The GED exam is the high school equivalency test from GED Testing Service. Pass all four subjects and you earn a GED credential that is accepted by colleges and employers as an alternative to a high school diploma. This guide explains what is on the GED exam, how long it takes, what it costs, how to take the GED exam online or at a test center, how scoring works, and how to prepare, with a study plan, sample questions and links to our free GED practice tests.
| GED exam at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Made by | GED Testing Service |
| Subjects | Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Social Studies, Science |
| Testing time | 115 + 150 + 70 + 90 minutes = about 7 hours in total; each subject is a separate exam |
| Question types | Multiple choice, drag and drop, fill in the blank, select an area, drop down; RLA includes a written essay |
| Passing score | 145 on each subject (scale 100–200) |
| Where | Online with a live proctor (where your state allows it) or at an official test center |
| Cost | Set by each state; check your state on GED.com |
| Languages | English and Spanish |
Table of Contents
What Is the GED Exam?
GED stands for General Educational Development. The GED exam measures the skills a high school graduate is expected to have in math, reading and writing, social studies and science. It is made up of four separate subject tests. You do not have to take them all on the same day: you can take one at a time, in any order, and space them out to suit you.
When you pass all four, your state issues your GED credential and transcript. Many people use it to apply to college, join the military, qualify for a job or training program, or move into nursing and other health programs that ask for a high school credential.
GED Exam Subjects and Format
According to GED.com, the four subject tests are:
| Subject | Time | What it covers | Format notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 min | Basic math, geometry, basic algebra, graphs and functions | Formula sheet provided; on-screen calculator on part 2; your own TI-30XS allowed at a test center |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | 150 min | Reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, grammar and language | 3 sections, a 10-minute break, and a 45-minute written essay (extended response) |
| Social Studies | 70 min | Reading for meaning, analyzing historical events and arguments, using numbers and graphs | Civics and government, U.S. history, economics and geography; on-screen calculator |
| Science | 90 min | Reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting experiments, using numbers and graphics | Life, physical, and earth and space science; on-screen calculator |
Times include a few minutes of instructions and final review. GED Testing Service does not publish a fixed number of questions for each subject, because the mix of question types varies between test forms.
GED practice tests by subject
- Math: GED Mathematics practice test, GED math help
- Language Arts (RLA): GED Language Arts practice
- Social Studies: GED Social Studies practice test
- Science: GED Science practice test, GED Test Science practice, GED Science
- Question banks: GED Math Q&A, GED RLA, GED Social Studies, GED Science Q&A
GED Exam Cost
GED Testing Service says the price of the GED exam varies by state, and so do age and other testing rules. The price is charged per subject, and online testing and test-center testing can cost different amounts. Select your state on GED.com to see the exact fee. Some employers pay for GED preparation and testing through a program called GEDWorks.
Optional official prep costs extra: the GED Ready practice test is $7.99 per subject or $25.99 for all four. GED.com also offers free preview tests for each subject.
How to Register and Schedule the GED Exam
- Create a free account on GED.com.
- Check your state’s rules for age, residency and price.
- Choose online proctoring or a test center.
- Pick the subjects you want to take. You can schedule one at a time or all four.
- Choose a date and time and pay online with a credit or debit card.
If you need a testing accommodation for a disability, request it before you schedule. See GED.com’s scheduling page for details.
Taking the GED Exam Online
Many states let you take the GED exam online from home with a live online proctor. To test online you need:
- A computer with a webcam and reliable internet that passes the GED system test
- A private room with four walls, a closed door and no one else present
- A government-issued photo ID
- A “green” (likely to pass) GED Ready score in that subject within the last 60 days
You must be physically in the United States, keep phones and other devices out of reach, and stay in view of the webcam. GED Testing Service treats any attempt to have someone else take the test as a serious violation: violators lose the right to test online and can have all prior scores revoked.
GED Scores Explained
Each subject is scored from 100 to 200. According to GED.com’s score page:
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 145–164 | GED Passing Score | Passes the subject. You need 145 or higher on all four subjects to earn your GED. |
| 165–174 | GED College Ready | Shows readiness for college-level courses; you may qualify to skip placement tests or developmental classes. |
| 175–200 | GED College Ready + Credit | Shows skills that could qualify for up to 10 college credit hours. |
Scores come back the same day. If you do not pass a subject, you only retake that subject; your passing scores in the others still count. Retake rules and discounts depend on your state.
