People from all walks of life aren’t able to finish their high school education. No matter the reason for not finishing high school, the GED test offers a way to show a similar level of knowledge and skills.
Preparing for the GED test is key. You have to put in hours and hours of time and effort. By taking a GED prep class online, you’ll learn important topics that appear on the test. Likewise, you’ll get familiar with how the test is laid out.
A free GED class is easy to find online. So is a GED class for adults. But what are the best GED classes online? That’s where this ranking comes in.
There are many excellent GED prep classes online. Some are free. You have to pay for others. Unfortunately, there are also some GED classes that aren’t worth the time and effort.
To help you identify the best GED classes online, we’ve ranked the top 10 courses you can take. Our rankings take several factors into account:
- Affordability
- Accessibility
- Flexibility
The reason each course is ranked on these three measures is to help you identify which GED prep class online is best for your situation. So, if affordability is the most important factor, you have that information. As another example, if you’re concerned about taking a course that fits into your busy schedule, you can rely more on the flexibility score.
In the next section, we discuss this methodology in more depth.
Methodology to Determine the Best Courses for GED Prep
As noted above, this scoring system is made to help you decide the best GED prep class online for your needs.
The benefit of using three factors is that you can look at each class based on its total score. You can also look at individual scores as well.
If you’re looking at a class that seems to be a great fit in terms of price, it’s helpful to know if it’s also accessible and flexible. In other words, a class might seem like a great fit when looking at a single measure. But when taking all three factors into account, you might find that a different class is actually a better fit.
Let’s explore each of these factors in a little more detail.
Affordability
If you search for a free GED class, you’ll get tons of results. This is because finding an affordable GED prep class online is very important for a lot of people.
Because affordability is so important, it is worth the most points in our rankings. Here’s how we assign points:
- Free: 6 points
- Under $10: 5 points
- $11-20: 4 points
- $21-30: 3 points
- $31-40: 2 points
- $41 and above: 1 point
As you can see, a free GED class will earn more points than one that’s $25. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider the $25 course, though, if you can afford it. Sometimes paid courses are the better option for some learners.
The free GED classes listed below are all high-quality courses. But there are other free courses that simply aren’t worth your time. Just because a course is free doesn’t mean you should choose it over a better course that requires a fee.
This is a big reason why we use three factors. Even if affordability is the most important thing for you, it’s still necessary to consider other features, like accessibility and flexibility.
Accessibility
Learning online is an easy way to learn new skills. However, not every GED class offers the same ease of access.
For example, some GED prep classes allow you to begin the course when you enroll. This is something that improves a course’s accessibility score.
As another example, some GED classes are only offered at certain times. This makes it more difficult to access. As a result, this lowers the accessibility score.
Even if affordability or flexibility are more important factors for you, you still need a course that you can access when you need to. As you’re looking at our rankings, be sure you take ease of access into account.
This factor is scored as follows:
- High accessibility: 3 points
- Moderate accessibility: 2 points
- Low accessibility: 1 point
Flexibility
Whether it’s a free GED class or a GED class for adults, you want the course that you select to be flexible to meet your needs.
One factor to consider is the time you’re given to finish a class.
For example, one GED prep class might require you to finish in four weeks. Another one might give you eight weeks. Still others might be self-paced. This means you can take as long as you need to finish the course.
This kind of flexibility is really important if you have other obligations, like a job or a family to worry about. Being able to study when your schedule allows can make all the difference in being fully prepared to take the GED.
This factor is scored as follows:
- Highly flexible: 2 points
- Moderate flexibility: 1 point
- Low flexibility: 0 points
With a better understanding of our methodology, you can now examine the GED prep courses in our rankings in more depth.
Ranking the Best Online Courses for GED Prep
#10: GED Prep Self-Paced
Kaplan’s on-demand self-paced course is a good option if you need an open-ended timeline for studying. Even though it’s self-paced, you can still email Kaplan 24/7 and get assistance when you need it.
This course includes more than 150 instructional videos. The videos cover topics related to the four GED tests:
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Reading/Language arts
You’ll also find hundreds of practice questions. This includes a test to establish what you know and don’t know, so you can identify the weak areas you need to work on. There’s even a full-length practice exam.
