Is Your Online GED Legit?

By Tripp, Senior Ticket Counselor

Have you completed your High School Diploma or GED?

Did you complete your Diploma or GED through an online school?

Have you been denied employment or entrance into a degree program as a result?

The American Council on Education (ACE) has noticed an increase in online schools claiming to offer opportunities to complete your General Educational Diploma (GED) online.  What many people may not know is that the only legal way to obtain a diploma is by completing the GED exam administered by approved GED Testing Centers.  The American Council on Education has set up a website that will allow you to locate testing centers in your area.

This does not mean that you are not able to take online preparation courses if that is your preference, but the exam itself must be completed in person.  Beware of schools that allow you to complete prep courses and the exam online.  Unfortunately some people have found out the hard way that employers and schools alike do not accept these online diplomas as an acceptable high school credential. 

Another alternative is for you to go through the Adult Education program offered through your community’s school district or the local community colleges.  These programs are specifically designed to help individuals who need to improve their math, reading, and other basic skills prior to completing the GED exam.  For more information on the Adult Education programs available in your area, you may contact the Department of Education for your state, your local school district, or the local community college. 

If you are trying to obtain your diploma or GED in addition to other training and certifications, you may be able to use services such as Job Corps or the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.  For information on these programs please visit http://www.jobcorps.gov/ or your local Career One Stop center.  You may also contact your counselor at ERS at 1-888-322-9570, and request the contact information for your local WIA program coordinator.

An ERS Success Story

Below is an e-mail we recently received from Robyn, a Ticket Holder in NY.

"As I began the Ticket To Work Program, I called many agencies and became discouraged as I was told again and again I did not qualify because I did not have a specific type of disability or did not match certain demographics. The second I called ERS and spoke with Stacey I felt an immediate connection, and although she encouraged me to explore all of my options, my decision to commit to ERS was already made. Months of working with Stacey and Tripp preparing job applications, cover letters, and thank you notes ensued and was propelled by Stacey and Tripp's unwavering enthusiasm and confidence in me. The week before my interview with HPI I was feeling discouraged and ready to throw in the proverbial towel. Stacey and Tripp reassured me that they had faith in me and Tripp helped me prepare a cover letter to HPI. The same day, only an hour later, I had a telephone interview with HPI and was asked to come in for an in-person interview the next day. Tripp and Stacey were so excited for me and my nerves were eased with Tripp's call that morning to go over last minute interview preparation. In fact, I woke up sick the morning of my interview, but Tripp convinced me that I had to go. I went to my interview, and 3 hours later I was offered the position. Stacey, Tripp and the entire ERS team were such an amazing support system and I cannot thank them enough for their advice, guidance, and always enthusiastic support!"