Literacy Texas

GED 21st Century Initiative: Moving from GED® test to a career and college ready assessment system

The GED 21st Century Initiative will transform the GED® test into a comprehensive program that will prepare more adult learners for postsecondary education, training, and careers. The program’s structure includes three major components which are labeled Prepare, Perform and Progress. Within these components are:

Nationally accessible preparation programs designed to prepare more adults more quickly to perform on the new GED® exam;

A GED® assessment system based on 21st century skill requirements including alignment with emerging Common Core state standards and certifying not just high school equivalence but also college- and career-readiness;

A transition network that supports and links adults with postsecondary education, training and career opportunities—providing them a chance to earn a sustainable living wage.

The Initiative will contribute to the nation’s vital goal to build a globally competitive workforce by ensuring more adults, who previously dropped out of high school, become college- and career-ready through this new GED® program.
Please read about the GED 21st Century Initiative, and about the new assessment system on the GED Testing Service® website:

Read the fact sheet about the new Initiative

Review the framework for the Initiative

Visit the new GED Testing Service microsite

FAQs about the new Initiative

Overview of the new GED assessment

Background information about the new GED Testing Service structure:

Read the press release about the new GED Testing Service structure
Watch video address to the field from Nicole Chestang (YouTube video)
FAQs about the new GED Testing Service

August 2011