If you did not graduate high school, getting a high school equivalency diploma might be a good option for you. You will need to take the GED^® test. It has 4 different subjects. Learn what is on the test and who can take it.

What is GED^®?

GED^® is another way of saying General Educational Development. The GED^® is a high school equivalency test. It is for people who were unable to finish high school. The test shows you have the same knowledge and skills as someone who completed high school in the USA. When you pass, you get a certificate that offers you the same opportunities as a high school diploma.

What is the difference between the GED^® and a high school diploma? 

The GED^® is a credential that you can get after passing exams in 4 different subjects. A high school diploma is a credential students get after completing 4 years of high school. The GED^® is equal to a high school diploma. Both show that you have the knowledge and skills of someone who completed 12th grade. 

Why is the GED^® important?

Adults who do not finish high school in the USA have fewer options for jobs and can not go to college. Passing the GED^® can help you get a better education and study a new profession at a university. You can find better jobs with higher pay. A GED^® helps improve your opportunities. 

Who can take the GED^® test?

You must live in one of the 41 states that offer the GED^®. Find out which test is offered in your state. If the GED^® is not offered in your state, you can still get a high school equivalency diploma by taking the HiSET exam.

Each state that offers the GED^® has different rules. In many states, you can take the exam if you are 18 years or older and have not completed high school. In some cases, you can take the exam if you are 16 or 17 years old. Some require that you take preparation classes before the exam. 

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to take the GED^® test. You will need to show proof of identity. In some states, you will also need to show proof of state residence. 

Get the specific state rules. Choose your state in the drop-down menu for “select your area.” Then click the button “view state rules.”

I have a diploma from another country. Do I still need to get the GED^® test?

If you have a high school diploma from another country, you may or may not need a HiSET or GED^® credential. Colleges and employers may require you to have your high school diploma evaluated to see if it is the same as a US high school diploma.

What is on the GED^® test?

The GED^® tests you on math, language arts, social studies, and science. These are separated into 4 subject tests. There are different types of questions: multiple-choice, drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, select an area, and dropdown. The language arts test also has an essay question. You can take the tests in English or Spanish. 

Learn more about each subject test.

The entire exam takes 7 hours to complete. Each subject test takes 70 to 150 minutes to take. You can take each subject test on separate days. You can take the GED^® on a computer at a testing center or online at your home if your state offers online testing.

What is GED passing score?

To pass the GED^® test, you will need a score of 145 or higher on each of the four subject tests. You must pass all four subject tests to get your GED diploma.

How can I prepare?

USAHello offers a free online class to help you prepare for the GED^® test. The online class is split into 4 sections: social studies, language arts, science, and mathematics. You can take the class in English and Spanish. It is available from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Study at your own pace when you have free time. 

You can also take our free online practice test. There is one for each subject: social studies, math, science, and language arts.

Learn how and where to take the GED^® test.

What Is the Structure of the GED Test?

The GED exam is taken on a computer and covers four subjects: mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies, and science. Each subject requires a separate test. You don’t have to take them all at once.

Mathematical Reasoning

This GED exam consists of two parts. You have 115 minutes to complete it, including two minutes for instruction, a three-minute break between sections, and a final review. You can use a calculator reference sheet and math formula sheet. You can also use a calculator during the second part of the exam.

Reasoning Through Language Arts

The language arts exam is 150 minutes long, including three minutes for instruction and a final review. There are three parts, with a 10-minute break between parts two and three. Questions for two sections of the test include multiple choice, drag and drop, select an area, and dropdown menus. The remaining section is a written essay and lasts 45 minutes.

Social Studies

The social studies portion is 70 minutes long without a break. It includes two minutes of instructions and a final review. Questions for this test use numbers and graphs, multiple choice, fill in the blank, drag and drop, and dropdown menus. You can use a calculator and calculator reference sheet.

Science

This exam lasts 90 minutes, with two minutes of instructions, a final review, and no break. Covered topics include reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting science experiments, and using numbers and graphics in science. A calculator and calculator reference sheet are allowed.

How Much Does the GED Test Cost?

Each state determines the cost for the GED exam. You can use the GED testing service’s search tool to find out about test costs and state rules. Each subject test usually costs $30-$40, but some states offer tests for free.

You can also create an account to find out which companies participate in the GEDWorks program, which provides GED test assistance for working adults.

What Is a Good GED Score?

You can pass the GED exam by achieving a score of at least 145 points in each subject. Typically, the math exam is the most challenging. If you score under 145 in any subject, you can retake that test.

Retesting is also an option if you want to try to score higher to get into college. Scores from 165-174 indicate you’re ready for college-level courses. If you achieve a score of 175-200, you could qualify for up to three college credits in math, science, and social studies and one credit in humanities.

It’s essential to do some GED practice before test day. Ultimately, higher scores can save you time and money if you want to attend college.

How to Prepare for the GED Test

GED test prep is key to success. After all, GED scores can impact your education beyond simply passing to get the certificate. If you want to attend college, a GED diploma could be the first step in that direction.

But how do you study for the GED test? First, check the testing dates and locations in your area so you can make a plan. Then, create a study schedule.

You can begin GED prep a few months in advance to allow plenty of time to study each subject. For example, with GED Flash, you gain access to GED practice questions and answers in the math, language arts, social studies, and science sections.

