Your Blueprint for Earning a GED in Phoenix
Earning a General Education Development (GED) certificate offers nontraditional learners a structured path to critical academic and professional opportunities.
Across Maricopa County, over 500,000 working-age adults lack a high school credential. However, 57% of all jobs in Phoenix require a diploma or equivalent certification. For underemployed or unemployed residents seeking increased economic mobility for themselves and their families, investing in GED preparation unlocks new earning potential and career growth.
This comprehensive guide aims to accelerate your success participating in one of Phoenix’s many accredited adult education programs geared towards passing the GED exam. Consider this your personal blueprint – outlining everything from core subject matter and test-taking strategies to local teaching facilities and motivational tips straight from prior graduates.
Let’s get you one big step closer to a brighter future!
A Breakdown of GED Test Subjects and Scoring
Earning a passing score across five subject areas – Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies – leads to an official Certificate of High School Equivalency. Computer-based testing at designated centers represents the only examination method available.
The current test framework splits sections and timing as:
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA):
- 145 minutes
- Reading – 75 minutes
- Writing – 60 minutes
- Number of Questions – 66 total
Mathematical Reasoning:
- 115 minutes
- Number of Questions – 50
Science:
- 90 minutes
- Number of Questions – 34
Social Studies:
- 70 minutes
- Number of Questions – 35
Scoring:
- Each subject features a passing score threshold of 145 out of 200 points. Candidates receive detailed diagnostic reports highlighting individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Retakes are allowed after a 60 day waiting period from the previous attempt. Attempts are not limited.
Understanding the verbatim section topics and number of items helps tailor preparation. Let’s explore key themes covered within in GED subject.
Reading – Prose fiction, literary nonfiction, informational texts
Writing – Organization, language facility, writing development, conventions
Mathematics – Number sense, measurement, data analysis, algebra
Science – Life science, earth science, space science
Social Studies – Civics, U.S. history, economics, geography
Use the above frameworks as a checklist guiding both self-directed and classroom studies.
Crafting Your Personalized GED Study Schedule
Dedicated prep time across 16-20 weeks provides a reasonable ramp up to digest all principles addressed on the GED exam. Here‘s a proposed weekly lesson planTEMPLATE assisting you to establish structure:
Week 1: Purchase this all-in-one practice test resource and take pre-tests scoring your baseline strengths and weaknesses.
Weeks 2-3: Refresh and reinforce grammar proficiency with online tools like Khan Academy while reading daily news articles.
Weeks 4-5: Master mathematical reasoning and algebra concepts using the step-by-step GCF Global study guides.
Week 6: Develop familiarity with TI-30XS scientific calculator permitted on the exam via hands-on projects.
Weeks 7-9: Improve literacy analysis and interpretation by reading high quality fiction and nonfiction works.
Weeks 10-12: Progress through online GED social studies video lessons through reputable exam prep providers like Study.com.
Weeks 13-15: Perform multiple timed practice tests diagnosing remaining knowledge gaps.
Week 16: Confirm testing date, center location, ID requirements and payment. Review last minute problem areas and relax countdown to exam!
This agenda illustrates breaking subjects into manageable focus blocks with accountability tools to track progress. Customize activities and plugins further resources suiting your learning preferences.
Insider Tips from Seasoned GED Instructors
To complement independent preparation, we picked the brains of several adult education experts within Phoenix GED programs:
Ms. Janine, South Mountain Community College – “Many past test takers underestimate the emphasis on understanding informational texts across all sections – over 50% of reading passages fall into this category. Practice synthesizing key arguments instead of just summarizing.”
Mr. Wu, Rio Salado College – “A common downfall is failing to master mathematical reasoning which relies more heavily on multi-step critical thinking compared to straightforward calculations.”
Ms. Davis, Chandler-Gilbert Community College – “Vet any online test prep programs using outdated material or sample questions far easier than the current exam. Stick to reputable national publishers aligned to latest test modifications.”
As experienced GED tutors and evaluators, their guidance around analyzing complex texts, mathematical logic, and vetted study materials proves invaluable. Keep these perspective top of mind organizing review sessions.
