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Canadian Graduation Equivalency Degree, General Educational Development (GED) Exam Test Preparation

About the Test

The certification process qualifies an individual for High School equivalency (High School Diploma) in the US and Canada.  It is used extensively in Ontario and Alberta. The Canadian version is equivalent to the Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate and the Alberta Certificate of School Completion.

Successful completion of the General Education Development Test places the candidate with the top 40% of high school seniors.

The US and Canada tests are slightly different – The Canadian version has questions on Canadian History and Canadian Government.

More detailed information on the GED and the American Council on Education Homepage.

Who can take the GED?

The age limit to take the GED varies by Province.

There is a separate test for Canadians and Americans. You will need to check with your local Testing Center (Ontario, Alberta etc. ) for specifications of test fees and registration procedures which can vary a little according to the jurisdiction.

Got Questions about the GED?

Taking the GED and have questions?  Ask me about the GED or Test Prep!

brian@test-preparation.ca

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Minimum Age

You must be 19 in: 

  • Newfoundland
  • Labrador
  • Manitoba

Minimum Age

You must be 18 in:

  • Saskatchewan
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • PEI
  • Ontario

Are the OSSD and the Canadian GED the same?

After completing the GED, individuals will have earned a High School Equivalency Certificate, which is viewed as equal to an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) by colleges and employers.

The OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) and the Canadian GED (General Educational Development) are two different qualifications that represent different paths to completing high school-level education in Canada.

The OSSD is a diploma awarded to students who have completed the requirements of the Ontario secondary school system, which typically takes four years to complete. To earn an OSSD, students need to complete a certain number of credits in subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies, as well as meet other requirements such as completing community service hours and passing a literacy test.

The Canadian GED, on the other hand, is a credential that serves as an alternative to a high school diploma for individuals who did not complete high school. It is a standardized test that measures the test-taker’s knowledge and skills in a range of subjects including language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. If the test-taker passes the GED, they receive a credential that is widely recognized by employers and educational institutions in Canada and the United States.

In summary, while both the OSSD and Canadian GED represent the completion of high school-level education, the OSSD is a diploma earned through completing the requirements of the Ontario secondary school system, while the Canadian GED is a credential earned by passing a standardized test designed for individuals who did not complete high school.

Canadian GED Test Content

GED FAQ

The GED test is made up of multiple choice questions. How to answer multiple choice. The writing test has an essay section. Tips for improving your score in essay questions.
Yes, you can use a calculator for the part 1 section of the math. The calculator is provided at the test center. You cannot use a calculator for part II of the math section.
The GED test was created for adults who did not complete high school. GED test results are acceptable and recognized across Canada and the U.S. Adults wishing to get a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma need to take GED. In Ontario, adults who pass GED receive an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate. The Canadian GED is equivalent to the Certificate of School Completion in Alberta. The GED test measures knowledge in writing, math, reading, social studies and science. The Canadian GED is identical to the U.S. version, except the questions focus on Canadian history and government.
No, if you fail one section, you only need to rewrite that section. Check with your testing center though! Different testing centers have different policies.
Results are sent to candidates 4 to 6 weeks after taking the test.
The GED test is administered in two days. It usually is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday with short breaks between tests. Individual test times are 120 minutes for writing, 65 minutes for reading, 120 minutes for math, 80 minutes for science and 70 minutes for social studies. See our GED page for more details
To pass the GED test, candidates need to score a minimum scaled score of 450 out of 800 on each of the five tests.

What is on the GED?

  • Language Arts, Writing — 50 multiple choice questions, one essay — 1 hour, 5 minutes
  • Social Studies — 50 multiple choice questions — 2 hours (75 min. for multiple choice, 45 min. for essay)
  • Science — 50 multiple choice questions — 1 hour 30, minutes
  • Language Arts, Reading — 40 multiple choice questions — 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Mathematics — 50 multiple choice questions — 1 hour 10 minutes.

What is a good score on the GED?

  • The score report is a total of all the five tests along with its average.
  • Maximum Score – 800 which will put the individual among the top 1%.
  • Individual Test Section – Above 410
  • Overall Test Section – 450
  • Each correct answer is worth 1 point
  • Passing scores are determined by the jurisdiction of your test center.

Here is What’s on the Canadian GED

GED Practice
https://test-preparation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GED-Th.jpg

Thank you for your excellent lessons. We the students from New Blood School thank you again. Now we are studying to take GED exam. Please visit our school if possible.

Emille
I got this guide a few days before my exam. Definitely worth it for the exam!

Leo
very helpful review for all kinds of things I had forgotten or never really paid attention! I had to re-learning a lot and picked up some useful test tips thanks!

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Non-profit or Volunteer Organization

If you are a non-profit or volunteer organization we can provide your with test preparation materials at no cost. Please contact us with information about your organization.

    52 Comments

  1. querin cruz
    January 16, 2018
    Reply

    Hi, I´m not really sure if I understand, but does the person need to be a native American or a Canadian citizen to be able to take this test? Or can it be anyone from around the world?. Thank you.

