The GED, or General Educational Development Test, is a test that certifies the taker has attained American (USA) or Canadian high school-level academic skills. To pass the GED, the test taker must perform in at least the 40th percent of high school seniors nationwide, though individual states can set their own requirements for passing. 

The GED is taken by individuals who did not obtain a regular American or Canadian high school diploma. The GED tests were originally created to help veterans after World War II complete basic high school courses in preparation for returning to civilian life. Common reasons for GED recipients not having received a high school diploma include immigration to the United States or Canada; home schooling, and leaving high school early due to a lack of interest, the inability to pass required tests, or personal problems.

More than 15 million students have received the GED since its inception. One in every seven Americans with high school credentials received the GED, as well as one in twenty college students. 70% of GED recipients complete at least the 10th grade before leaving school, and the same number are over the age of 19, with the average age being 24.

For most Myanmar students, the GED helps to ensure you are at a level of high school that is internationally accepted. Most colleges and universities will not accept only a Myanmar tenth standard pass certificate because of the often questionable quality of education in Myanmar as well as the fact it is only ten years; if you pass the GED, it will count as 12 years—the same as the high school in the USA. The GED is accepted in many countries, including most universities in Thailand. Also worth noting, the GED seems easier to pass and requires less preparation for than the IGCSE, the SAT, and other knowledge exams.