The GED test is a high school equivalency test. Pass all four subjects and you earn a credential that most employers and colleges accept in place of a high school diploma. This guide covers how the test works, what scores you need and how to prepare. The minimum age, cost and other rules vary by state, so also check your state’s rules on GED.com.

The four subjects

The GED is four separate tests, which you can take one at a time.

Subject	Time
Mathematical Reasoning	115 minutes
Reasoning Through Language Arts	150 minutes, including a 45-minute essay
Social Studies	70 minutes
Science	90 minutes

The tests are taken on a computer and use multiple-choice and other question types, such as drag-and-drop, drop-down and fill-in-the-blank.

Scores

Each subject is scored from 100 to 200, and you need at least 145 on every subject to pass.

Score	Meaning
145 to 164	Pass (high school equivalency)
165 to 174	GED College Ready
175 to 200	GED College Ready + Credit, which could qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours

Calculators and formulas

On the Math test you get a formula sheet, and an on-screen TI-30XS calculator is available for most questions. Social Studies and Science also have the on-screen calculator. At a test center you may bring your own TI-30XS; online testers use only the on-screen one.

Taking the GED online

In many states you can take the GED at home with a live remote proctor watching by webcam. To schedule it, you must first score in the green “likely to pass” range on the official GED Ready practice test for that subject within the last 60 days. Check GED.com to see whether your state offers online testing.

How hard is the GED?

The GED tests reasoning more than memorization: reading passages, interpreting charts and solving problems. Most people find Math the hardest subject, because it covers algebra and geometry they may not have used in years. Each subject is passed separately, so you can pass the easier ones first and give Math extra time.

How to study

1. Take a practice test in each subject to see where you stand.
2. Schedule your strongest subject first. A quick pass builds confidence.
3. Give Math the most time: fractions, percents, equations, graphs and area and volume. Practise with the on-screen calculator style.
4. Practise the essay: reading two passages and explaining which argument is better supported.

Before you schedule each subject, take the official GED Ready practice test and wait until you score in the green “likely to pass” range.

Start with free practice on the home page.