GED

Structure, Timing, Scoring, And Administration

The General Educational Development (GED®) test is a credential equivalent to a high school diploma. It is recognized by colleges, employers, and institutions across the United States and Canada as proof of high school–level academic skills.

What Is the GED Test?

The GED test is developed and administered by GED Testing Service. It consists of four independent subject tests: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Social Studies, and Science. Each test measures both content knowledge and the ability to think critically and apply what you know. Subject tests can be scheduled and taken separately, in any order.

Subject Tests Score Scale per Subject Passing Score per Subject Total Testing Time

Exam Structure and Pattern

SubjectTest	Approx. Questions	Time	KeyContent
Mathematical About46 115minutes Basicmath algebra geometry graphs , , , Reasoning andfunctions dataanalysis ,
ReasoningThrough LanguageArts	About 45 –50 plus 1 , ExtendedResponse	150 minutes (includes a 10 -minute break and a 45 -minute essay)	Readingformeaning arguments , , grammarandlanguage essaywriting ,
SocialStudies About35 70minutes Civicsandgovernment US history , . . , economics geography ,
Science	About34	90minutes	Lifescience physicalscience earthand , , spacescience

GED Testing Service does not publish a fixed question count for each subject; the counts above are typical estimates. Prepare for the tested skills and the published time limits.

Question Formats

Questions appear in several computer-based formats: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, drop-down, and hot spot (select-an-area). An on-screen calculator is available on Part 2 of Mathematical Reasoning and throughout Science and Social Studies, and an on-screen formula or reference sheet is provided.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

Score range: each subject test is scored on a scale of 100 to 200.

Passing score: a minimum of 145 on each of the four subjects is required to earn the credential.

Ged Score Scale (Per Subject Test)

Below Passing GED Passing College Ready College Ready + Credit

		BelowPassing			GEDPassing	CollegeReady		CollegeReady+Credit
		100–144			145–164	165–174			175–200
100		145 Scorelevelsasdefi nedbyGEDTestingService;			eachofthefour	165 175 subjectsisscoredseparately .				200

GED College Ready (165–174): indicates readiness for college-level coursework and may qualify you to skip placement testing.

GED College Ready + Credit (175–200): may qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours, depending on the institution.

Administration of the GED Test

The GED test is delivered at authorized

Register and schedule through the

Test fees and retake policies vary by

testing centers. An online proctored

official GED Testing Service website

state; check the price and state rules on

option is available for eligible test-takers

(GED.com), which also provides official

GED.com before scheduling.

who meet the requirements.

study resources and practice tests.

The Importance of the GED Credential

Access to higher education: the GED credential is accepted by nearly all U.S. colleges and universities.

Career opportunities: employers recognize the GED credential as equivalent to a high school diploma, broadening job options and earning potential.

Personal achievement: completing all four subject tests demonstrates the ability to set and accomplish a significant goal.