Working toward GED and Trade Certification goals involves two different paths. GED.com provides the way for high school equivalency, while Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) consists of certification exams in different areas.
Read this article to know where to find trade training programs and which online tutoring services can provide additional help with subjects that need more focused study.
4.8/5
Which is the best app to prepare for GED and trade certification exams?
To begin with, we must say that there is not one app that currently covers both sides of GED and Trade Certification preparation equally well.
For the GED itself, the official GED platform is the best option because it comes directly from the GED Testing Service.
The platform has practice questions, video lessons, personalized study guidance, progress tracking, and an AI tutor for math and science.
On the other hand, for skilled-trade certification exams, Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) is the more relevant platform.
Its Skilled Trades bundle currently covers 11 exams.
That includes ASE automotive certifications, the National Home Inspector Examination, Journeyman Electrician, and Journey Level Plumber exams.
That said, Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) should be viewed as a trade certification study tool.
So, someone pursuing both goals could use GED.com for high school equivalency preparation and Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) later for the professional exam connected to a specific trade.
Key features within the Pocket Prep platform
The app Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) organizes practice around large question banks written by industry experts, with a detailed explanation attached to every answer.
Depending on the skilled-trade exam, users currently get access to roughly 200 to 500 practice questions, divided into the subjects tested on the real certification exam.
The platform also offers several study modes, including Question of the Day, Quick 10, Timed Quiz, Mock Exam, Missed Questions, Weakest Subject, and custom quizzes.
Moreover, performance tracking shows scores by subject and helps identify areas that need more review instead of requiring users to repeat material they already understand.
In addition, Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) works across mobile devices and its website, so progress can continue between short phone sessions and longer study periods at home.
While a limited amount of practice is available for free, full question banks and additional study modes require Premium access.
Step-by-step: how to master GED subjects and skilled trade exams
Since GED and trade certifications use different exams, the most effective approach is to prepare for each with the platform built for that purpose.
The website GED.com covers official GED preparation, while Pocket Prep focuses on professional trade exams.
Read below to learn how to use the app Pocket Prep:
Step 1: access Pocket Prep
Firstly, download Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) or access the website to organize study material around the subjects included in the selected professional exam.
Step 2: establish your starting point
In Pocket Prep (iOS/Android), choose your trade exam and click on ‘Get Started’.
Step 3: practice in short sessions
Now, choose your plan and start using Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) for Question of the Day, Quick 10, and Timed Quiz, which work well for shorter daily study sessions.
Step 4: simulate the real exam
As test day gets closer, move from short quizzes to full practice. Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) offers Mock Exams for supported trade certifications that reproduce the exam’s time limit and question count.
Top trade certification programs
Trade certification can follow different paths depending on the field.
Some programs are built around hands-on technical training at a school, while others focus more directly on industry-recognized certification exams.
Among the options highlighted by Explore the Trades, Ranken Technical College and ETA International represent those two approaches well.
Ranken Technical College
Firstly, Ranken Technical College offers certificate and degree programs across five main areas: Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology, and Manufacturing.
Its programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on technical training, making it a structured option for learners who want formal preparation.
Since credentials vary by program, students should check the specific certificate requirements and campus availability for the trade they want to pursue.
This type of training can complement GED and Trade Certification goals when a career requires both foundational education and practical technical skills.
ETA International
On the other hand, ETA International takes a certification-focused approach.
The nonprofit trade association offers more than 80 accredited, vendor-neutral certification areas, such as:
- Fiber optics, electronics, communications, renewable energy, smart-home technology, biomedical equipment, and information technology.
Some certifications are available as stand-alone credentials, and others form part of a progression from foundational to more advanced professional levels.
Also, certain programs include hands-on components, making ETA relevant for workers who already have technical training or experience and want a credential that validates specific skills.
Best online tutoring services
Alongside trade certifications, online tutoring is also important if practice apps are not enough.
For GED and Trade Certification preparation, the best tutoring options are those that cover core academic subjects and allow focused one-on-one support.
Tutor.com
Tutor.com is relevant for GED learners because it offers tutoring across math, science, English, and social studies, along with live online sessions and writing support.
In some education partnerships, adult learners preparing for the GED or HiSET can access its tutoring and self-paced test-prep resources directly through participating institutions.
Then, sessions take place in an online classroom with a whiteboard, graphing calculator, text editor, and file sharing.
That makes it really good for working through math problems or getting clarification on a topic that remains difficult after independent study.
Wiingy
Wiingy offers one-on-one tutoring across more than 350 subjects, including math, science, coding, languages, and test preparation.
According to eTutorWorld’s current comparison, lessons are personalized to the student and are supported by an AI Co-Tutor that can generate questions and summaries after a session.
Still, Wiingy is not a dedicated GED and trade certification provider, so it works best as supplemental support.
A learner could use it to strengthen algebra, reading, science, or technical foundations while relying on GED.com or the relevant trade-certification provider for the official exam requirements and practice materials.
4.8/5
Build the right path toward your next credential
Now you know that GED and Trade Certification goals require different preparation tools, but both become more manageable with a structured study routine.
GED.com supports high school equivalency preparation, and the Pocket Prep (iOS/Android) app reinforces knowledge for specific skilled-trade certification exams.
When you are ready to move beyond practice, check the official GED requirements for your state.
For additional study resources, this Insiderbits’ GED preparation guide covers more tools for reviewing the four GED subjects and preparing for the official exam.
Enjoyed this article? Save Insiderbits to your favorites and discover the most useful tech tips.
