The GED — General Educational Development — is a group of four subject-area tests that, when passed, certify that a test-taker has achieved a level of academic proficiency equivalent to that of a high school graduate. Administered by GED Testing Service (a joint venture of the American Council on Education and Pearson), the GED is available in the United States, Canada, and internationally, and is accepted by employers, colleges, and universities as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
The GED credential is designed for adults who did not complete high school — whether because they left school early, experienced personal hardships, or pursued an alternative path — and who now want to access employment opportunities, pursue higher education, or qualify for job training programs that require a high school diploma or equivalent. The GED is also used by military enlistment programs and is recognized in all 50 states and U.S. territories as an official secondary education credential.
The GED test consists of four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Science, and Social Studies. Each subject is tested separately, and test-takers have the flexibility to schedule and pass each subject test individually rather than all four at once. This makes the GED particularly accessible for adults who may need to balance test preparation with work, family, and other responsibilities.
While the GED test itself is standardized nationally, eligibility requirements — including age minimums, residency rules, and requirements related to current school enrollment — vary by state. Here is a breakdown of the most commonly applied requirements and how they differ across states.
Most states require GED test-takers to be at least 16 years old. However, requirements differ for those between 16 and 18:
A few states have higher minimum age requirements or additional requirements. Texas requires GED test-takers to be at least 18 unless they meet specific exemptions (such as being a student in an approved program). California requires students under 18 to have parental consent and school withdrawal documentation. New York does not use the GED — it uses the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) as its state-specific HSE exam. Indiana and West Virginia have their own alternative high school equivalency tests in addition to accepting GED scores.
Nearly all states require that GED test-takers are not currently enrolled in a regular high school program. If you are currently enrolled in high school, you must formally withdraw before you are eligible to take the GED in most states. Some states have exceptions for credit-deficient students or those enrolled in alternative programs — check with your state's GED testing office for your specific situation.
GED tests are administered at approved testing centers, which are located throughout the United States and internationally. Testing centers include community colleges, adult education centers, workforce development offices, public libraries, and third-party testing facilities.
The official way to locate GED testing centers is through GED.com — the official GED Testing Service website. On GED.com, log in to your MyGED account (or create one if you haven't already), navigate to the scheduling section, and enter your zip code or city to see available test centers and open test dates near you. Centers are listed with their address, available test subjects, and open appointment slots. You can filter by subject to see which subjects are available at each specific location.
All GED testing centers follow standardized rules established by GED Testing Service. Test-takers must present a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID). Personal electronic devices including cell phones must be left outside the testing room. Centers provide scratch paper and pencils for the math test. Some centers have waiting areas for accompanying family members, but only registered test-takers are admitted to the testing room.
GED test pricing is set at the state level and varies from completely free in some states to approximately $36 per subject test in others. Here is a breakdown of pricing in major states as of 2025:
Many states subsidize or waive GED testing fees for economically disadvantaged adults, those receiving public assistance, veterans, or students enrolled in adult education programs. Contact your local adult education office or workforce development center to ask about fee waivers in your state before registering and paying the full cost.
GED registration is handled entirely through GED.com, the official GED Testing Service website. Here is the complete registration process:
Go to GED.com and click 'Get Started.' Create a free MyGED account using a valid email address. You will use this account to register for tests, schedule appointments, and access your scores. If you have previously taken GED tests, you can link your old records to a new account.
During account creation, you will be asked about your state of residence, age, and current enrollment status. GED.com uses this information to determine your eligibility and guide you to your state's specific registration process. Some states require additional documentation or verification steps — you will be prompted if your state has special requirements.
Once your account is created and eligibility is confirmed, navigate to 'Schedule Tests.' Select the subject you want to test first, choose a testing center near you, and select an available date and time. You can schedule all four subjects at once or one at a time. Testing centers typically have morning and afternoon appointments Monday through Saturday; availability varies by center and region.
Pay the subject test fee using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal through GED.com. If you are eligible for a fee waiver, you will need to apply before registering — fee waivers are typically arranged through your adult education program or workforce center, not through GED.com directly. After payment, you receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.
Take advantage of the free study tools available through GED.com — including official practice tests, the GED Flash study app, and links to free preparation resources. On test day, arrive 15 minutes early with your valid photo ID. Confirm which personal items are permitted at your specific testing center before arriving.