NEDP (National External Diploma Program) Test: Earn Your High School Diploma
The NEDP (National External Diploma Program) helps adults and out-of-school youth show they have high school-level skills. It checks their reading, writing, math, and if they’re ready for work. After finishing the NEDP, they get a high school diploma. This opens doors for their future study and work.
The NEDP is known across states and the nation. It is for those who didn’t finish school before. After the NEDP, they receive a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma. This diploma is well-regarded by employers and schools.
This program is made for adults who need a high school diploma. It’s not like regular high school or other tests. Here, clients show what they know through computer tasks. They do this in their own time and pace. With a NEDP assessor’s help, they put together a work collection. This shows how good they are in high school skills.
Free NEDP Practice Test Online
Key Takeaways
- The NEDP is a flexible and personalized assessment program for adult learners seeking a high school diploma.
- Clients can earn a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma by demonstrating their high school-level skills through a series of computer-based assignments and tasks.
- The NEDP is an ideal option for individuals with test anxiety, challenges with timed tests, or struggles with higher-order math, as well as non-native English speakers.
- Clients can complete the NEDP at their own pace, allowing them to balance their educational goals with their busy schedules.
- The NEDP is a nationally and state-recognized program that can help adults and out-of-school youth achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Understanding the NEDP (National External Diploma Program) Test
The NEDP is a special adult education credential program. It offers a different way for people to get their high school diploma. It’s made for adults who learn best outside the typical school setting. This test looks at your real skills and knowledge, not just what you memorized in a classroom.
What is the NEDP?
The NEDP is for anyone who wants to show they have high school skills. But it’s not like a typical big test. Instead, it’s a series of online tasks in areas like reading, writing, math, and preparing for work. These tasks are completed on a computer, at your own pace.
| What is NEDP? | The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is a competency-based program that allows adults to earn a high school diploma by demonstrating skills through real-life tasks rather than traditional tests. |
| What does NEDP stand for? | NEDP stands for National External Diploma Program, a portfolio-based assessment system administered by CASAS for adult learners. |
| What is the difference between GED and NEDP? | The GED is a timed standardized test, while NEDP is a self-paced portfolio program where you demonstrate skills through assignments rather than high-stakes exams. |
| Which states offer the NEDP program? | NEDP is currently available in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington state. |
| How does the NEDP assessment work? | You complete online assignments covering 70+ competencies in areas like reading, writing, math, and life skills, then meet regularly with an assessor who reviews your portfolio work. |
| What subjects does NEDP cover? | NEDP evaluates eight content areas including financial literacy, health literacy, civic literacy, geography, history, science, and 21st-century workplace skills. |
| Is the NEDP taken online? | Yes, NEDP is primarily an online program where you complete assignments from home, with periodic in-person or virtual meetings with your assigned assessor. |
| How many competencies are in NEDP? | The NEDP program requires mastery of over 70 competencies across eight content areas, all demonstrated through practical assignments and portfolio work. |
| What are the NEDP requirements? | Applicants must be at least 18 years old (varies by state), not currently enrolled in school, and pass initial reading and math assessments at approximately 9th-grade level. |
| How do I find an NEDP program near me? | Contact your state's adult education department or visit CASAS.org/nedp to locate approved NEDP providers in your area. |
| What is the NEDP age requirement? | The minimum age for NEDP is typically 18 years old, though some states and agencies may require applicants to be 19 or 21 years of age. |
| Do I need computer skills for NEDP? | Yes, basic computer and keyboarding skills are required since NEDP is an online program where you complete assignments and communicate with your assessor electronically. |
| What diploma do you receive from NEDP? | Successful NEDP graduates receive an actual high school diploma (not an equivalency certificate), issued by either the state or a local school district depending on location. |
| Is an NEDP diploma accepted by colleges? | Yes, the NEDP diploma is recognized by colleges, employers, and the military, though some institutions may have additional admission requirements for adult learners. |
| How is NEDP graded? | NEDP uses mastery-based assessment where you must demonstrate 100% competency on all requirements—there are no letter grades or partial credit. |
| Do government jobs accept NEDP diplomas? | Yes, NEDP graduates receive a state-recognized high school diploma that is accepted for government employment and other positions requiring high school completion. |
| Are there NEDP practice tests? | While there's no traditional practice test, you must pass CASAS diagnostic assessments in reading and math before starting the program to demonstrate readiness. |
| How many hours per week does NEDP require? | Plan to spend 8-10 hours weekly on independent assignments plus one to two hours meeting with your assessor either online or in person. |
| Can I get tutoring for NEDP? | Yes, anyone except your own assessor can provide instruction—including ABE teachers, tutors, family members, or online resources—to help you master competencies. |
| What resources help prepare for NEDP? | GED prep materials, adult basic education classes, and online tutorials can help strengthen skills before and during the NEDP program. |
Benefits of the NEDP
The NEDP has a lot of good points for those looking for a different kind of education. It’s a career boost that lets you get a real diploma without the stress of a big final test. This way of learning is great for adults who get anxious about tests or who find certain subjects hard. Those adults can finally pursue a diploma that fits their learning style.