This course comes with the latest GED Test Prep book. The book includes sections for each of the four GED content tests. There are practice questions and video tutorials that accompany the book as well.
Points: 6
Affordability: $129 (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. This course is completely on-demand. You can watch recorded video sessions at any time. Help from instructors is easy to get via e-mail as well.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. This is a self-paced course. Access course materials on any internet-enabled device. You can also utilize the Test Prep book that comes with the course so you can learn offline as well.
#9: GED Prep
This GED prep course is offered by UGO Prep. The course is designed to target your weakest areas. This makes studying for the GED test much more productive. It makes it a faster process as well.
This is a comprehensive course that includes many test prep materials. This includes:
- Detailed study guides
- Hundreds of practice questions
- Authentic simulated exams
In fact, you get access to dozens of online practice exams. These exams offer you a chance to test your knowledge and skills. They will also help you become more familiar with how questions are formatted and asked on the GED test.
The course also includes vocabulary words you need to know to pass the GED test. You get more than 200 slides of content written by experts as well. These slides have been written to meet GED testing standards.
For many students, this course takes just two weeks to complete. This enables you to prepare for the GED without significantly impacting your schedule.
Points: 6
Affordability: Starts at $69.99 (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. This course is 100 percent online. You can access the course materials immediately upon enrollment.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. This is a self-paced course, so you can take as much time as you need to finish your studies. Some of the course’s resources are also printable so you can learn offline.
#8: GED Live
GED Live is a unique GED prep class online. It is an interactive course. There are both live and recorded lessons.
You spend 60-90 minutes in each class session. Each session covers a different topic, like math or social studies. Sessions are very focused. You’ll learn specific skills and gain knowledge needed to successfully pass the GED test.
Other features of GED live include:
- Personalized help from a Kaplan teacher
- Ability to stream live class sessions on your phone or tablet
- Access to a video library of past lessons
GED Live is offered by Kaplan Test Prep and GED Testing Services. It is a highly rated service with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Points: 6
Affordability: Starts at $59 (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. Courses are offered in live and recorded formats. Stream courses from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. Expert instructors work with you throughout the course to give you feedback. The course is fully online so you can study anywhere with an internet connection. All sessions are recorded and stored in a library so you can learn at any time.
#7: GED Academy
GED Academy is a fully online GED test prep course from Essential Education. It focuses on the precise skills you need to pass each of the four GED tests. Additionally, GED Academy has developed lessons that help build the skills you need to be successful in college or a career.
The first thing you do in this course is take a pre-test. This is done so GED Academy understands your current level of knowledge and skills. From there, they develop a plan for you to focus on your weak areas. This makes studying for the GED test a much more efficient process.
Other features of this GED class include:
- Short lessons that you can complete quickly
- On-demand access to tutoring
- Customizable learning plans
This course includes four different classes to help you prepare for the GED exam. You can also choose to purchase a course that adds courses that focus on job skills if you wish.
This GED prep class online has free coaching included. This is part of the reason why it has excellent reviews. It has received 4.6 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot.
Points: 9
Affordability: $19 per month (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. Courses are offered completely online. You get immediate access to the course upon enrollment.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. You get to decide how much time you spend studying each week. Courses are self-paced so you can take as much or as little time as you need.
#6: Best GED Classes
Best GED Classes offers more than just online GED test prep courses. They also have:
- Visual learning aids
- Lesson plans
- Study guides
- Quizzes
You can also take a variety of practice GED tests that explore the four different sections of the test. These practice tests dive deep into specific topics on which you will be tested when it’s time to take the GED test.
Other resources are also available. This includes test prep tips, such as how to build habits that will help you perform better when you take a test. You can also get pointers for staying focused and making the most of your time to study for the GED test.
There’s even a short test you can take to identify your specific learning style. Taking this free test could help you identify the best ways for you to learn. This will help you develop a stronger strategy for studying that could result in better scores on the GED tests.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. There is no required enrollment or registration. This means you can access the lessons, study guides, practice tests, and other resources whenever you like.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. There are no set deadlines or due dates. You are free to learn at your own pace and take as much time as you need.