    Querin

    • Brian
      January 18, 2018
      Reply

      Hello – Anyone can take the test – There is a Canadian GED and a US version of the test.

      • Nikita
        August 19, 2022
        Reply

        Where can I attempt to take this test.

  2. Leon
    February 16, 2018
    Reply

    Hey, I was curious about if this was an online test or if i go to a place in my city for it? How long is prep usually for the test? I am also getting an educational evaluation soon enough, if i come up to have a learning disability is there aids in place for me ?

    • Brian
      February 18, 2018
      Reply

      Hello – you cannot take the GED online! Any website that offers a GED certificate online is a fraud. Your test preparation time will depend on how well you understand the material. Yes there are accommodations for student with disability/challenges. Talk to your school or college.

      • Karen Cook
        January 21, 2019
        Reply

        Thank You Brian Im thankful I reviewed and realized you cannot take the GED online thank you

        • Anonymous
          April 10, 2023
          Reply

          you can at a testing centre but not from home you will have the choice of either computer base or paper

  3. Mehedi
    February 22, 2018
    Reply

    Hello from BD. As I have no High school certificate, can I have the test even if I’m not resident of Canada?

    • Brian
      February 26, 2018
      Reply

      Yes. The certificate that you obtain will only be valid in Canada though.

  4. Rica Primo
    April 25, 2018
    Reply

    Is there any GED test service in British Columbia?

  5. Tom
    May 2, 2018
    Reply

    How long would I have to been dropped out of school for to take the GED?

  6. Faramarz Sepehr
    May 5, 2018
    Reply

    Can GED be used to obtain Canadian College or University admission ?

    • Brian
      May 7, 2018
      Reply

      The GED is the equivalent of High School and most Colleges and Universities require High School.

      • Anonymous
        December 21, 2022
        Reply

        Can I take the test online or do I need to go the testing centre to take the GED test?

        • December 21, 2022
          Reply

          You must go to the test center. Practice online though!

  7. Harman
    May 22, 2018
    Reply

    can immigrants in Canada take GED

  8. Francesca Thomas
    May 30, 2018
    Reply

    In the above comments you state that the GED exams can be taken at age 16 in Canada. Ontario raised the school leaving age to 18, and it is my understanding that Ontario residents cannot take the GED until after they turn 18. If the other provinces still allow their students to sit the GED at age 16, then this is discrimination. Is there any way of taking the GED exams in Ontario before one turns 18 years old? Thank you.

    • Brian
      May 30, 2018
      Reply

      Thanks for the feedback – I have updated the page with a partial list of ages and provinces – Looks like you have to be 18 or 19 in Canada.

  9. Winnie Custodio
    July 6, 2018
    Reply

    Very informative content. Passing the GED test unlocks doors of opportunities that were once closed. It can significantly improves an individual’s life in terms of their further education and career. More or less 3 months of test prep suffices for one to get a good score in the GED, and studying for it has to be taken seriously.

  10. Mary
    July 19, 2018
    Reply

    When I get ged can I enter the faculty of engineering and study computer engineering Without a high school diploma ? , and which universities accept this certificate in Canada?

    • Brian
      July 19, 2018
      Reply

      The GED is the same as a high school diploma – any College or University will accept the GED. There are different GED for Canada and the US

      • Jewel Dobrzanska
        March 12, 2020
        Reply

        Oh my word! How can you say this!!?? No, you will definitely not be accepted into university with a GED anywhere in Canada. To answer Mary’s question correctly, no, engineering is very competitive and even with a proper high school diploma, you must have around 86% – 92% to be accepted in all areas of math, physics, chemistry, calculus — even native English Canadians have to obtain an 80% in the highest level English to gain entrance into university. A GED will NOT work with any university in Canada at all, but may work at some technical institutions. WOW! It is NOT the same as a high school diploma. Do you really think that studying 10 hours a day over three years to obtain high admission averages in physics, chemistry, calculus and English is the equivalent to studying three months for five subjects? The universities also know this. So, NO! You can work at 7-11 with a GED or an ice cream shop. You may be able to get into some trades, that’s it.

        • Anonymous
          September 14, 2021
          Reply

          With the GED, you can get into universities. It can also get you into colleges for courses like business management and courses like project manager courses.
          Universities know that it is impossible for people over the age of 19 (rough guess) to obtain a high school diploma. All they want is your money.

        • Anonymous
          February 17, 2023
          Reply

          As a GED instructor here in Edmonton, Alberta I would like prospective test takers to know that the GED is not a High School Diploma and if you wish to enter a post-secondary institution, you will need to do some upgrading at a local college. Many of my students complete their upgrading and enter programs at a local college and some students have even transfer credits to attend university. Getting the GED means a longer route to university or college, but it is not a 7-11 or an ice cream shop certification!

