The GED (General Educational Development) is a high school equivalency credential earned through standardized testing. Most homeschoolers don't need it—a parent-issued diploma carries equal or greater weight.
What is the GED Requirement?
The GED is a high school equivalency certification that allows individuals who didn't complete traditional high school to demonstrate equivalent knowledge through standardized testing. For homeschoolers, the GED exists as an option but is rarely necessary. Students who complete their homeschool program receive a parent-issued diploma that colleges, employers, and the military recognize. The GED becomes relevant primarily when a homeschooler hasn't formally completed their program, when specific state laws require it, or when a student seeks an alternative pathway.
Key Takeaways
- Homeschoolers who complete their program typically don't need a GED—diplomas carry equal legal weight
- GED consists of four subject tests: Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
- Testing costs vary by state ($0-$120 total); passing score is 145/200 per subject
- Homeschool diplomas are preferred for military enlistment (Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 status)
- 100% of colleges accept homeschool diplomas; approximately 98% accept GEDs
Homeschool Diploma vs. GED
When Homeschoolers Might Consider a GED
Most homeschoolers should pursue their diploma rather than a GED. However, the GED makes sense in specific situations: if state law requires it (rare), if a student didn't formally complete their homeschool program, if they're seeking a faster path after leaving traditional school, or if particular circumstances make testing preferable to transcript documentation. Some states allow GED testing to reduce record-keeping requirements, though this isn't typically necessary with proper homeschool documentation.
GED Test Structure
The Bottom Line
For homeschoolers completing their educational program, a parent-issued diploma is the clear choice over a GED. It carries equal legal standing, better military placement, and avoids the unfair stigma sometimes attached to equivalency credentials. Reserve the GED for circumstances where formal program completion isn't feasible. If you've designed a coherent homeschool curriculum and documented student work, that diploma is your student's rightful credential.