If possible, start by making a dedicated study space at home where you can focus. Stock it with helpful school and study supplies, including a calculator, timer, pen and paper, noise-canceling headphones, snacks, and drinks. Once you feel prepared, you can take the official GED practice test before committing to the graded exam.

Many employers also participate in the GEDWorks program, which helps employees pass their GED exam and earn a GED diploma. The program assists working adults by providing academic guidance and support from advisors.

Can You Take the GED Test Online?

The GED test is available online in every state that offers GED testing, with the exception of Hawaii. Test-takers in this state must go to an official GED testing center. For many, taking the GED online at home can help ease anxiety. For others, using the technology may prove challenging.

The exam requires a government-issued ID to begin testing. Because an online proctor conducts the tests, a webcam and reliable internet connection are also required. Additionally, the room where you’re taking the test must have a closeable door so there aren’t any distractions.

While you don’t need to take a practice test ahead of in-person exams, you must take a GED Ready practice test and score a “Green” within 60 days of testing online. Note that the system doesn’t allow as many repeat attempts online as in person if you don’t pass on your first try. Getting a “Green” score on GED Ready means you’ll likely pass the test the first time.

What Do You Need for GED Test Day?

To be successful on test day, you need to prepare the night before by eating right and getting enough sleep. On the day of the exam, it may be helpful to wake up early, do something physical to get yourself in the right frame of mind, and go over your notes.

Make sure to double-check the exam time and gather your supplies the night before, including the following:

• A government-issued photo ID
• A TI-30XS handheld calculator
• A calculator reference sheet

On the day of the test, make sure to do the following:

• Eat before the exam because you won’t be able to once it starts
• Consider going for a run, doing yoga, or meditating to calm your nerves
• Review your notes
• Go over your supplies and double-check the exam time

Keep in mind that you need to check into the testing center at least 15 minutes early. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before and get plenty of rest. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, you might not get to take the test.

All GED Practice Tests

If you want to focus on a specific section, use a free GED practice test listed below.

General (All Subjects Tested)

1. GED General Practice Test 1
2. GED General Practice Test 2

GED Math

1. GED Math Practice Test 1
2. GED Math Practice Test 2
3. GED Math Practice Test 3
4. GED Math Practice Test 4

GED Science

1. GED Science Practice Test 1
2. GED Science Practice Test 2
3. GED Science Practice Test 3
4. GED Science Practice Test 4

GED Language Arts

1. GED Language Arts Writing Practice Test 1
2. GED Language Arts Writing Practice Test 2
3. GED Language Arts Writing Practice Test 3
4. GED Language Arts Reading Practice Test 1
5. GED Language Arts Reading Practice Test 2
6. GED Language Arts Reading Practice Test 3

GED Social Studies

1. GED Social Studies Practice Test 1

GED Printable Practice Tests

We have listed some of our favorite printable GED resources below. You can work your way through each GED PDF and see how you do.

GED Sample Test – Official Provider of Exam

If you are looking for additional free GED practice tests, you can use the links below. These are other free GED tests online that are beneficial to your studies.

GED Practice – Flashcards

If you prefer to practice for the GED with flashcards, we have linked to some of our favorite resources below. We have included a flashcard set for each subject.

GED Study Guides

If you want to use a GED study guide for your studies, we have linked some fantastic study guides provided by the official provider of the GED.

GED Overview

The GED includes 4 different sections:

• Math: 46 Questions – 115 Minutes
• Language Arts: ~46 Questions – 150 Minutes
• Social Studies: ~35 Questions – 70 Minutes
• Science: ~40 Questions – 90 Minutes

Review the image below for a breakdown of the exam. If you want more information on the certificate, read our guide on the GED degree.

How to Best Use a GED Practice Test

Using a free GED practice test is a great way to prepare for your upcoming exam. A GED practice test online will help you narrow down your studies and recognize which areas you may need to spend more time studying.

We recommend the following steps when using our GED sample tests:

1. Take the general GED practice exam above to become familiar with the questions and their format
2. Take the subject specific free GED tests online that are also linked above to get a better feel for each subject
3. Determine which subjects you struggled with the most and spend extra time studying topics, concepts, and questions within those subjects

Some other things you should pay special attention to while using GED practice are the following:

Answer Explanations

You should review all the answer explanations at the end of your practice exam. These answer explanations will help you better understand important concepts and topics. You may even learn a better or faster way of solving a problem.

You should utilize the answer explanations for ALL questions you answered, regardless of if they were answered correctly or incorrectly.

Trends

When taking a practice GED test, do you see any trends or patterns in your results? Are you continuously missing a certain type of math problem or a specific type of language arts problem?

Be honest with yourself and see if you can identify any trends that you can address while studying. This will not only help you study more efficiently, but also help you achieve better GED scores.

Timing

Be aware of how much time you are spending on each question. The GED is a timed exam and many students struggle with the timing aspect of this exam. It is fine to ignore the timing aspect the first couple of times you take a GED sample test, but you should eventually introduce a timing aspect.

Try to find the fastest way possible to solve a problem and make sure it is a repeatable method for you. If you can find methods to solve problems that are both repeatable and speedy, you will be in a great place when taking the actual exam.