The American Council on Education’s (ACE) General Education Development Testing Service™ (GEDTS) is warning of various entities claiming to offer GED exams online or through the mail. The GED credential cannot be earned via the Internet or through correspondence programs. The GED Tests, developed by GEDTS, require extensive preparation and the demonstration of a high level of high school knowledge and academic skills.

In Tennessee GED tests are administered via Official GED testing centers across the state. For a location in your community go to www.gednow.info. The Official GED Practice Test is required prior to taking the GED. Free GED prep classes are offered in every county in Tennessee.

According to Phil White, Administrator for the Division of Adult Education, "Many individuals in Tennessee have spent hundreds of dollars through one of these organizations only to find out that the diploma they received is not valid. There is no shortcut or easy way to earning a GED diploma, but we have programs available state-wide to assist individuals in the areas of study that they need. Individuals should know that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Any services that purport to offer a GED credential through any other means are NOT affiliated with GEDTS or ACE, may be of dubious value, and may deliver a product that is not accepted by employers, colleges and universities, or the military.

For more information about Tennessee’s GED program and a local program in your area go to www.gednow.info. For more information on the GED Testing Service go to www.GEDtest.org.