Getting a GED certificate in Maryland can open up a world of job and college opportunities. The GED credential is recognized as the equivalent of a high school diploma, allowing you to demonstrate their academic proficiency and access higher education, better job prospects, and increased earning potential.
To get a GED in Maryland, you must pass the four GED tests. Many resources are available to help you prepare, including online GED study courses that can be accessed at Maryland State Library Resource Center or online GED test prep materials that can also be accessed online..
By investing the time and effort to earn your GED, you can unlock new doors and take the first step towards achieving your educational and career goals.
Why Choose to Get a GED?
A GED, or General Educational Development, is an alternative to a traditional high school diploma. The GED test is administered by the GED Testing Service, and people can prepare for and take the exam either online or at designated testing centers throughout Maryland.
There are several key reasons why someone may choose to get a GED:
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Didn’t Graduate High School
The most common reason people pursue a GED is that they didn’t graduate from high school. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Dropping out of high school
- Failing to earn enough credits to graduate on time
- Leaving high school early due to personal circumstances
- Dropping out due to family obligations, financial difficulties, or other life challenges
- Struggling with the traditional high school curriculum and environment
- Needing to work full-time instead of attending school
Getting a GED allows them to still earn an equivalent credential.
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Faster Completion
Earning a GED typically takes less time than completing a full four years of high school. If you have already completed some high school credits, you may be able to study for and pass the GED exam even faster.
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Eligibility for College or Jobs
Many colleges and universities accept GED holders for admission, often on the same terms as high school graduates. Employers generally view a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma for most jobs.
Earning a GED can be a quicker path to college or starting a career compared to returning to high school. GED tests cover the same material as a high school curriculum but in a condensed format.
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Flexible Scheduling
GED programs offer more flexible scheduling options compared to traditional high schools. This makes it easier for adults with jobs and families to fit studying for the GED tests into their busy lives. A GED allows you to study and take the exam on your own schedule, without being tied to a school calendar or class schedule.
You can study at your own pace and take the exam when you feel ready, rather than waiting to graduate with your class.
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Boost Earning Potential
Studies show that people with a GED earn higher incomes on average compared to those without a high school diploma or GED. Having a GED can open up more job opportunities.
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Sense of Accomplishment
Earning a GED is an accomplishment that can boost self-confidence and pride. It shows a commitment to education and improving one’s future prospects.
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Potential Cost Savings
Earning a GED can be more affordable than attending high school, especially if you would need to pay for childcare, transportation, or other expenses to attend a traditional high school. The GED exam fees are often lower than the costs associated with high school tuition and fees.
Related Post: How Do You Get a GED?
How to Get a GED in Maryland
To get a GED in Maryland, you must meet the state’s eligibility requirements, which include being at least 16 years old, providing proper identification and proof of Maryland residency, and registering to take the GED exam.
The GED test in Maryland consists of four subject area exams: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. To pass the GED and earn your credential, you must achieve the minimum passing score on each of these four tests.
Many resources are available to help you prepare for the GED exams, including free online GED test prep courses and in-person classes offered at local community colleges, libraries, and adult education centers.
Once you have successfully passed all four GED tests, you will receive your Maryland High School Diploma Equivalency Certificate, which is recognized as the equivalent of a traditional high school diploma.
Can I Take the GED in Maryland? Am I Eligible?
To be eligible to take the GED in Maryland, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are not currently enrolled in high school.
- You have not graduated from high school.
- You are a resident of Maryland.
- You have been officially withdrawn from a traditional high school for a minimum of three months.
How Old Do I Need to Take the GED in Maryland?
In Maryland, the minimum age requirement to take the GED test is 16 years old. However, individuals aged 16, 17, or 18 must meet additional criteria to be eligible. For 16, 17, and 18-year-olds in Maryland, there are specific additional requirements to take the GED test.
These young people must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian, ensuring they have the necessary support and consent to pursue alternative educational pathways.
Additionally, they must provide official documentation of their withdrawal from their high school program, confirming they are no longer enrolled in a traditional high school setting and are prepared to pursue alternative educational options.
