For today’s student, distance learning can provide a valuable and affordable way to work toward a fake GED. But there are a growing number of companies and schools who aren’t really in the business of education.

In most cases, the GED - the term for General Education Development credential -- is the only official ‘diploma’ that has value and is meaningful for adults who never completed their high school education. There are exceptions.

When choosing an education program, a student’s best bet is a GED solution, whether enrolling in a local class, an online preparation program or managing self-guided study through the selection of quality study materials. If online learning or distance learning is the best solution for you, look for a program, class or choose materials that include all the components needed to prepare for the GED test.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a real online GED program provider and avoiding bogus schools or fake diploma scams:

The American Council on Education (ACE), GED Testing Service, has tight guidelines for the GED. The test covers science, social studies, language arts reading and writing, and math - including algebra, geometry and data analysis. Find a program that includes all testing areas; avoid any solution or school that doesn’t include all test areas or information about test areas and ACE requirements.