Selecting the Best GED Program in Phoenix
Myriad adult education providers exist across the metro Phoenix area. Choosing those with proven GED training reputations and formats conducive to your schedule and environment minimizes barriers.
Here are five accredited institutions offering flexible and specialized test prep:
Provider: Rio Salado College
Format: Online or In-Person
Duration: Self-Paced or 8 Week
Offerings: Tutoring, College Pathways
Provider: South Mountain Community College
Format: In-Person
Duration: Ongoing Enrollment
Offerings: Basic Literacy, Tutoring
Provider: Maricopa Community College
Format: Online + In-Person Hybrid
Duration: 12 Weeks
Offerings: Structured Curriculum, Tutoring
Provider: The Literacy Center
Format: Online or In-Person
Duration: Self-Paced
Offerings: Specialized Learning Labs
Provider: Earn Your GED
Format: Online
Duration: Self-Paced
Offerings: Practice Tests, Exam Tips
Comparing factors like teaching methods, specialization, scheduling flexibility, costs, and available student resources allows choosing the optimal match. Tour facilities; engage instructors; attend information sessions.
Latest Studies Confirm the Lasting Value of GED Certification
Beyond opening the door to post-secondary education, research by the GED Testing Service demonstrates career and financial gains earned by credential holders:
- 90% of GED grads feel more confident in work abilities
- 75% credit scoring higher pay to completing equivalency
- 65% pursued additional professional development courses
These metrics illustrate how the skills required for passing the GED exam translate directly into workplace success. Higher order literacy, analytical and critical computation capabilities prepare individuals for occupations with strong economic outlooks.
The Center for Workforce & Economic Development actually forecasts nearly 17 million US job openings between 2020 and 2030 specifically requiring a high school education. Blue collar fields like construction, manufacturing, transportation and installation services suffer severe labor shortages without influxes of qualified workers.
Let the promise of stability and family-sustaining incomes further inspire your GED test motivation!
Confronting Potential Hurdles – And How to Overcome Them
Life often throws curveballs that seem to threaten milestone goals like a GED certification. From financial limitations to confidence gaps, know that practical solutions and support exist locally:
Funding Prep Programs & Exams
- Rio Salado College Adult Education Block Grant – Covers instruction materials and testing fees based on eligibility
- MARICOPA GED Scholars – Needs-based scholarship for Maricopa county residents
Accessing Distance Learning
- Phoenix Public Library Adult Literacy – Free digital literacy coaching and internet access options
- Human Services Campus – Computer lab for career development
Childcare Assistance
- Child Crisis Arizona – Free on-site children’s centers serving homeless and struggling families
Disability Accommodations
- Rio Salado College Disability Resource Center – Special testing provisions for qualified individuals
Motivation & Study Strategies
- Phoenix Public Library Learning Coaches – Accountability partners and training in proven techniques
Every learner’s path towards certification differs given individual circumstances. Recognize when to tap any of the above aid resources to help calibrate your journey’s unique trajectory.
central Phoenix GED Graduates Share Keys to Passing
Finally, we spotlight several resilient learners from central Phoenix who recently earned their equivalency diplomas. Here’s their advice to stay encouraged:
“My journey took longer working two jobs, but practice tests kept me improving between study sessions until I passed.” – Isabella D.
“Staying organized and tracking daily progress held me accountable. I checked off small wins that eventually added up to giant success!” – Michael S.
“I failed twice before passing on my third attempt. My teachers reminded me that each try built knowledge and diagnostic data so not to lose momentum.” – Karen P.
As role models who confronted roadblocks yet triumphed through self-discipline and community support, their guidance applies universally. Even the most seasoned GED exam takers require multiple attempts prior to conquering all five subject assessments. Patience and perseverance pave the clearest paths forward.
Commence Your Rewarding GED Journey in Phoenix
The diverse neighborhoods across Phoenix rally behind adults seeking fresh educational starts. This guide illuminated the many local resources standing by to instruct, encourage and champion your goal of earning an invaluable high school equivalency certification.
With an organized study plan, reputable teaching institutions, accessibility tools and graduate recommendations – you’re fully equipped to stick the course guiding Arizona GED exam success.
The culminating personal growth, social mobility and community leadership will be well worth the efforts invested. Expect a brighter future fueling your family and Phoenix even further!