#5: GED Practice Tests
The GED practice tests from 4Tests give you the insights you need to perform well on the actual GED test.
This site allows you to select which practice tests make up your practice exam. So, if you’re struggling with math and science, but you’re doing well in language arts and social studies, you can take just the math and science practice tests. This allows you to focus your studies on the areas that need it most.
4Tests has two different practice exams, too. This enables you to practice using two completely different sets of questions.
Additionally, 4Tests gives you information on:
- The structure and format of the GED tests
- Study tips to improve your GED score
- Recommended practice books
GED Practice Tests from 4Tests are completely free, so you can learn whenever you like.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. Registration for the practice tests is quick and easy. All learning materials are online, making it easy to learn as your schedule allows.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. There are no due dates or deadlines. You can work at your own pace and use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to take the online practice tests.
#4: GED Practice Test Review
This GED practice test review from Test Prep Review includes practice tests for each of the four major content areas:
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test
- GED Science Practice Test
- GED Social Studies Practice Test
- GED Math Practice Test
Additionally, you get access to a “How to Pass the GED” tutorial.
These resources are offered free of charge, though there are other resources you can purchase to expand your learning.
Additionally, there are dozens of self-assessment quizzes you can take. These quizzes will help you determine where your weak spots are, that way you can spend more time on the areas you need and less time on the areas you’ve already mastered.
Like many of the other free courses listed here, this GED prep course is easily accessible so you can begin learning right away.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. Begin learning immediately with this free online course. All practice tests and other learning materials are easily accessed online.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. You can work at your own pace. Select which practice tests, self-evaluations, and other resources you wish to utilize.
#3: Test Prep Toolkit GED Practice Tests
Test Prep Toolkit doesn’t offer a GED prep course. Instead, they have dozens of practice tests with thousands of questions you can use to prepare for the test.
Each test is completely free. You can access the tests at any time day or night, which gives you the flexibility to study as your schedule allows.
Test Prep Toolkit also offers:
- A pretest for you to measure your strengths and weaknesses
- A GED test guide with details about the test
- Resources to find online GED classes
There are also a number of GED practice lessons. These lessons give context to critical skills you need for the exam. Lessons are provided for math, science, social studies, and language arts.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. Since this is a free course that doesn’t require registration, you can quickly and easily access it any time. All tests are online, so you can study from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. This is a self-paced course. You can work through the practice tests as quickly or as slowly as you need.
#2: GED Study Guide
The GED Study Guide from Study.com is a free resource. The study guide includes 46 chapters that touch on important topics on the GED test.
For example, you can study life science, earth and space science, and physical science. Each topic has its own chapter. There’s also an accompanying chapter with information specifically about the science portion of the GED test. The same is true for the other three sections.
Additionally, this free GED prep course offers:
- Details about the GED test
- Information about upcoming GED test dates
- A list of GED test centers
You also get some tips and strategies for taking the GED test. This includes a review of the types of questions you can expect to see on the test.
So, the GED Study Guide is more than just a review of content that you need to know. Instead, it also offers critical tips for success on the test.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. This course is offered free of charge and is available 24/7. You aren’t required to enroll or register, so you can begin your studies immediately.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. This course does not have a specific time frame. This means you can work at your own pace and focus on your areas of weakness as you see fit.
#1: Union Test Prep
Union Test prep offers the best free GED prep materials. They are designed to help you focus on the specific topics required to pass the GED test.
Union Test Prep offers a variety of materials to help you study. This includes:
- Practice tests
- Flashcards
- Study guides
Each of these resources provides detailed instruction in math, science, social studies, and reading and language arts. You can use the materials as much or as little as you need. They are all easily accessible online.
Additionally Union Test Prep gives you some insights into the GED test. For example, their practice tests include details about the length and number of questions you can expect on each of the four GED content tests.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: High accessibility. All learning materials are accessible for free online. There is no need to register or download anything. This enables you to learn any time, any place.
