GED Online Explained

In most states, you can take the GED test online or at a state-designated test center.

However, if you want to take the GED test online, there are some additional requirements you must meet and rules you must follow.

Onsego’s online GED classes will help you comply with these requirements and get you ready quickly.

The online GED test is not available in these states: Hawaii, West Virginia, Wyoming, Florida, New York, and Massachusetts.

Prerequisites To Qualify For The Online GED Test

Let’s first clarify that the GED test is provided by GED Testing Service (GED.com), which is the sole provider of the GED test.

Now, let me explain how it works with the online GED test. To be eligible to take the GED test online, you must first reach a “green” (likely to pass) score on the official GED Ready® practice test.

Without taking this official practice test or reaching the “likely to pass” score, you won’t be able to schedule the online GED test.

The GED Ready test costs $6.99 and must be purchased on the GED.com website.

The GED exam includes four subject tests, and for each subtest, there’s a GED Ready test, so that’ll cost you $28 on top of the regular testing fees.

The four GED subtests are independent sub-exams that can be taken (if you wish) one at a time and in any order you prefer.

So, to qualify for each of the four GED sub-exams, you must reach the GED Ready passing score for that subject.

The four GED sub-exams are quite challenging, and so are the GED Ready tests, which are shorter versions of the actual tests. So, to avoid wasting your money or precious time and keep your motivation, become perfectly prepared for the official GED Ready practice test. Onsego’s online GED classes will get you all set quickly.

When you register for one of Onsego’s Advantage Plans, you will receive four vouchers for the GED Ready tests for free, a $28 value!

Online Proctored (OP) GED Test

Once you’ve passed the GED Ready practice test for a GED subject, you are allowed to schedule that Online Proctored (OP) GED subject test.

You may even be able to schedule it on that same day as long as you have installed the proctoring software, and your computer has a camera and microphone, and your testing room meets the requirements.

Tablets, mobile devices, and Chromebooks (Chrome laptops) are not permitted because the required software cannot be installed.

A stable, reliable Internet connection is also required, and the testing room must be a private room without any disturbances.

During the entire online GED test, a proctor will be monitoring you, generally using a mic and a webcam, and the proctor will also have screen access to the computer you’re using. It is the proctor’s role to prevent cheating and guarantee the integrity of your GED exam.

The proctoring software allows the proctor to monitor any suspicious activities through highly advanced video and audio analytics, and the software will check for any suspicious background objects or voice and video activities, so if needed, your exam can be red-flagged.

Before The Online GED Test

For student identification and authentication, the Online Proctored GED Test uses face recognition software to prevent impersonation. You must provide an official, state-issued ID, for example, a passport or driver’s license.

The proctor can check this in a few minutes, and then you are required to use your camera to show your entire testing room. This way, the proctor can examine your testing room for possible incorrect information sources.

Your testing room needs to be totally clean. Phones, books, notepads, other devices, notes on the wall, a second computer or computer monitor, pens, papers, or any other items cannot be in your test environment.

During your entire GED subtest, you must remain in your testing room, and the system is set up in a way that it will automatically shut down the moment you leave your test area.

The proctor will also require you to provide close-ups of your ears, arms, and pockets to ensure there’s no information scribbled on your arms or hand palms, no earpiece stuck inside your ears, and that there are no cheat sheets in your pockets.

During The Online GED Test

During your online GED test, you will be using software and a secure browser that’s used only for the at-home, online GED exam. This makes sure that when you sit for the online test, only the testing system will run on your computer. All your other computer programs must be shut down. If you would open another application, the system will automatically shut down the process.

On top of that, functions like copy & paste, print, and all other functions will be disabled, and there will also be keyboard shortcuts, and your function keys will be disabled. Bear in mind that when you take the online GED test, the system will detect all unusual behavior, for example, if your eyes regularly dart away from your computer screen, and it will also issue alerts in any other suspect situation.

