Don’t Put Off Getting a GED Any Longer

Angie Kamath

There was an article in Crain’s New York this week on changes to the GED testing process that come into effect January 2014. I wanted to highlight these changes if you or someone you know has been meaning to take the GED, but for a variety of reasons it has not come to pass. I will cut to the punchline first and explain why after:

Maybe you have passed sections of he exam but not all or simply need to sign up for a prep course (free) and take the exam. If either of these scenarios describe you make it your 2012 resolution to sign up for a prep course and/or exam. New York City promotes a ton of resources to help navigate the world of preparing and taking the exam through a portal entitled “You Can Too!”

Here is why this is so important:

1. After December 31, 2013 the exam will no longer be free and will likely carry a cost of $120
2. After December 31, 2013 the exam will be online – not paper and pencil
3. After December 31, 2013 the common core standards, i.e. the test itself, will be harder

While those with job experience might flinch at the idea of returning to school to get the GED, you should know that we are finding more and more employers, rightly or wrongly, require and value the credential. You might get shutout of opportunities simply because you do not possess the GED certificate.

Also, credit courses at CUNY or other colleges require a GED as a prerequisite. Don’t limit your potential or your future opportunities by not taking this important step towards your own development.

Furthermore, research support greater earnings potential hands-down with every level of education attainment – literally earning thousands per year more with a GED, an Associates, a Bachelors, and so on.

Lastly, we are seeing trends in the healthcare field, in particular, where jobs that used to not require a GED are  now being changed to require the credential. When firms close or merge or downsize those workers are often out of luck and find themselves needing to re-credential or risk unemployment.

So, in summary the time is now to get the GED. Actually, to be more specific, the next 16 months is the time to get your GED.

Angie Kamath, who oversees Workforce1 as the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, shares her perspective on Workforce1 and the New York City job market in her weekly  Jobs in New York City column.

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