General Educational Development

The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four academic subject tests in the United States and its territories certifying academic knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma. This certification is an alternative to the U.S. high school diploma, as is HiSET. Passing the GED test gives those who do not complete high school, or who do not meet requirements for a high school diploma, the opportunity to earn a Certificate of High School Equivalency or similarly titled credential.
GED Testing Service is a joint venture of the American Council on Education, which started the GED program in 1942.