Note-taking – When GED candidates take the exam at a testing center, they can take notes. Online GED testers are not allowed to take notes on a scratchpad. They will receive an online notepad; that’s all that’s allowed. Now, for many candidates, this may be a drawback as they find it easier to sketch out possible solutions on physical scratchpads rather than doing that on-screen or trying to visualize it in their heads.

During the online GED test, you can only communicate with the proctor electronically, and the communication is recorded to deter collusion. Please keep in mind that if the software or the proctor notices too many red flags or signs, your testing session is canceled.

After The Online GED Test

Once you have completed the GED subject test, you’ll be disconnected, and your test is going to be checked. You’ll receive your results on the same day through email, and they will also be available in your account at GED.com. If you have passed the subtest, you deserve congratulations, but there are more subject tests to get prepared for.

If you’ve failed the test by a mere few points, just regroup, retake a few lessons, and reschedule your GED test. Bear in mind, however, that every time you retake a GED subtest online, you are required to also take the GED Ready practice test again!

If you’ve failed a GED subtest by just a few points, the best way to get all set and better prepared is by generating your personal “Skills to Improve” report (available on your GED Ready score) and connecting it with Onsego’s lessons. Here is how.

Online proctored testing is popular across many institutions, and cheating is next to impossible. Proctors are very experienced, and they use technology that will spot any sort of suspicious behavior. If you’re trying to cheat on the online GED test, you’ll get a red card, and you’ll lose your money.

Getting all set for the GED exam is a rather straightforward process. You just need to make sure you use a prep course that includes video instruction and practice tests. With the proper GED prep course, you’ll be prepared to take on the challenge in just a few weeks.

So, benefit from Onsego’s online resources and make sure you’ll be a proud GED graduate soon!

Choosing The First Online GED Subtest

We suggest you choose the subject test first which you think is easiest for you. Once you have passed your first GED subtest, your self-confidence will definitely get a boost, and your results will improve.

It will be easier for you to learn for your next test because you will be familiar with how our video lessons “build off” of one another. This systematic approach is a proven way to get results!

Many GED students choose Social Studies or English Language Arts as the first subtest they want to pass. These two subtests rely more on your common sense and comprehensive reading skills and less on memorizing facts.

Remember, however, that having a good GED vocabulary will improve your chances of reaching good results on the GED test will improve considerably!

GED Test Structure

The GED exam includes four separate, modular subtests that cover the following subject fields: Reasoning through Language Arts (English Literacy), Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning (Math), and Science.

These modular subtests are independent exams that can be taken separately and in any preferred order. You will get your results on the same day; only the essay score will take longer.

Social Studies

• U.S. & World History
• U.S. Geography
• Government & Civics
• Economy
• Reading & Analyzing Data
• Social Studies Framework

Science

• Physical Science (Physics & Chemistry)
• Life Science
• Earth & Space Science
• Math & Science
• The Process of Science

Reasoning through Language Arts (English Literacy)

• Grammar & Sentence Structure
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing your GED Essay

Mathematical Reasoning

• Number Sense
• Geometry
• Equations & Inequalities
• Functions
• Graphing linear equations
• Probability
• Statistics

Math also includes 3-5 questions where you cannot use the GED scientific calculator.

Prepare Well For Your GED Test

If you have a family, it is important that they understand your preparation needs to be perfect. You need their support to get all set for your high school equivalency (HSE) exam. Our video lessons and practice tests need your full attention, and the fact that you need your family’s support is often overlooked. So, make sure your family will support you mentally along the road to your GED and will help you deal with your household tasks.

Now, what to do if your family doesn’t support you? Well, if you can, stay at work to learn there. We at Onsego have made learning easier; just log in to your Onsego account, and you’ll be right back where you stopped. Our support system monitors your progress continually and will help you to stay motivated all through your learning process.

Keep in mind, however, that our online studying program requires some self-discipline on your behalf. The fact of the matter is that by watching video lessons and taking multiple practice tests, you can get optimally prepped for the GED exam efficiently and fast. Once you have passed the four sub-exams and hold your GED diploma, you qualify for better jobs, and you can enroll in credit-bearing college programs. Your GED makes all of that possible!