Eligibility and Requirements for the NEDP (National External Diploma Program) Test
The NEDP is a program for adult learners and out-of-school youth. It helps them get their high school credentials. To join, they must meet certain age and residency requirements.
Age and Residency Requirements
The NEDP needs clients to be 18 to 21, depending on where they take the program in New York State. If you’re an adult or an out-of-school youth without a diploma, you can apply if you’re 18 or older and have lived in the state for 30 days.
Prescreening and Assessment Measures
Before starting the NEDP, clients need to finish a prescreening and sign an agreement. This agreement makes sure they know what it takes to earn their diploma. They also have to do some tests that show they’re at a 9th grade level.
The NEDP is great for adult learners and out-of-school youth. It lets them prove what they know in a way that works for them. By doing certain steps, they’re on their way to open up more opportunities in education and jobs.
Conclusion
The NEDP (National External Diploma Program) is all about flexibility and personalization. It helps adult learners show their high school skills to get a diploma. This method is great for people with busy lives. It gives them practical skills and tools for their future.
This program differs from regular high school or GED tests. It focuses on everyone doing their best, not beating others. To graduate, you must show that you’ve mastered everything, including a job or specialized skill. These tasks are in ten different areas. They make sure NEDP grads are ready for college or their careers.
The NEDP is known for its high standards. It’s trusted because of its tough training and how it checks work. The people who grade these tasks are chosen carefully and checked every year. Thanks to this quality, the NEDP is a top choice for people looking for adult education, non-traditional education, and ways to prove their skills and knowledge.
NEDP Questions and Answers
NEDP costs vary by state and provider, ranging from free to around $300. In New York, the program is often free for eligible participants, while Rhode Island charges $300 and Maryland programs typically cost $100-$200. Check with your local provider for specific fees.
Most NEDP participants complete the program in 6-12 months, though the timeline depends entirely on your pace and weekly time commitment. Some motivated individuals finish in as few as 4 months, while others take up to a year based on their schedule and skill level.
Yes, NEDP is often ideal for adults with test anxiety since there are no high-stakes timed exams. Instead of sitting for hours taking standardized tests, you demonstrate knowledge through portfolio work and assignments completed at your own pace with assessor guidance.
Absolutely! NEDP was designed for busy working adults with its flexible, self-paced structure. You complete assignments from home on your own schedule, needing only to attend brief weekly or bi-weekly meetings with your assessor either online or in person.
An NEDP diploma qualifies you for any position requiring a high school diploma, including government jobs, military service, healthcare roles, and trade certifications. It also opens doors to college enrollment and vocational training programs for career advancement.
Yes, NEDP is free for eligible participants in New York State and some other locations where funding covers program costs. Many states offer partial scholarships or sliding-scale fees based on income. Contact your local adult education center to inquire about free options.
You simply revise and resubmit until you demonstrate mastery—there's no failing in NEDP. Your assessor provides specific feedback on what needs improvement, and you can seek help from tutors or instructors until you successfully complete each competency.
NEDP was developed in the early 1970s based on Ford Foundation research and launched in Syracuse, New York in 1975. CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) acquired the program in 2006 and continues to administer it as a nonprofit organization.
Yes, NEDP works well for English language learners because the self-paced format allows extra time to work through assignments. Many ESL students prefer NEDP over timed GED exams, though you must demonstrate reading and writing skills at approximately a 9th-grade level.
NEDP primarily awards a high school diploma, but the program evaluates workforce readiness skills and requires demonstration of career competencies. Many providers integrate NEDP with career pathway programs, and graduates often pursue vocational training afterward.