Identification and Residency Requirements
To take the GED test in Maryland, you must prove Maryland residency and provide official, current identification at the test center. Acceptable forms of identification in Maryland include:
- A current official Maryland driver’s license or learner’s permit issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
- A current official Maryland identification card issued by the Maryland MVA
- A current active duty military dependent’s ID card (note: this is not accepted for online testing)
- A valid passport along with a second document, such as a recent utility bill, phone bill, bank statement, cable bill, or lease agreement
Out-of-state licenses or identification, expired identification, photocopies of identification, or documents will not be accepted. There are no waivers for the identification requirement. Testers will be turned away from test centers without acceptable documentation.
Accommodations
To request accommodations for the GED® test, select the “Request Accommodations” box during online registration and follow the provided instructions. You will need to submit the required documentation.
How Do I Register for the GED Test in Maryland?
Visit www.GED.com to create an account and register. After setting up your account and providing the necessary information, choose an authorized test center location to schedule your test.
To ensure you get a seat, it’s recommended to schedule one or two modules per day. Once you’ve selected your test center, date, and time, you will need to pay for the testing modules using a major credit card, debit card, or gift card.
The initial test module costs $11.25, while retests are $10.00 per module. You are allowed three attempts per module each calendar year. The test is available in both English and Spanish, except in Maryland, where the RLA module must be taken in English.
Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center
The Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center is a program that provides adult education and literacy services across the state. It is part of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning within the Maryland Department of Labor.
The center offers instruction and services in areas like basic academic skills, adult secondary education, English language acquisition, workforce preparation, and career pathways. It helps adults (age 18+) earn a Maryland high school diploma through options like GED preparation classes and the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) .
The center partners with local organizations and community colleges to deliver these adult education programs in all Maryland counties and Baltimore City .
Services at the Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center are funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which provides a partnership between the state and federal government to support adult education. The center’s goal is to help adult learners develop the skills and credentials needed for employment and further education.
Which Websites Can I Use to Study for the GED?
There are two major websites which GED preparation resources online>
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GED Testing Service: The Official GED Resource
The GED Testing Service is the official website of the GED exam. It offers a wealth of resources for GED candidates, including:
- Information on the mechanics of taking the GED tests
- Details on testing locations, policies, and requirements
- Tips and strategies for passing the GED exam
- Free GED study guides for each subject test
- Practice tests and questions
As the creators of the GED test, the GED Testing Service is the authoritative source for all things related to the high school equivalency credential. Their official resources are designed to help students understand the format and content of the exam, as well as develop the skills needed to succeed.
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Prepsaret: An Online GED Test Prep Site
Prepsaret is a dedicated GED preparation platform that offers a wide range of GED test prep resources to help you pass their GED test fast and with ease. They offer:
- Full-length GED practice tests
- Detailed GED preparation courses for each subject area
- Personalized study plans based on your performance
- 24/7 access to GED prep materials
Prepsaret’s comprehensive approach is designed to help GED students identify their strengths, weaknesses, and knowledge gaps to create a tailored study plan. The platform provides exact practice questions with well-explained answers to make passing the GED tests a stress-free experience.
Many Prepsaret users have attested to the effectiveness of their study materials and resources. One student shared, “Prepsaret literally saved my life! I am pursuing my dream career because you guys helped me prepare for my mathematics test when I had almost given up.”
Another student praised Prepsaret’s prep strategy, saying, “As a single parent, I barely had time to study for my language section. But Prepsaret’s prep strategy is genius! Thank you for helping me pass my exam.”
With a one-time pass guarantee and a commitment to student success, Prepsaret has become a trusted resource for GED candidates looking to improve their scores and open up new academic and career opportunities.
Maryland Online GED Preparation Classes
If you’re a Maryland resident looking to earn your high school equivalency diploma, online GED preparation classes are a convenient and flexible option. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, offers a free online GED preparation program called Maryland GED-i.
To enroll in the Maryland GED-i program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Maryland resident
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be officially out of school
- Demonstrate appropriate skills for the online curriculum by pre-testing in math and reading at your local Adult Education program
- Commit to submitting at least 6 assignments and studying 5-6 hours per week
The Maryland GED-i program allows you to work at your own pace and prepare for all four GED subject tests: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.
In addition to the online GED-i program, there are also in-person Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED preparation classes offered in various locations throughout Maryland, including Baltimore City. These classes provide a structured learning environment with the support of experienced instructors.
If you prefer to prepare for the GED exam online, Prepsaret offers a comprehensive GED prep course with engaging lessons, practice tests, and skill-building exercises. Before taking the actual GED exam, it’s recommended to take the GED Ready practice test to assess your readiness. The GED Ready test can be purchased on the GED website for $6.99 per subject.
