Unlike traditional K-12 programs, which educate youth to take their place in society, the GED (General Educational Development) Tests certify that adults possess the major and lasting outcomes of a high school program of study. Instead of a high school diploma that signifies the successful completion of a particular course of study, the GED diploma validates the academic knowledge and skills required for admission to further education or employment opportunities. In K-12 programs, content knowledge is the measure of success; the GED tests' performance standard is the understanding and application of concepts. The GED's success rests not on replicating the K-12 experience, but on recognizing the utility of the credential as a passport of the individual and the acceptance of the credential by both academic and corporate organizations. The GED tests have been redrawn and renormed several times to reflect the change from an industrial to an information age and to incorporate the need for higher-level skills. The challenge for the GED test writers is to continue to develop an assessment instrument that is valid and reliable for the intended purpose--the award of a high school level diploma. The year 2000 series tests must first align with the national, jurisdictional, and state standards and performance initiatives to ensure that jurisdictions will continue to award a high school equivalency diploma based on passing the battery of tests. Further, this diploma must have value for the individual as a validation of academic skills, as well as be able to convey the value of those skills to various organizations. (KC)