What Is a GED Equivalent To?

The General Educational Development (GED) credential is widely recognized as a high school equivalency diploma. It certifies that an individual has academic skills comparable to those of a traditional U.S. high school graduate, even without completing four years of secondary education. The GED consists of four subject tests Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies designed to measure proficiency at a level expected of graduating seniors.

Equivalency in Education and Employment

  • Colleges & Universities: Most U.S. community colleges, four-year institutions, and vocational programs accept the GED as equivalent to a standard high school diploma for admissions. Over 98% of colleges treat GED holders the same as traditional graduates, though some selective schools may request additional placement testing or SAT/ACT scores.
  • Employers: The U.S. Department of Labor and most private-sector employers view the GED as equal to a high school diploma for hiring and promotion purposes. Federal jobs under the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) explicitly list GED as an acceptable substitute.
  • Military: All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces accept GED holders for enlistment (Tier 1 status, same as high school graduates), provided minimum ASVAB scores are met.

Global Recognition

While primarily a U.S. credential, the GED is accepted in over 90 countries for employment or further education. In Canada, it’s equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma in most provinces. However, some international universities may require credential evaluation services (e.g., WES) to confirm equivalency.

Limitations

The GED proves academic competency but does not replicate the full high school experience (extracurriculars, transcripts, class rank). Some elite institutions or scholarships may still prefer traditional diplomas.

In summary, the GED is functionally equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma for nearly all practical purposes education, jobs, and military service making it a respected pathway for the 20% of U.S. adults without a traditional diploma.