  11. Richard Addo
    August 17, 2018
    Reply

    Hello, I want to know if I can take the GED from outside Canada, like taking it online or something like that? And if no, is there anything like that an international student can take?

  12. Shelley
    September 3, 2018
    Reply

    How can test myself before exam with the same exam as taken when you take ged exam in class.

    • Brian
      September 3, 2018
      Reply

      Unfortunately not! Nobody has the exact same questions and they change all the time. You can practice with similar questions though

  13. Pamela
    October 7, 2018
    Reply

    I am very interested in this opportunity.
    I do need my highschool certificate as I only have one credit for grade 12.

  14. Christian
    November 8, 2018
    Reply

    I am wondering what kind of math is in the GED, I am looking to get into an apprentice ship but some of the programs require math 20 or math 30. Would I need to upgrade my math since I just finished my GED or do I already qualify.

  15. Asawir
    November 14, 2018
    Reply

    Hi,
    I just wanted know that what is the scope of American GED in Canada.. I am doing American GED in thailand and I will be going to Canada in future.. Will it help me or not

  16. Lynett
    November 22, 2018
    Reply

    Hi,
    Just wondering if you score 410 will you still pass your exam, or will it be a fail?

  17. Jane
    January 11, 2019
    Reply

    Hey. I have passed my English, English essay and Science in Canada back in 2015.
    I’m currently living in the United States. Is it possible I can take Math and Social Studies here in the US, and still receive my GED diploma? I know it sounds stupid but I’d hate to take everything over again.

  18. Faye
    March 25, 2019
    Reply

    Hi, I was short by only a few credits from Graduating High school and now 20 years later it is still something I am very embarrassed about. Is it possible to do my Canadian GED on line and be able to further my education with it?

    • Brian Stocker
      March 25, 2019
      Reply

      Hello – you can PRACTICE the GED online but you can’t TAKE the GED online

    • valerie
      June 9, 2023
      Reply

      If you’re only a few credits short of your high school diploma, you might be better off doing adult highschool credits and getting your grade 12. Contact your local school board and see what your options are.

  19. susan
    December 5, 2019
    Reply

    can i take the tests online or i hv 2 take it on a campus?

    • Brian Stocker
      December 5, 2019
      Reply

      hi – there are no online GED for certification – lots of online PRACTICE tests to prepare you for the real thing — see our online GED practice APP here

  20. Anon
    January 16, 2020
    Reply

    I thought one has to study each subject online, then book an appointment for the exam (GED Cert). I’m confused. How is one supposed to study? In highschool you have books to study from for each subject, like Math, Science, English and etc. What am I supposed to do here; just do the practice exam and hope I can wing it? Very confused, someone please clarify. I’m willing to buy the materials (books and etc. on each subject) to study and prepare, but on this website I can’t find any info about studying.
    Thank you.

    • Brian Stocker
      January 16, 2020
      Reply

      Hi – yes practice each subject and that will prepare you for the real thing. If you do poorly on the practice questions, then go through the tutorials either here online or in the book or course. Then try again. Once you can get through the practice questions on each subject with a good mark, then you are ready to try the real thing! good luck!

  21. Jennifer
    February 11, 2020
    Reply

    Hi there.I was just wondering what the max. age that we can get our g.e.d.

  22. razia
    April 3, 2020
    Reply

    Hi there, is there any free website that I can practice my reading test, please and thank you.

  23. Belinda
    April 16, 2020
    Reply

    Hi Brian ~ Is there a restriction on the age that one has to be to study and write to obtain their G.E.D.? Can seniors study for the exam? Thanks so much for your help. Stay well and Stay safe.

  24. Didar
    June 27, 2020
    Reply

    Dear Mr. Brain,

    Have a great day ahead, Would you please kindly tell me if, I achieve a GED from the UAE is it going to accepted by Canada Immigration?

  25. Ken
    November 15, 2020
    Reply

    You don’t need a high-school diploma to work in trades . Like if you want to be a sparky yeah. That was condescending as ****. I have a grade 9 education im 34 make 90 grand a year . As a civil utilities pipe layer . No ged. Yet universities maybe won’t accept ged do a year or two of general studies.

    • Brian Stocker
      November 15, 2020
      Reply

      That is great if you can make that kind of $$ I am all for making money – the problem is and what you want to watch out for is maybe you are 45 and you get fired, made redundant, replaced by a younger guy (etc. etc. or 100 other things could happen) then you have no job no money and no education. If you don’t look out – you can end up in a really bad situation and that happens to tons of guys.

      Yes universities do accept GED.

  26. June 15, 2022
    Reply

    Hello, I want to take this exam (GED) where should I go to take it, thank you

  27. Grey
    December 4, 2022
    Reply

    I was schoolled in the US and don’t know a lot of the Canadian history. Is there a US version available to take in Canada or do I have to take the Canadian version?

  28. Stephen King
    January 17, 2023
    Reply

    Is there someplace online to practice for the tests in Ontario? I am looking for one that tests your basic knowledge for each test.

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