How to Get a GED 2026: Complete GED Certification Guide

What Is the GED?

The GED (General Educational Development) test is a nationally recognized credential that certifies that the holder has academic skills equivalent to a U.S. high school graduate. Adults who did not complete high school can earn a GED credential by passing four subject area tests — demonstrating that they have acquired the knowledge and skills expected of high school graduates.

The GED is issued by the GED Testing Service (a joint venture of the American Council on Education and Pearson) and is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges, universities, and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma for most purposes. Over 40 million Americans have earned GED credentials since the test was introduced in 1942. The GED is one of the most significant opportunities for adults to open doors to higher education and career advancement — providing the credential that makes college enrollment, job applications, and professional training programs accessible to those who did not graduate from high school.

GED vs. HiSET vs. TASC

The GED is the most widely recognized alternative credential, but two other exams also award a high school equivalency credential: HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) — offered in many states as an alternative to the GED; accepted by most employers and colleges in states where it is offered. TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) — offered in some states as an alternative option. State availability varies — check your state's Department of Education to understand which exam(s) are available and accepted in your state. Most states offer either GED or HiSET (or both). Some states have discontinued TASC. The GED is the most widely accepted alternative credential nationally.

GED Eligibility and Registration

The GED is designed for adults who did not graduate from high school. Specific eligibility requirements vary by state, but general federal requirements apply.

GED Eligibility Requirements

Age — most states require GED test takers to be at least 18 years old. Some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to take the GED with parental permission and documentation showing they are not currently enrolled in high school. Not currently enrolled in high school — individuals who are actively enrolled in a traditional high school program are not eligible to take the GED in most states. Residency — most states require testing in the state where the test taker resides. Some states have specific residency documentation requirements. State-specific requirements — some states have additional requirements (minimum waiting periods after leaving high school, proof of withdrawal, etc.). Check your state's specific requirements at ged.com or your state's Department of Education website.

How to Register for the GED

Registration is completed through the GED Testing Service's website at ged.com. Step 1: Create a MyGED account at ged.com — you will need an email address and basic personal information. Step 2: Verify your eligibility — the registration process guides you through state-specific eligibility requirements. Step 3: Schedule your tests — the four GED subject tests can be taken individually (you do not have to take all four on the same day). Tests are administered at authorized GED testing centers or via computer at home (GED Online). Step 4: Pay the exam fee — GED testing fees vary by state, typically $30 to $36 per subject ($120 to $144 for all four subjects). Some states subsidize or waive GED testing fees — check your state's education agency. Step 5: Prepare and test — preparation resources are available through MyGED, including GED Ready practice tests.

GED Test Subjects

The GED consists of four separate subject tests. Each test is approximately 75 to 150 minutes in length and is scored on a scale of 100 to 200. Tests can be taken individually on different days — you do not need to pass all four in one sitting.

Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) — 150 minutes

The RLA test assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, and language skills through a combination of multiple-choice questions and an Extended Response (essay) question. Content includes: reading informational and literary texts for comprehension and inference; identifying the main idea, author's purpose, and evidence in non-fiction texts; understanding language conventions (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure); writing an Extended Response (45 minutes) — an argumentative essay responding to two provided texts. The Extended Response is scored on a 0 to 6 scale based on development of ideas, organization, and language facility. The RLA test includes two sessions with an optional 10-minute break between sessions.

Mathematical Reasoning — 115 minutes

The Math test assesses quantitative reasoning and algebraic problem-solving. Content includes: basic operations with rational numbers and fractions; ratios, proportions, and percentages; statistics and data analysis; geometry (area, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem, coordinate geometry); algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities; functions and graphs. The first 5 questions do not allow a calculator. For remaining questions, the TI-30XS MultiView calculator is available on-screen or as a hand-held device at the testing center. A formula sheet is provided on-screen during the math test.

Science — 90 minutes

The Science test assesses the ability to read and analyze scientific information using knowledge of life science, physical science, and Earth and space science. Content distribution: approximately 40% life science; approximately 40% physical science; approximately 20% Earth and space science. Questions are stimulus-based — presented with graphs, diagrams, experiments, or brief readings. Science knowledge is tested in context rather than through isolated memorization. Key concepts: cell biology and genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, chemistry (atoms, bonding, reactions), physics (forces, motion, energy), Earth systems, and environmental science.

Social Studies — 70 minutes

The Social Studies test assesses understanding of civics and government, U.S. history, economics, and geography. Content distribution: approximately 50% civics and government; approximately 20% U.S. history; approximately 15% economics; approximately 15% geography and the world. Questions are presented with primary sources (historical documents, graphs, maps, political cartoons). The U.S. Constitution, founding documents, and landmark Supreme Court decisions are frequently referenced. Economic concepts (supply and demand, GDP, fiscal and monetary policy) are tested in context.

GED Scores and Passing

The GED is scored on a scale of 100 to 200 for each subject test. Understanding the score levels helps test takers set goals and understand what their score means for next steps.

GED Score Levels

Below Passing (100 to 144) — the test taker did not pass this subject. Retaking the test is available after a waiting period (24 hours for the first attempt; different waiting periods for subsequent attempts in some states). Passing/High School Equivalency (145 to 164) — the test taker has demonstrated high school-level proficiency and has passed the subject. This level is sufficient for a GED credential. GED College Ready (165 to 174) — the test taker may be eligible to skip remedial or developmental math and English courses at many community colleges and enter credit-bearing coursework directly. This level represents a higher standard than simple passing. GED College Ready + Credit (175 to 200) — in participating colleges, the test taker may earn college credit for demonstrated proficiency. This is the highest GED score category.

Passing the Full GED

To earn the GED credential, test takers must pass all four subject tests (score 145 or higher on each). There is no overall combined score requirement — each test must be passed independently. Tests can be retaken independently — if a test taker passes three subjects but fails Math, only the Math test needs to be retaken (not all four). Retake limits: GED allows up to three retake attempts without restrictions; after three failed attempts on the same subject, additional prep time requirements may apply.

GED Preparation Resources

Effective GED preparation combines content review, targeted skill building, and practice testing under realistic conditions. Multiple high-quality free and paid resources are available.

Official GED Resources

GED.com — the GED Testing Service provides free study materials through the MyGED portal, including: GED Flash cards; GED Ready practice tests ($6 per subject — the official practice test with the best correlation to actual exam performance); Free Study Guide downloads for each subject; GED Study Link — connects test takers with free GED preparation classes in their area. GED Ready is particularly valuable: scores on GED Ready strongly predict actual exam performance, helping test takers gauge readiness before paying for and scheduling the actual exam.

Free GED Preparation Resources

Khan Academy — comprehensive free content for GED math (all algebra, geometry, and arithmetic topics) and science fundamentals. Start with Khan Academy for math review before attempting GED practice tests. GED.com free content — study guides and practice questions available without payment for all four subjects. Local adult education programs — most states offer free adult education and GED preparation classes through community education centers, libraries, and community colleges. These programs may be free or very low-cost and often include in-person instruction, tutoring, and test preparation support. Find local programs at ged.com or contact your state's Department of Education. YouTube — GED-focused YouTube channels provide free video lessons; Mometrix GED, GED Academy, and TestPrep-Online offer helpful video content.

Paid GED Study Materials

Kaplan GED Test Prep book — comprehensive study guide covering all four subjects with practice questions. McGraw-Hill Education GED Preparation book — another well-reviewed comprehensive study guide. GED Study Guide 2025 All Subjects — multiple publishers offer annually updated study guides with full-length practice tests. These books typically cost $25 to $40 and include significantly more practice content than free resources.