GED® Get Your Diploma

Learn about the many ways for you to earn your GED® here at Sussex Tech.

GED® Get Your Diploma

What Is the GED® Test?

The General Educational Development (GED)® exam is designed for adults over the age of 16 who have not earned a high school diploma and are not currently enrolled in high school. It is a nationally standardized test accepted throughout the United States for employment and/or post-secondary education.

Students under the age of 18 must request a waiver from the Delaware Department of Education to take the exam.

Passing the Test

Although the GED® test represents less of a time commitment than a high school diploma, it is not academically easier. The test is graded on an equivalency scale compared to current high school students. To pass, test takers must perform on a level comparable to or above 60% of high school seniors.

The GED® test is made up of four subject area tests:

  • Reasoning through language arts (RLA)
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Science
  • Social studies

In addition to multiple choice and short-form answers, the test also includes extended response question-and-answer formats.

How to earn your GED® at Sussex Tech

Here at Sussex Tech we have many ways for you to earn your GED®. We have day classes at the Department of Labor, Seaford Library and at our CTC and evening classes at our Main Campus and Cape Henlopen High School Library. We offer a hybrid learning program that incorporates an online program with certified classroom teachers and best of all our programs are free! Even though our online program and classroom are free you may still have to pay for your test. The cost of the exam is $30 per section for a total of $120 except if you participate at the Department of Labor or Spanish GED program, those programs will cover your GED exam costs. You will still have to go to an official testing center to take your exams, but the teachers will help guide you through the process. At the conclusion of earning your GED there is a celebration ceremony complete with cap and gown.

What is the Spanish GED® classroom program?

We offer a Spanish GED® program where the instructor teaches in English and provides an English online program but supplements it with worksheets written in Spanish and online practice that is in Spanish. Students can use google translate in class to work with the online program and once ready for the tests, all tests can be given in Spanish or English, your choice. Our research has shown that this way of providing instruction helps the student get much more proficient at reading and writing in English as well as helping them work towards their GED® credential. This is a perfect program for anyone who has completed high school in their home country but would like a US credential. Also, if you are good in Math and can understand spoken English well and have completed most of your HS in your home country. All students are tested before being accepted into the program.

Using the GED® Credential vs. Using the High School Diploma

Earning a high school diploma may more likely prepare students for the academic challenges of college. However, obtaining the GED credential does not mean that postsecondary education is no longer an option. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), the national organization that oversees the GED exam, about 97% of U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities accept the GED credential in place of a high school diploma.

On the other hand, students considering studying abroad may find that fewer international universities are willing to accept the credential. Students interested in enrolling at postsecondary institutions may want to contact the admissions departments to determine whether a high school diploma is required for matriculation.

GED® vs. High School Diploma at a Glance

Advantages – Great option for students with no HS credits or under 10 credits
– Quicker path to a vocation - Perfect for students who have a credential from another country - Faster to complete than most HS programs
– Prepares students for postsecondary study – Accepted in the U.S. and abroad- Seed Scholarship money available
Disadvantages – May not be accepted abroad – Must feel confident with a timed/nationally standardized test – Time to complete

Sussex Tech Adult Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with Disabilities.