It looks like a diploma but works like a passport
A high school diploma or the equivalent can make an important difference in your income – and in your life. Learn about the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma and how you can pursue it.
Individuals who have not received a high school diploma or its equivalent have a low-cost opportunity to earn one. When you earn a diploma or GED, you have also earned the opportunity to find a stable job with a good income. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a person with a high school diploma or GED will earn $7,658 more annually than a non-high school graduate.
How do I get duplicate official transcripts or diplomas?
The original GED Diploma and an official transcript of test scores will be provided to successful examinees by the Technical College System of Georgia, Office of Adult Education, GED Testing Program. However, a fee will be charged for a duplicate or replacement GED Diploma or duplicate official transcripts of test scores. Duplicate official transcripts are $8 and duplicate diplomas are $15.Who is eligible to take the GED Tests?
The GED tests can be administered only to persons who:
- are at least 16 years of age*;
- have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma;
- are not currently enrolled in a regular high school; and
- provide positive identification** with proof of age.
*Applicants ages 16 – 19 must receive approval to test and should locate a testing center or contact their local GED Testing Center (list) for more information.
**Acceptable forms of photo identification include a valid driver’s license, state identification card, military ID or passport.
The GED Testing Program in Georgia is jointly administered by the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education (GEDTS) and by the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education GED Testing Program. The GED Tests are developed by GEDTS, and the same tests are given in all 50 states.
Quick Facts
- GED preparation classes are free. Contact your local Adult Education Center (list) or locate on a Map for days and times of classes.
- The GED diploma is recognized nationwide and is accepted by more than 95% of U.S. employers, colleges and universities.
- The GED diploma is a first step toward better jobs, further training and higher education.
- Two of every three people who take the GED Tests plan to obtain additional education.
- In college, GED graduates perform as well as traditional high school graduates.
- GED graduates are more likely to encourage their children to finish school.
- Many GED graduates say earning their diploma helped them to improve their self-esteem.
- The GED Tests measure many of the U.S. Department of Labor’s necessary workplace skills that are valued by employers.
- The GED Tests measure the skills and knowledge that traditional high school seniors should know and be able to do.
- GED graduates may be eligible to receive a $500 HOPE GED Voucher to use toward postsecondary education in Georgia. Contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission for more information and to see if you would qualify.
- From 1990 to 2007, Georgia’s GED Testing Service awarded more than 305,000 GED diplomas.
