The basic path to earning your GED

To earn your GED certificate, you take a test administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the GED Testing Service. The test covers four subjects: reasoning through language arts, social studies, science, and mathematical reasoning. You pass by scoring at least 145 on each subject (out of 200), and the whole process typically takes a few months from start to finish. Most states recognize the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma for employment and further education.

You do not have to attend classes to take the test—you can study on your own—but many people find a classroom or online course helpful. The test costs money (usually between $100 and $150 total, varying by state), and you can take it at an official testing center or, in some states, at home with remote proctoring.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and not currently enrolled in high school to take the GED test in most states.
  • The test has four sections and you can take them all on one day or spread them across multiple test dates.
  • Official GED testing centers are found through the GED Testing Service website, and you register for a test date through your chosen center.
  • Study materials range from free online resources to paid courses, and many community colleges and libraries offer free or low-cost GED prep classes.
  • Your official GED certificate arrives by mail after you pass, and you can also request transcripts or additional copies through the GED Testing Service.

Check your state's age and enrollment requirements

Most states require you to be at least 16 years old to take the GED test. A few states set the minimum at 17 or 18, so check your state's rules on the GED Testing Service website before you register. You will also need to confirm that you are not currently enrolled in a public or private high school—if you are, you typically must withdraw first or wait until you would have graduated.

Some states have additional requirements, such as proof of state residency or a waiting period after you leave high school. Your state's GED program office can tell you what documents you will need to bring on test day, such as a government-issued ID and proof of address.

Find a testing center and register for your test date

The GED Testing Service maintains a searchable list of official testing centers on its website. You can filter by state and city to find centers near you. Testing centers include community colleges, adult education programs, libraries, and private testing facilities. Call ahead or check the center's website to confirm their hours and whether they offer remote testing (at-home proctoring), which is available in most states.

Once you choose a center, register for your test date directly through that center's website or by phone. You will select which subjects you want to test on and when. Many people take all four subjects on the same day, but you can also space them out over weeks or months if you prefer. Registration usually opens several weeks in advance, and you will pay the test fee at registration.

Study using free and paid resources

The GED Testing Service offers free official practice tests on its website, which show you the exact format and types of questions you will see. These are the most accurate way to gauge where you stand. Beyond that, you have many options: Khan Academy offers free video lessons aligned to GED content, YouTube channels dedicated to GED prep, library databases with practice questions, and paid online courses through platforms like Udemy or GED.com.

Many community colleges, public libraries, and adult education centers offer free or low-cost GED prep classes, either in person or online. These classes often meet once or twice a week and are taught by instructors familiar with the test. If you struggle with a particular subject—math is common—a tutor or focused class in that area can make a real difference. Most people spend two to four months studying before they feel ready to test.

Prepare for test day and what to bring

On test day, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease. The testing center will check these before you sit down. You will not be allowed to bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or study materials into the testing room.

The test is computer-based and takes about seven and a half hours total if you take all four subjects in one day. You get a break between subjects. The testing center provides scratch paper and a basic calculator for the math section. Eat a good breakfast, stay hydrated, and plan to be there most of the day. If you take only one or two subjects, the time is shorter.

Receive your results and certificate

You receive unofficial results when ready after you finish testing, shown on the computer screen. Your official score report arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you passed all four subjects (scoring at least 145 on each), your GED certificate will be mailed to you separately, usually within four to six weeks of your test date.

If you did not pass one or more subjects, you can retake just those sections. There is typically a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks between attempts, depending on your state. You pay the test fee again for each retake. Once you pass all four subjects, you own the certificate for life—there is no expiration date.

Request transcripts or replacement certificates

After you receive your certificate, you may need official transcripts or score reports for a job process, college, or military service. You request these through the GED Testing Service website or by contacting your state's GED program office. There is usually a small fee per transcript (typically $5 to $15), and they arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

If your certificate is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through the same process. Keep your certificate in a safe place, but know that you can always get another copy if needed. Some employers and schools also accept digital verification directly from the GED Testing Service, which is faster than waiting for mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, most states require you to withdraw from high school or be officially unenrolled before you can take the test. A few states allow students to take it during their senior year if they meet certain conditions. Check your state's GED program office to learn the exact rule where you live.

What if I fail one subject but pass the others?

You only retake the subject you did not pass. You do not have to retake the ones you passed. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can test again, and you pay the fee for that one subject only.

Is the GED recognized by colleges and employers?

Yes, most colleges and employers in the United States recognize the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. However, some selective colleges may have additional requirements. Check with the specific school or employer you are interested in to confirm their policy.

Can I take the GED test from home?

Many states offer remote proctoring, which means you take the test at home on your own computer while a proctor watches through your webcam. You must have a quiet space, a reliable internet connection, and a computer that meets the testing service's technical requirements. Check your state's testing center website to see if remote testing is available.

How much does the GED test cost?

The total cost ranges from about $100 to $150, depending on your state. Some testing centers charge slightly different fees. If you retake a subject, you pay the fee for that subject again. Some community colleges and adult education programs offer fee waivers or discounts for people with financial hardship.