The GED® test offers individuals over age 16 the opportunity to earn a certificate or diploma that is widely recognized as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
There are five tests that must be passed to earn a General Educational Development (GED) test credential:
- Language arts, writing
- Social studies
- Science
- Language arts, reading
- Mathematics
The test takes approximately seven hours to complete. Most test centers administer the test sections over three mornings or evenings.
You receive a score of 200–800 for each test. GED reports include a score total from all five tests, as well as an average. Passing scores and fees vary slightly by jurisdiction.
Contact your local GED Testing Center for specifics in your area.
Scheduling tests
You can take the GED almost anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, as well as over 100 international sites. Visit GED website for your state or call toll-free at (800) 62-MY-GED (800-626-9433) for a location near you.
Preparing for the GED
The American Council on Education (ACE) offers GED Sample Test Questions by test section.
Test structure
Five separate tests make up the GED Tests (sometimes incorrectly referred to as the "GED") — one each in Mathematics; Social Studies; Science; Language Arts, Reading; and Language Arts, Writing. The writing test includes writing an essay.
Reviewing test scores
The total passing score is 2,250. Candidates need a minimum standard score of 410 with an overall average standard score of 450. Each correct answer is worth one point. For each individual GED test, these points are totaled and then converted to a standard score that ranges from 200 to 800.
Passing scores are determined by the jurisdiction where you take the tests.
