Nearly 15 percent of the high school diplomas issued in the United States in 1981 were based upon performance on the Tests of General Educational Development (GED). The purpose of this study is to describe: (1) the ways that adults prepare for the test; (2) the test performance of population sub-groups, and (3) the test candidates employment and educational outcomes 18 months later. Approximately 80 percent of the candidates prepared in some way for the test. In comparing those who prepared and those who did not prepare in any way, there are significant differences on age, gender, highest grade completed, and race. Performance on the test is significantly related to: highest grade completed, grades while in school, reason for taking the GED test, race, and reason for leaving school. Test scores are not significantly related to age and gender. In addition to the 71 percent who passed the test initially, another 15 percent did so in the subsequent 18 months. About half of the sample indicated that the test helped them qualify for a job. Nearly half the group either are students or have been students in the 18 months following the test. GED candidates typically become students in two-year colleges and on the job training programs. (Author/PN)