General Educational Development (GED)

The General Educational Development (GED) is an international high school equivalency testing program for adults. It consists of a series of five tests in the following areas:

  • Language Arts Reading
  • Language Arts Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Science

The GED tests are designed to measure the skills that correspond to those of recent high school graduates. They involve the ability to understand and apply information; to evaluate, analyze, and draw conclusions; and to express ideas and opinions in writing. Adults who pass the five tests receive a Newfoundland and Labrador High School Equivalency Certificate.

Many adults who did not graduate from high school have acquired skills through work, community, family and study experiences, at or above a secondary school level. The GED allows these adults to demonstrate academic abilities that are equivalent to those of high school graduates. The content of the test items measures skills relevant to adult experiences.

The Murphy Centre runs a GED preparation program for adults (30+) at our Torbay Road location. We offer a flexible class schedule and time commitment that is designed to work around you. On average, it takes people 6 months to a year to achieve their GED diploma, however, it really depends on the individual and the time dedicated to covering the material. Testing is computer based. There is no cost to participate in the GED program. Intake into the program is continuous, as long as there is space, and acceptance into the GED prep program is determined by an assessment process that includes an intake interview with the coordinator, a review of the learner’s academic history (eg., transcripts, educational assessments, post-secondary learning experience, etc.), demonstration on a CAAT Level B that the learner has a grade level equivalency of grade 7 or higher in Reading Comprehension and Number Operations, and demonstration of readiness to learn. Student readiness is the greatest predictor of success. We always strive to empower learners to be successful in their academic pursuits and would never like to set someone up to fail. The GED has often been perceived as an “easy” way to get a high school equivalency, however, it should be noted that the skills required to pass the five exams take many hours of practice to build.

In addition to the in-class preparation services we offer, the Murphy Centre is now able to offer a virtual preparation program to people wishing to complete their GED. GED Academy™ is an online, mobile-friendly prep program that teaches students exactly what they need to know to pass the GED exams. Your progress will be monitored along the way by our GED coordinator, who has the ability to customize learning plans, assign extra practice and assignments, and determine exactly when you are ready to take the GED exam. This program is available to anyone eligible to take the GED exams in Newfoundland and Labrador. Please note that the final exams must be written on computer at an official Pearson GED testing site (either St. John’s or Stephenville) OR on paper at one of the locations and dates set out by the Department of Education (https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/2020-GED-Testing-Schedule.pdf).

If you have questions about the GED program, please contact Corey at 709-753-2830 or email [email protected]

To apply, click here.