GED prep: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What ged prep is

GED prep helps adult learners review math, language, science and social studies, building skills to pass the high school equivalency tests. Adults book it when they are preparing for a first attempt, when a practice test score shows gaps, or when they need a structured plan to fit study around work and family.

Signs you need it

  • You have been out of school for years and the math feels unfamiliar
  • Reading passages are slow, and you lose track of the main point
  • Your practice scores are good in one subject and low in another
  • You have a test date and no plan for the weeks before it
  • You feel nervous about taking the test and want a patient teacher to build your confidence

What the pro does

  • Starts with a practice test to find which subjects and skills need the most work
  • Reviews math, from basic operations and fractions through algebra and geometry, at your pace
  • Works on reading passages and writing with a clear method for the main idea and the evidence
  • Covers the science and social studies content the test uses, with practice questions
  • Reviews each practice test with you and sets the next goal for the following session

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of each session and how many sessions are in a series
  • Whether the course is a short review or a longer program over several months
  • Whether sessions are in person, online or in a community center
  • Private tutoring versus a small group class
  • Which subjects you need to review, and how many skills are missing
  • Whether practice tests, materials and progress reports are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of sessions, session length and the start date
  • Whether sessions are in person, online or at a community location
  • Whether practice tests, materials and progress reports are included
  • Cancellation and make-up policy
  • Whether the tutor will share a plan for the test date and progress with you

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How do you start, and what will the first practice test show us?
  • How do you teach math to an adult who has been away from school for a while?
  • Which subjects will we focus on first, and why?
  • Do you use official practice materials for the test?
  • How will you help me stay motivated between sessions?
  • What is your background in adult education?
  • What progress should I expect before the test date, and how will we measure it?

Red flags

  • Promises you will pass on the first try without a practice test
  • Charges a large package with no diagnostic or plan
  • Uses unofficial questions and says they are the real test
  • Makes you feel rushed or embarrassed about gaps in your skills

What you can do yourself

You can use free adult education resources, library workbooks and official practice materials to study a little each day. Keep a log of your practice scores and the topics you missed. Hire a tutor when you have a test date and a large gap in one subject, when you want a patient teacher who can explain steps in a new way, or when you need a plan that fits your schedule.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to tutor adults for a high school equivalency test privately. Ask whether the tutor has teaching or adult education experience, and check with your state or local licensing agency for the test's rules and the testing requirements in your area.

GED prep questions

How long does it take to prepare for the GED?

It depends on your starting point and the subjects you need. Ask the tutor for a practice test first, then build a plan with a test date and steady weekly practice.

Do I need a computer for the test?

Check the test's current rules for where and how it is taken. Some tests are taken on a computer at a testing center. Ask your tutor and your local testing office what applies to you.

Can a tutor help me if I am nervous about math?

Yes. Many adult learners feel nervous about math, and a good tutor starts with the basics you already know and builds from there at a pace you set.

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