GED Practice Tests: Official and Free
| Practice option | What it is |
|---|---|
| GED.com free preview tests | Free sample tests in each subject, about 25% of the length of the real exam, with answer explanations |
| GED Ready | Official practice test, half the length of the real exam and timed. Shows Likely to Pass (145–200), Too Close to Call (134–144) or Not Likely to Pass (100–133) |
| GradeHustler GED practice tests | Free practice questions for math, language arts, social studies and science |
| GradeHustler GED question banks | Downloadable GED question banks in our shop |
Use a free practice test first to find your weak areas. Take GED Ready when you think you are close, because a green score tells you that you are likely to pass, and online testing requires one.
How to Study for the GED Exam: A 6-Week Plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take a free practice test in all four subjects. Pick the subject you will test first. |
| 2 | Math: fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and reading graphs. Learn to use the formula sheet and the TI-30XS calculator. |
| 3 | Math: algebra, equations, inequalities, geometry (area, volume, the Pythagorean theorem). |
| 4 | RLA: reading for main idea and evidence, grammar, and practice writing one argument essay in 45 minutes. |
| 5 | Social Studies and Science: practice reading charts, maps and experiments. Both reward reading skills more than memorized facts. |
| 6 | Take GED Ready in your first subject. If you score green, schedule that test; if not, review your study plan and practise again. |
- Study a little every day rather than in long sessions.
- Read the question before the passage or graph so you know what to look for.
- For the essay, pick the side with stronger evidence and explain why, using quotes from both passages.
- Schedule one subject at a time if you feel unsure. Each pass is one step closer.
GED Sample Questions
These are original GED-style practice questions written for this guide. Try each one, then open the answer.
Sample 1: Math
A shirt costs $40 and is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?
- $10
- $25
- $30
- $35
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
25% of $40 is $10, so the sale price is $40 − $10 = $30.
Sample 2: Math
Solve for x: 3x + 7 = 22
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 15
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
Subtract 7 from both sides: 3x = 15. Divide by 3: x = 5.
Sample 3: Math
A rectangle is 8 feet long and 5 feet wide. What is its area?
- 13 sq ft
- 26 sq ft
- 40 sq ft
- 80 sq ft
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
Area = length × width = 8 × 5 = 40 square feet.
Sample 4: Language Arts
Which sentence is written correctly?
- Me and my brother is going to the store.
- My brother and I are going to the store.
- My brother and me are going to the store.
- Me and my brother are going to the store.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
“My brother and I” is the subject, so use “I”, and the plural subject takes the verb “are”.
Sample 5: Social Studies
The U.S. Constitution splits power among the legislative, executive and judicial branches. What is this principle called?
- Federalism
- Separation of powers
- Popular sovereignty
- Judicial review
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
Separation of powers divides the work of government among three branches so that no single branch holds all the power.
Sample 6: Science
A student tests whether the amount of sunlight affects plant growth. Which is the independent variable?
- The height of the plants
- The type of soil
- The amount of sunlight
- The amount of water
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The independent variable is the one the student changes on purpose: the amount of sunlight. Plant height is the dependent variable, and soil and water should be kept the same.
GED Exam Day Tips
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID; online testers check in with it on camera.
- Log in about 30 minutes early for an online test so the check-in does not cut into your time.
- Use the formula sheet and calculator reference sheet; you do not need to memorize formulas.
- Answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing.
- Keep an eye on the clock, especially for the 45-minute RLA essay.
GED Exam FAQ
What is on the GED exam?
Four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies and Science.
How long is the GED exam?
About 7 hours in total if you take all four subjects: Math 115 minutes, RLA 150 minutes, Social Studies 70 minutes and Science 90 minutes. Most people take them on different days.
How much does the GED exam cost?
The price is set by each state and charged per subject. Check your state on GED.com.
Can you take the GED exam online?
Yes, in states that allow it. You need a webcam, a private room, a photo ID and a green GED Ready score in that subject from the last 60 days.
What is the passing score for the GED?
145 on each of the four subjects, on a scale of 100 to 200.
Is the GED exam hard?
It covers high school level skills. Most people who study their weak areas and score green on GED Ready pass. Math is the subject people most often need extra time on.
Is there a free GED exam practice test?
Yes. GED.com has free preview tests, and GradeHustler has free GED practice tests for every subject; see the links above.
Can I take the GED exam in Spanish?
Yes. The GED exam and GED.com’s free preview tests are available in English and Spanish.
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and administered by GED Testing Service LLC. GradeHustler is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by GED Testing Service. Prices and rules vary by state and can change, so confirm current details on GED.com.