma or equivalent (to enter an apprenticeship) |
| Welder, diesel technician | High school diploma or equivalent, plus training |
| Truck driver | Most companies want a high school diploma or equivalent, plus a CDL |
| HVAC technician, medical assistant, auto technician | A postsecondary program is typical, though some employers hire with a high school diploma and train on the job |
Money has the same rule. To get federal student aid you generally need a high school diploma or an equivalent (there are a couple of other approved paths), and the new Workforce Pell asks for one too. So a GED doesn't just help you get hired. It can decide what help you can get to pay for training. Here's how paying for it works.
Don't have a diploma yet? That's fine.
Pick "Some high school" on question 2. We'll include schools that help you earn a GED while you train, or first.
How to start
Make a free account
Your online account at ged.com is free. It's where you find study materials, tips and classes, learn about the test subjects and schedule your test.
Study your way
You can take local classes or online classes, or study on your own with books or digital materials. ged.com also offers a prep program called GED+ that includes a personal advisor and practice tests, for people who like to study on their own. It's optional.
Take the test
The GED covers four subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies and Reasoning Through Language Arts. You can take all four together or one at a time at an official test center, whenever you're ready. If you need a testing accommodation, ask before you schedule the test.
Where to find help near you
Start with a local American Job Center. Nearly 2,300 of them across the country help people find jobs and training, and the federal workforce law also funds adult education and literacy programs, so they can often point you to classes in your area. Ask about GED classes and about any help with test fees where you live. ged.com also has a "Find a GED Class" tool.
A note on cost
We're not going to quote a price, because it depends on where you live and which test center you use. ged.com shows what applies to you when you sign in. Ask your adult education program or American Job Center whether any help with test fees is available near you.
Can I start trade school first?
Some schools let you start a program while you work on the equivalency, and that's why the form asks. If you pick "Some high school," we'll include schools that help you earn a GED while you train, or first. Before you enroll, ask the school's financial aid office what applies to you, since federal student aid has its own rules about a diploma or equivalent.
Questions about the GED
Do employers and colleges accept the GED?
ged.com says nearly all colleges and employers accept the GED credential. If you have a specific school or apprenticeship in mind, ask them.
Do I have to take all four tests at once?
No. You can take them all together or one at a time at an official test center.
Do I need a GED to get into an apprenticeship?
BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to start an electrician, plumber, pipefitter or ironworker apprenticeship. Check the exact program you want to join.
Where do I study?
Local classes, online classes, or on your own. Make a free account at ged.com, call an American Job Center, or ask your state's adult education program.
What if I have some college but no diploma?
Ask the school you're interested in what they need. Requirements differ.