How can you find free online courses that will get you all set to successfully take New York State’s High School Equivalency GED test?
In the past years, New York used the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) for this purpose, but the TASC was discontinued. So New York reintroduced the computer-based GED (General Education Development) exam.
Free New York GED Test
In New York, there is no fee to take the GED exam. The state picks up the tab for testing, which (understandably) is only available to state residents. The exam includes four testing sections: English Language Arts (Writing, Reading), Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics.
The exam is only available in a computer-based format. In New York, there is no online option for taking the GED test, unlike in most states. So in New York, GED testing must be done at state-designated testing centers, but using free GED classes online to get ready for the test is, of course, perfectly fine.
The GED exam is available in English and Spanish. There is also a Braille version and an audio version for the visually impaired. Each calendar year, applicants may have two retakes per subject field at no cost.
Free GED Prep
Across the state of New York, you can find numerous organizations and schools that offer (often free) assistance through GED test prep classes.
Also in New York, online prep courses have gained enormously in popularity. You can use, for example, the free resources provided by the website BestGEDClasses.org, or you can sign up for an accredited online prep course such as the online classes available from Onsego GED Prep that come at a modest fee.
There are more pathways in New York that can lead to a high school or equivalent diploma. Besides passing the GED exam, you may also successfully complete 24 college credits or complete the NEDP (National External Diploma Program). On this page, however, we will focus on the GED exam and how to get all set efficiently.
The diploma that is awarded upon successfully passing the four GED sub-exams allows for a college education and is accepted by schools and employers in lieu of a standard high school credential.
New York Department of Education
A good source of information is the NY State Department of Education’s website and, particularly, that section that deals with High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing.
The website BestGEDClasses and also New York’s HSE Office are great for discovering all GED testing sites and where free prep classes are offered across New York State.
The state’s website additionally offers information about prep materials, status reports, fraud warnings, and more useful tips.
Another great source to get optimally prepared is the online GED prep course designed by Onsego GED prep, one of only a few courses that are recognized by GED Testing Service as 100% in accordance with the computerized GED exam.
The New York Department of Education supports the state’s almost 270 GED test centers that are administered by school districts, BOCES, EOCs, CBOs, community colleges, county jails, correctional facilities, and several private residential sites.
Once you’ve secured your HSE diploma, doors of colleges and universities will open up for you, so learn online towards your HSE degree, and your life is sure to get a LOT better!
Additional GED Prep Resources
YouthBuild USA
YouthBuild is a program for low-income or at-risk youth in the age group 16 to 24. Through the program, they can work toward their high school or GED diplomas while at the same time getting paid for learning how to construct affordable homes in their communities.
The program centers on developing community sense and boosting participants’ leadership skills. YouthBuild centers are found in Queens and the Bronx.
New York State Libraries
As stated before, many New York State Libraries offer online programs so students can get ready for the GED exam through online instruction and practice tests.
Most libraries additionally offer programs geared towards individuals who want to upgrade their English-speaking skills or who need to sharpen their math and/or English reading skills prior to engaging in a GED prep class.
Pre-HSE instruction
Some Public Libraries offer pre-HSE instruction for persons that need more knowledge and skills before they can sign up for GED prep classes.
As the GED exam measures knowledge at the level of graduating high school seniors, it is required that persons wishing to attend GED prep classes brush up their overall skills and knowledge to avoid later disappointment.