How to Study for Your GED at Home

1. Start with Your State's Requirements

Every state in the U.S. has specific requirements for earning a General Educational Development credential. Make sure you know exactly what is required of you before you begin so you don't spend time or money on study options that don't matter.

• GED in Your State - Official GED Websites in the United States

2. Choose a Study Guide

Your local bookstore and your county library will have a shelf full of GED study guides from various companies. Each book takes a slightly different approach to studying. Flip through each one, read a few paragraphs or chapters, and choose the one you respond best to. This book, essentially, is going to be your teacher. You'll want one that you relate to easily.

The price of these books can be on the steep side. You might find a deal in a used book store or online. Write down the title, edition, publisher and author, and search for the book at half.com or eBay.com.

3. Create a Study Space

Create a study space that helps you make the most of the time you have to study. Chances are, your life is busy. If you have kids, it's likely hectic. Make the most of your study time by creating a space that helps you study, in whatever way is best for you.

4. Know What's on the GED Test

Before you start studying, make sure you know what's on the GED test so you study the right areas. There are five parts to the test, and all five parts are clearly laid out for you in The GED Test: What's On It?

5. Consider an Online Class

Online GED classes allow you to learn in the privacy of your own home, and some are very good, but choose wisely. Do not fall for the offers you'll see online for high school diplomas. They're all scams.

Remember, too, that you must take the GED test in person at a certified testing center. Don't worry. They're in almost every city. There's a link in the test section below.

6. Write Practice Tests

As you study, write down questions about the facts you think might be most important. Keep a running list, and you've written your own practice test. Brilliant! It's one of the very best ways of studying. And saves time too!

You already know what's on the test, right? So write questions for each part of the test:

The GED Reading Test
The GED Writing Test
The GED Social Studies Test
The GED Math Test
The GED Science Test

7. Register for the Test when You're Ready

Remember that you cannot take the GED test online, no matter who tells you it's okay. It's not. If you take a GED test online, it's bogus. Remember that. All you're doing is wasting your money for a worthless piece of paper with a gold star on it. Forget about that.

You must go to a certified testing center, and you must make an appointment. The best way to find the center closest to you is to check your state's GED website. Every state has one.

Official GED Websites in the United States

8. Take Your Test and Ace It!

The best way to take a test is calmly. If you're the type that stresses over tests, try one of the 10 Ways to Relieve Stress. They work. Really.

You can do this. Believe in yourself.

9. Celebrate!

When you pass your test, I hope you'll realize what a wonderful accomplishment it is. Celebrate! In whatever way is meaningful to you. Whether it's a quiet night of satisfaction at home alone or with a whole bunch of your favorite people in the world. Celebrate. You've earned the equivalent of a high school diploma, and you can do anything you want with it. Congratulations!

10. Help Someone Else

Now that you know how to do it, share your knowledge and confidence with someone else you know who has always wanted to earn their GED. It's one of the greatest gifts you can give.