You can get your GED by passing a single exam that shows you have high school–level knowledge

The GED (General Educational Development) test is a four-part exam administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the American Council on Education. Passing it gives you a certificate that most employers and colleges treat the same way they treat a high school diploma. You do not need to attend classes or spend years in school — you study on your own pace and take the test when you are ready. The test costs between $30 and $40 per subject in most states, though some states charge more or less.

The four subjects are Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning. You can take all four on the same day or spread them across multiple test dates. Most people pass after studying for a few weeks to a few months, depending on how much schooling they already have and how much time they can spend preparing.

Key Takeaways

  • The GED exam has four subjects and costs $30 to $40 per subject in most states, with the total cost varying by location.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, not enrolled in high school, and meet your state's residency requirement to take the test.
  • You can study using free online resources, paid prep courses, or community college classes before you take the exam.
  • Test dates are available year-round at testing centers, and you can take one subject at a time or all four on the same day.
  • After you pass, your state issues the certificate, which you can use for job applications, college admissions, or military service.

Who can take the GED test

You must be at least 16 years old and not currently enrolled in a public or private high school. Some states allow 15-year-olds to test if they have written permission from their school district. You also need to meet your state's residency requirement — most states require you to have lived there for at least 30 days, though a few have no residency rule at all.

If you are under 18, you may need to bring a parent or guardian's permission form to the testing center. Check your state's GED program website to confirm the exact age and residency rules where you live, because they vary.

How much the GED costs and where to find test dates

The exam costs $30 to $40 per subject in most states. Some states charge a flat fee for all four subjects instead — typically $100 to $120. A few states charge more. You pay when you register for your test date, which you do online through Pearson VUE's website or by calling their customer service line.

Test dates are available year-round at hundreds of testing centers across the country. You can find the nearest center by entering your zip code on the Pearson VUE website. Most centers offer multiple dates each month, though some rural areas may have fewer options. You can register for a test date as soon as a few days away, or you can book months in advance.

Some states and nonprofits offer fee waivers or reduced fees for people with low income. Your state's GED program office can tell you whether you are may be able to access. Community colleges sometimes cover the test fee for students in their GED prep programs.

Study materials and preparation options

Free study resources include Khan Academy (which has a GED prep section), YouTube channels dedicated to GED prep, and the official GED Ready practice test on the GED website. The practice test costs $15 and shows you which subjects you need to study more.

Paid options include GED prep courses through community colleges, online platforms like Coursera or Udemy, and printed study guides sold at bookstores and online. Community college courses are often low-cost or free for residents and give you access to an instructor who can answer questions. Online courses let you study on your own schedule. Most people spend $50 to $300 on study materials, though you can prepare with free resources alone.

How long you study depends on your background. If you finished most of high school, a few weeks of review may be enough. If you left school early, you might need two to three months. Some people study for longer if they work full-time or have other commitments.

What happens on test day and how scoring works

You arrive at the testing center 15 minutes early with a photo ID and any required documents. The test is computer-based and takes about seven hours if you take all four subjects in one day. You can take breaks between subjects. Each subject is timed — Reasoning Through Language Arts is 150 minutes, Social Studies is 90 minutes, Science is 90 minutes, and Mathematical Reasoning is 115 minutes.

You receive your scores when ready after you finish each subject. A passing score is 145 out of 200 on each subject. If you do not pass one subject, you can retake just that subject without retaking the others. Most testing centers let you register for a retake within a few days.

Getting your certificate after you pass

Once you pass all four subjects, your state's GED program office issues your certificate. This usually happens within two to four weeks. You can request an official transcript or additional copies of your certificate for a small fee, typically $5 to $15 per copy.

Your certificate is recognized by most employers, colleges, and the military. Some employers may ask to see the official certificate rather than a copy, so keep your original in a safe place. You can also request that your state send transcripts directly to colleges or employers if you are explore to them.

If you lose your certificate, you can order a replacement from your state's GED program office. The cost and process vary by state, but most charge $10 to $25 and can mail a replacement within one to two weeks.

Differences between GED, HiSET, and TASC

The GED is the most widely used high school equivalency test, but two other options exist: the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) and the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion). All three are recognized by employers and colleges, but not all states offer all three. Your state's GED program website lists which tests are available where you live.

The GED is computer-based only. The HiSET and TASC offer both computer and paper versions. The HiSET has five subjects instead of four — it splits Reasoning Through Language Arts into Reading and Writing. The TASC also has five subjects. Costs are similar across all three, ranging from $30 to $40 per subject.

If you have a strong preference for paper testing or a different subject breakdown, check whether your state offers HiSET or TASC before you commit to GED prep. If your state offers only the GED, that is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the GED if I am still in high school?

No. You must not be enrolled in a public or private high school to take the GED. If you are homeschooled, you are usually allowed to test. Contact your state's GED program office if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies.

What if I fail one subject?

You can retake just that subject without retaking the others. You pay the subject fee again and can register for a new test date within days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a subject, though some states charge a fee each time.

Is the GED accepted by colleges?

Yes. Most colleges treat a GED certificate the same as a high school diploma for admissions purposes. Some colleges may require additional steps like placement tests or prerequisite courses, but the GED itself is widely accepted. Check with specific colleges about their policies.

Can I take the GED online from home?

No. The GED test must be taken at an official testing center in person. However, you can study for it online using free and paid resources. Some testing centers offer remote proctoring for people with disabilities or in rural areas — ask Pearson VUE whether this is available in your state.

How long is the GED certificate valid?

Your GED certificate does not expire. Once you pass, it is yours permanently and can be used for job applications, college admissions, or any other purpose indefinitely.