Flexibility: Highly flexible. This is not a formal course, so there are no deadlines. Your learning is self-paced, so you can study whenever you see fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I study for the GED?
Each person is a little different, so your approach to studying for the GED is going to be specific to your needs. However, there are some general guidelines that will help you make the most of your study time.
First, you need to figure out what your academic weaknesses are. These are the areas you’ll need to focus most of your studying on. The best way to do this is to take practice tests for each of the four GED test sections.
It’s best to take practice tests for all four sections regardless of what you think your strengths and weaknesses might be. If you think you’re strong in math, but do poorly on the math practice test, you’ll know that you have some additional work to do.
Second, examine your practice test results. Many practice tests give you detailed scores for the sub-topics on each test. For example, if you take a math practice test and find that you’re weak in fractions, but do well in geometry, you know that you can spend less time studying geometry in favor of studying fractions in more depth.
Third, get the resources you need to study. The free courses and study materials referenced in our rankings are a good place to start. As explained in our rankings, there are many free GED test prep resources you can use to prepare yourself. If you need more depth or structure, one of the paid courses in our rankings might be a good idea. There are many other resources out there that might be beneficial too, such as official GED test prep books.
Fourth, set aside specific times to study each day. Getting into a routine will help you stay on top of your studies. While you’re at it, create a quiet place where you can study that is free of distractions. Put your phone on silent, put your earbuds away, and dedicate the time to really concentrating on the study materials. This doesn’t mean that your study time has to be painfully boring. Turn studying into a game, use flashcards, or find a friend or relative to quiz you.
Lastly, monitor your progress. Take additional practice tests to see how you do after studying up on your areas of weakness. If you score better, you can put your attention on areas that you continue to struggle with.
Even if you perform better in a certain area, you should still study up to keep your understanding of those concepts fresh in your mind. Remember that the GED test is timed, so being able to recall information quickly is a must.
It should be noted that where you live can impact how you have to study for the GED. In some states, for example, minors (test-takers that are 16 or 17 years of age) are required to take certain GED prep courses before they can even register to take the GED test. Be sure to check with the state board of education to find out what requirements you might have to fulfill before taking the GED. Depending on their requirements, you could have to spend an extra couple of months studying for the test.
Can I take a free GED prep course online?
Yes! There are many free GED prep courses you can take online. As noted in our methodology, though, not all free GED prep courses are equal.
The top-ranked course in our rankings is a free class. It has practice tests. There are study guides to help you prepare. There are also flashcards to help you remember important topics. All of these resources are offered completely free of charge. You don’t even have to register for an account!
What’s great about free GED prep courses like this is that you can learn at your own pace without paying a dime. If money is tight, taking a free course is definitely the way to go.
Additionally, many free GED prep courses like the one from Union Test Prep are frequently updated. This is important because the GED test is updated from time to time. You want to take courses that reflect the current GED test standards. This will give you the best opportunity to prepare for the current form of the exam.
But don’t be blinded by the “free” part of a GED prep course. The free courses in our rankings are all good quality courses that will definitely help you. There are many excellent paid courses, too. Sometimes, paid courses come with additional benefits that could help you even more. For example, the GED Live course isn’t free, but the fee gives you access to a personal teacher to help you with your studies.
As you weigh whether or not to take a free or a paid course, just keep in mind what features and benefits you get with each course. You might find that a paid course gives you more value!
How hard is it to get a GED?
The GED test isn’t easy. But it isn’t hard, either, assuming you’re prepared for it.
Preparation is the key for taking the GED. Remember, the GED test is meant to show that you have the same level of knowledge and skills as a high school graduate. This means the GED test covers a lot of different subject matter.
Studying for GED will take time. But the hard work, time, and energy you put into studying will pay off when you have the knowledge needed to get a passing score on the GED test.
Remember, the GED test isn’t just a single test. Instead, it has four different sections:
- Language arts
- Social studies
- Science
- Math
Some people are naturally good at language arts. Others aren’t so good in math. So the question of whether the GED is hard also depends on your areas of strength and weakness.