Achieving a “Green” (Likely to Pass) score on the GED Ready test is required to qualify for online GED testing in Maryland. Remember, the GED exam is challenging, and thorough preparation is key to success. Whether you choose the online GED-i program, in-person classes, or a combination of both, make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to your studies.
With determination and the right resources, you can earn your Maryland High School Diploma through GED testing and open up new opportunities for your future.
Where to Take the GED Test in Maryland
You can take the GED exam in Maryland at approved testing centers located throughout the state. Maryland also offers the option to take the GED tests online, which provides a flexible and convenient way to prepare for and complete the exam.
Before qualifying for online GED testing in Maryland, you must achieve a “green” (likely to pass) score on the official GED Ready practice test.
Authorized GED® Test Centers in Maryland
All GED test centers in Maryland comply with guidelines from Pearson VUE, GED Testing Service, and the state regarding health and safety regulations. Testers are required to adhere to these guidelines, which prohibit bringing any electronic devices, wallets, bags, hats, food, or open beverages into the testing room.
Testers may need to remove or adjust certain items like scarves, jewelry, or ties, and ensure their ears are visible. Any prohibited items must be stored in a locker before testing. Find a list of testing centers where you can take the GED in Maryland.
Online Proctored GED® Test
Eligible GED test-takers in Maryland have the option to take their exams remotely from home or another private location, with secure online proctoring. To qualify for this remote testing option, individuals must be 18 or older, have a computer, webcam, and internet access, as well as a private room.
Additionally, they must have achieved a “Green” (likely to pass) score on the GED Ready® practice test within the past 60 days and provide acceptable identification documentation.
FAQs
How to Get your GED in the State of Maryland?
To get your GED in Maryland, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a Maryland resident
- Be at least 18 years old (or 16-17 with proof of official withdrawal from high school)
- Not currently enrolled in high school or hold a high school diploma
- Demonstrate appropriate skills for the GED curriculum by pre-testing in math and reading at your local Adult Education program
Once you meet these requirements, you can begin preparing for the GED exam. Maryland offers several options for GED preparation, including online classes through the Maryland GED-i program and in-person Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED preparation classes in various locations throughout the state.
Prepsaret also provides a comprehensive online GED study guide with engaging study notes and practice test questions exercises. To register for the GED exam in Maryland, you must create an account on the GED.com website.
You can then make your test appointments and pay for the exam, which is now entirely computer-based. Maryland subsidizes GED testing for its residents, with first-time test-takers paying $11.25 per subtest for their initial attempt.
Before taking the actual GED exam, it’s recommended to take the GED Ready practice test to assess your readiness. Achieving a “Green” (Likely to Pass) score on the GED Ready test is required to qualify for online GED testing in Maryland.
How Much Does it Cost to Get your GED in MD?
In Maryland, the cost for first-time GED test-takers is $11.25 per subject test, or $45 for the full GED exam battery. This subsidized rate is offered by the state for initial attempts. However, if you need to retake any subject tests, the regular fee of $36 per subtest, or $144 for the entire GED, will apply.
Additionally, to qualify for online GED testing in Maryland, you must first achieve “Green” (likely to pass) scores on the four GED Ready practice tests, which cost $6.99 each, totaling $28. Overall, the total cost can range from $45 for first-time in-person testing to $173 if you need to purchase the GED Ready practice tests and retake any subject exams.
What is the Passing Score for GED in Maryland?
The passing score for the GED test in Maryland is 145 points (45% correct) in each of the four subjects. This score indicates a high school equivalency level, and test-takers who achieve it will be awarded a Maryland High School Diploma.
Additionally, scores in the 165-174 range indicate a college-ready level, while scores of 175-200 indicate both college readiness and up to 10 college credits
How Do I Book my GED?
To book your GED exam in, you’ll first need to create an account on the official GED.com website. During the account setup process, you’ll provide your personal information and confirm your eligibility to take the GED test in the state. Once your account is established, you can schedule your GED exam appointments.
The GED test is divided into four subject areas – Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. You have the flexibility to take these sections individually or all at once. The best approach is often to schedule one or two subject tests per day to manage the workload.
When selecting a test date and location, be sure to choose an authorized GED testing center in Maryland. After making your appointments, you’ll need to pay the required fees, which are subsidized by the state for first-time test-takers.