How do I take the GED® test? What do I need to know about taking the GED® test? Here are the tools and information you need to take and pass the GED® test.

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Here are 10 steps to help you get ready to take the GED® test.

1. Make sure this is the best test for your state

Some states offer another test instead of GED®. They may offer HiSET™ or TASC. Many states offer a choice. Look at this table to find out which test is offered in your state.

2. Check that you are eligible

You will usually be eligible to take the GED® test if you are 18 years of age or older and have not graduated from a US high school. In some cases, you may be able to take the test if you are 16 or 17. Some states ask that you attend test preparation classes. Other states only allow residents to take the test, but you do not have to be a US citizen. You canfind the GED® test requirements in your state.

3. Learn about the GED® test

Find out what to expect when you take the test – what knowledge you need and the kind of questions you will be asked. You need to know what's on the GED® test.

4. Study for your test

Our free online class and free online practice tests will help you.

5. Find a testing center

You must take the test at a testing center. Find a testing center now.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Many GED® testing centers have cancelled tests because of COVID-19. In June 2020, the GED® Testing Service announced it would use online testing for some students. If you are eligible for online testing, you will receive an email from the GED® Testing Service. See the GED® website for more details.Only the official GED® Testing Service can test you. If another website says they can give you a GED diploma, it is not true!

6. Register for an account at ged.com

To make a test appointment, you must create an online account at ged.com.  You can create your account at any time – you don't have to wait until you are ready to take your test. Your account is called MyGED.

During your registration with ged.com, you will have to answer questions (your name, address, education, etc.) but you will not need to pay until you are ready to make a test appointment.

7. Schedule and pay for your tests

When you are ready, you can use the ged.com website to make an appointment to take the test. You can take each part of the test on different days, but you will need to take all four tests within a two-year period to get your GED® diploma.

Decide the first test or tests you want to take. Then choose the location and date and time. If you schedule two tests at the same time, you will only get a 10-minute break between them. That is not very long. If you want more time, be sure to schedule your tests separately – you can still choose the same day, but you can choose times that allow for a longer break.

If you want to take all the tests in one day, look at how to schedule your tests so you can have a lunch break.

Next, you will have to pay a fee to schedule the test. It varies from state to state, but it is about $30 for each of the four tests ($120 for all of them). You can pay for one test at a time as you schedule them.

8. Take an official practice test

Before you take the real test, it is a good idea to take the official GED Ready® Practice Tests if you can. You do not have to do this, but it will help you make sure you are ready for the actual test. You can find the practice tests under the "Practice" tab in your MyGED account.

The GED Ready® Practice Tests are half as long as the real tests. They cost $6 for each of the four tests ($24 for all of them), so only take the ones you have studied for and scheduled an appointment for.

The tests will give you practice so you will be prepared on test day. The results will tell you if you are ready to take the test, or what to study if you are not ready. If you decide you are not ready for your real test, you can change your test appointment up until 24 hours ahead.

9. Get ready for test day

Here are some tips to help you succeed on test day:

  • Get comfortable with the test experience by practicing on any computer.
  • Find out what's on the GED® test.
  • Practice the question formats and instructions that you will see on the test with the free GED® tutorial. Keep using the free USAHello practice tests too!
  • Make a practice trip to the test center so you do not have to find it for the first time on test day. While you are there, check with the testing center to ask for their rules and any other information you may need.
  • Make sure you get a good night's sleep before your test. Do not arrive tired, thirsty, or hungry. You won't be allowed to bring food or drinks into the testing room.
  • Don't take a lot of things with you, as personal items are not allowed in the testing room. But do bring your ID – a passport, driver's license, or other government-issued ID. Check your state's ID requirements.
  • Bring a TI-30XS Multiview Scientific calculator if you to choose to use one. There will be an on-screen calculator for you to use instead if you prefer.
  • You won't be allowed to bring paper and pens, but you will get erasable boards and a marker for making notes.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early at the test center so you can check in and get settled. Use the bathroom as there are no breaks in the test.
  • If you have questions or problems during the the test, raise your hand.

10. After the test

You will need to score at least 145 points on each part of the test to pass. Your scores will be available on ged.com within 24 hours of taking your test. When you have passed all the parts, you will receive your GED® diploma. With a very high score, you get a certificate that says you are "College Ready."

You can retake all the tests or some of the subjects if you fail. You can keep taking the test until you pass, but you will have to wait 60 days after your first three tries. There are different rules for retaking the test in each state.

Good luck!

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