Home study is a great way to prepare for the GED tests without interruption to your personal or professional life. Studying at home is especially helpful for those who have a hectic schedule and can't find the time to take an on-site GED prep course. Home study lacks the motivating group influence. Motivate yourself to study and picture a brighter future with a more rewarding career or chance to enter a four-year college or university. The GED can open many doors, but you still need to prepare in order to succeed.

Home Study Options

There are currently several online prep courses designed to help you pass the GED exams. Some courses are even hosted by state education boards. Even though those hosted by the regional department of education are often more reliable, many private preparation programs are also quite effective. Be aware that these courses vary in price, but don't confuse cost with value. Be sure that the program you invest your time and money in fits your needs and learning techniques. Some good places to check include the American Council on Education www.acenet.edu, passGED www.passged.com, and 4Tests www.4tests.com. Evaluate all your choices and choose wisely. Don't fall for websites that say they can promise you a passing score overnight. The GED test is comprehensive and each subject area must be well prepared for and understood in advance. GED correspondence courses are available for students with limited Internet access. A good place to start would be your local bookstore or library. Browse through all the GED prep books/workbooks they offer. Just like with online courses, choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

Online High School Programs

Another option is to enroll in an online high school program, such as the one offered by Penn Foster www.pennfoster.edu. These online programs allow you to complete high school level courses from home according to your schedule. Please note that some programs actually allow you to earn a high school diploma (check with your state's Department of Education), while others offer high school diploma equivalency certificates. In order for you to earn your GED certificate, you must pass the required a battery of five subject area tests, but online high school programs require students to pass a series of courses over a number of weeks, months, or even years.

For more information and resources, visit the American Council on Education website at www.acenet.edu. Also check with your local GED testing or registration centers for more details on finding ways to study at home.