Online GED Prep FAQs

Sep 14, 2026

Online GED Prep FAQs address study duration, enrollment flexibility, and testing eligibility requirements for the GED®. The material explains that online study is self-paced with average completion in under one year, while enrollment lasts one year and can be renewed, with no fixed deadline to finish exams. It covers age eligibility (17+), lack of prior academic proof, and recognition in South Africa via SAQA evaluation to the National Senior Certificate. It also outlines possible further study admission pathways locally and internationally.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Study time and enrollment

Self-paced completion timeline

Enrollment duration and no exam deadline

GED eligibility requirements

Academic proof and recommended readiness

Age requirement

GED recognition in South Africa

SAQA evaluation and certificate options

Further study pathways with a GED

Online GED Prep FAQs How long does it take to study for the GED®? The online study material is self-paced, so the time it may take candidates to prepare and feel ready to book their tests may vary, depending on the candidate’s level of education prior to starting the online course. On average, students complete the GED® in less than one year. Enrolment is for one year starting anytime, but this can be renewed if necessary. There is no deadline for completing all of the tests. You can take as long as you need to get them all done. What are the requirements to write the GED®? No prior academic proof is required. Students cope well with the online study programme, if they have reached about grade 10 level or higher. Students must be age 17 or older to write the GED® exams. There is no maximum age. Adults can write the GED® at any age too. Is the GED® recognised in South Africa? Yes, SAQA, the South African Qualifications Authority, has evaluated the GED® and found the National Senior Certificate as its closest comparable qualification. Candidates with a GED® credential may be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Evaluation from SAQA which states that the closest comparable qualification in South Africa is the National Senior Certificate (matric) or an NQF Level 4 qualification. Can you study further with a GED? Yes, there are various opinions and different admission pathways so you need to research this in more detail. In short, a South African student with a GED® can usually apply for admission to Higher Certificate (NQF 5) courses and Diploma (NQF 6) courses. For admission to a degree (NQF 7) course at a South African university, a student must first qualify for exemption from USAf (Universities South Africa) . A student with a GED® can apply for mature age exemption if they are age 23 or over. Other students can apply for exemption by virtue of academic achievement if they have completed an NQF 5/Higher Certificate qualification in addition to their GED® . It is advisable to always check the admission pathway with the faculty of the university concerned. You can usually study at overseas and online universities with a GED® or GED® plus SAT combination. Learn more at at [http://onlineged.co.za/university/](http://onlineged.co.za/university/)

FAQs

How long does it take to study for the GED online?

Online study is self-paced, so time varies by prior education level. On average, students complete the GED in less than one year.

What are the requirements to write the GED exams?

No prior academic proof is required. Students usually do well if they are around grade 10 level or higher, and candidates must be age 17 or older.

Is the GED recognized in South Africa and what does SAQA evaluate?

Yes. SAQA has evaluated the GED and found the National Senior Certificate as its closest comparable qualification. GED credential holders may apply for a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation indicating this comparison.

Sep 14, 2026

Upload by Aria Callaghan