For example, if you’re not very good with science, you’ll need to spend more time studying before you take the GED. Doing so will give you more confidence and will enable you to get a higher score on that section of the test.
But don’t neglect studying for the sections that you’re more comfortable with. Just because you really like social studies and are good at it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend time brushing up before you take the test!
Another factor that determines how difficult you might find the test is how much formal education you have.
For example, if you went to school through the eleventh grade, you’ve already got a lot of knowledge and skills that will be tested on the GED exam. However, if you attended school through the sixth grade, you’ll need to do more prep work and studying. Just keep this in mind as you begin thinking about getting your GED.
Studying for the GED should focus on both content and format. Understanding the format of the test and being familiar with how questions are presented to you will help you be more confident as you work through each test section. This is critically important since the test is timed. The more familiar you are with how the test is structured, the easier it will be for you to work through each section.
Perhaps one of the hardest aspects of the GED test is its length. Most people need seven to eight hours to finish all four sections. You can schedule to take all four sections in one day. That’s a long time to maintain your concentration though! A better option for some students is to take the test for each section individually. This shortens the time you have to spend in one day sitting at a desk. It also gives you more time to study for the sections in which you aren’t as confident.
Just keep in mind that about 80 percent of test-takers pass the exam, so the odds are in your favor!
Do most people pass the GED the first time?
It’s hard to determine exactly how many people pass the GED test the first time. In the early 2000s, the pass rate was around 60%. More recent numbers are harder to come by.
One thing is for sure – the GED test got more difficult when it was overhauled in 2014. At that point, the test became computer-based. Many test-takers said the test was difficult.
The difficulty of the test – and its higher price – led to a decrease in the number of people that took the test. As a result, fewer people have passed the test in recent years than in the past. For example, in 2013, over 540,000 people took the GED test and passed (though it isn’t known how many of those people passed on the first try). Compare that with just 58,524 people passing the test in 2014.
Ultimately, if you want to improve your chances of passing the GED test on your first try, study! The more time and effort you put into your studies, the more prepared you will be on test day.
Is a GED worth it?
A GED is definitely worth your time and effort. Studies show that people with a GED have greater earning potential than those that don’t. That means that by having a GED, you might be more likely to get a job – and earn more money doing it.
Additionally, to get into college, you either need a GED or a high school diploma. By getting a college education, you really improve your employability. The amount of money you will make over your lifetime drastically increases as well.
If you are still of high school age, it is important to consider going back to school. Though GEDs and diplomas are viewed as being equivalent, the fact of the matter is that some employers will hire an applicant with a diploma over one that has a GED.
If you’re been out of school for a while (say, more than five years), a GED is a great alternative. As discussed throughout this article, you can work at your own pace, take practice tests, and prepare for the GED test on your own terms. And once you pass the test, you’ll have many more opportunities for jobs and education than you did before. Think of a GED as a gateway to a better future!
What can I do with a GED?
A GED is a lot like a high school diploma. This means that having a GED can open doors to educational opportunities and careers that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you.
From an educational standpoint, colleges and universities often require students to have either a high school diploma or a GED to enroll in a degree program. By getting a GED, you will be able to apply for admission to colleges and universities to begin studies in a major of your choice.
If you don’t want to go to college, a GED can help you find employment. In fact, there are many entry-level jobs that require no more education than a GED. These include:
- Food service (such as a bartender or waitress)
- Construction
- Public safety (such as a police officer or security guard)
- Janitorial services
- Groundskeeper
- Bus driver
- Sales
- Administrative assistant
This is by no means a complete list of jobs you might be able to get with a GED. But this short list should give you an idea of the types of jobs and the variety of jobs you can pursue with a GED.
A GED can also help you advance in a career you already have. For example, if you’ve worked as a waiter in a restaurant for several years, a GED might help you make the case for being promoted to front of house manager. As another example, if you’ve worked construction for 15 years as a laborer, getting your GED and improving your educational credentials could help you get a promotion to foreman.
Whether you decide to continue your education, find a job, or seek a promotion, having a GED can help you achieve those goals!
OCR Staff
August 2020
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