GED® Credential
U.S. High School Equivalency Program (Equivalent to Class 12 in India)
What is the GED?
The General Educational Development (GED®) credential is a U.S.-based high school equivalency certification. It is officially recognized as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma for individuals who did not complete school but demonstrate equivalent academic knowledge and skills.
About the GED® Program
Officially recognized as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma and Class 12 in India
Ownership & Administration
GED Testing Service LLC (joint venture between American Council on Education and Pearson) develops and administers the GED® tests, including test security and eDiploma issuance.
Legal Recognition
As per U.S. Code 34 CFR §600.2, the GED® is classified as a "Recognized equivalent of a high school certificate" for higher education, federal aid, and employment.
Historical Validation
Developed by ACE since 1942, aligned with U.S. college readiness standards, and validated by the Texas Education Agency as equivalent to Class 12 in India.
Role of the American Council on Education (ACE)
- ACE developed and validated the GED® since 1942.
- Co-founded GED Testing Service with Pearson.
- Provides academic credit recommendations via ACE CREDIT®.
ACE National Guide: GED
GED College Readiness
- Aligned with U.S. college and career readiness standards.
- Recognized for placement in postsecondary education.
Report: ERIC Report on GED Validity
U.S. State Recognition – Texas
- Issues the TxCHSE (Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency) to GED holders.
- Legally equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Equivalent to Class 12th in Indian formal education for academic progression.
TEA Official Page: Link
U.S. Department of Education
- Recognizes the GED® as a valid high school diploma equivalent.
- GED holders qualify for Title IV aid, jobs, and education access.
Source : Federal Student Aid
International Recognition
GED® is accepted as equivalent to Class 12/Senior Secondary education worldwide
United Kingdom (UK ENIC)
Comparable to: UK A-Level / 12th Standard
Use: Admission to UK universities
UK ENIC : SOURCE
South Africa (SAQA)
Comparable to: Grade 12 / Matric
Use: Higher education and employment
SAQA Evaluation Service
Namibia (NQA)
Comparable to: NQF Level 4
Use: Senior secondary education equivalent
NQA Info via GED South Africa
Malaysia (MQA)
Comparable to: MQF Level 3–4
Use: College entry and public service
MQA Official Site
U.S. Federal Government
Classification: “Recognized equivalent of a high school certificate” (34 CFR §600.2)
Benefits: Federal financial aid (Title IV), military service eligibility
Texas Education Agency
Certificate: TxCHSE (Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency)
Status: Legally equivalent to high school diploma
U.S. Department of Education
Recognition: Valid high school diploma equivalent
Benefits: Qualifies for Title IV aid and employment
Indian Equivalency
Comparable to: Class 12 (Senior Secondary)
Academic Progression: Eligible for university admission
WES Evaluation
Service: World Education Services evaluation
Use: Canadian immigration and university admissions
Apostille & Legalization
Process: Notarization, apostille, or embassy-legalization
Use: Global document verification
Resources:
Embassy Apostille Services
International Apostille Info
U.S. State Dept. Authentication
World Education Services (WES)
World Education Services (WES) is one of the most trusted credential evaluation agencies in the world. WES recognizes the GED® credential issued by GED Testing Service as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
WES evaluations for GED are commonly accepted by universities and immigration authorities in countries like Canada, United States, and others.
GED holders can use WES evaluations to demonstrate secondary school completion for academic admissions, employment, and immigration purposes.
WES Official Website: Link
Summary
The GED® is a U.S. high school equivalency credential legally recognized by federal and state governments, validated by ACE and Pearson, and internationally acknowledged by several national qualification agencies. It is accepted for higher education, employment, and military enlistment globally. GED® is also considered comparable to Class 12th (Senior Secondary) in the Indian formal education system for the purposes of academic equivalency and international recognition.