The GED exam offers individuals over age 16 the opportunity to earn a certificate or diploma that is widely recognized as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
There are five tests that must be passed to earn a General Educational Development (GED) exam credential:
- Language arts, writing
- Social studies
- Science
- Language arts, reading
- Mathematics
The test takes approximately seven hours to complete. Most test centers administer the test sections over three mornings or evenings. You receive a score of 200–800 for each test. GED reports include a score total from all five tests, as well as an average. Passing scores and fees vary slightly by jurisdiction. Contact your local GED Testing Center for specifics in your area.
Scheduling Exams | Preparing for exams | Test
Structure | Reviewing Test Scores
Scheduling exams
You can take the GED almost anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, as well as over 100 international sites. Visit your state’s GED office or call toll-free at (800) 62-MY-GED (626-9433) for a location near you.
Preparing for exams
The American Council on Education (ACE) offers GED Sample Test Questions by test section.
Test Structure
| Language Arts, Writing |
50 multiple-choice questions, One essay
1 hour, 5 minutes |
| Social Studies |
50 multiple-choice questions
2 hours
(75 minutes for multiple choice, 45 minutes for the essay) |
| Science |
50 multiple-choice questions
1 hour, 30 minutes |
| Language Arts, Reading |
40 multiple-choice questions
1 hour, 20 minutes |
| Mathematics |
50 multiple-choice questions
1 hour, 10 minutes |
Reviewing test scores
You will get your test results by mail, within one month of the final day of testing.
The total passing score is 2,250. Candidates need a minimum standard score of 410 with an overall average standard score of 450. Each correct answer is worth one point. For each individual GED test, these points are totaled and then converted to a standard score that ranges from 200 to 800.
Passing scores are determined by the jurisdiction where you take the tests.
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