GED Exam Overview
Everything you need to know about the GED test: subjects, scoring, format, and how to register for your high school equivalency credential.
What Is the GED and Why Does It Matter?
The GED (General Educational Development) test is the most widely recognized high school equivalency exam in the United States. Earning your GED credential proves that you have the same academic knowledge and skills as a traditional high school graduate. It opens the door to college enrollment, better career opportunities, and significantly higher lifetime earnings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent earn approximately $10,000 more per year than those without one. Over a 30-year career, that difference can exceed $300,000 in additional earnings. The GED is your fastest path to closing that gap.
The GED is run by GED Testing Service LLC, which administers the GED® brand under license from the American Council on Education. It is a computer-based test, taken either at an authorized Pearson VUE test center or, in most states, as an online-proctored test from home. You can take all four subjects on the same day or schedule them individually, giving you the flexibility to prepare at your own pace.
The Four GED Test Subjects
The GED exam consists of four separate subject tests. You must pass all four to earn your GED credential. Each test can be taken independently, so you can focus your preparation on one subject at a time.
Mathematical Reasoning
The GED Math test evaluates your ability to solve quantitative problems and apply mathematical concepts. You will have 115 minutes to answer approximately 46 questions. The test is split into two parts: the first five questions must be completed without a calculator (up to 12 minutes), and the remaining questions allow use of the on-screen TI-30XS MultiView calculator. You may also bring your own TI-30XS to the testing centre.
Topics include arithmetic with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions; ratios, proportions, and percentages; data analysis and statistics; algebraic expressions and equations; linear and quadratic functions; and basic geometry.
Full GED Math GuideReasoning Through Language Arts
The GED Language Arts test measures your reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills over 150 minutes. You will answer approximately 46 questions and write one extended response essay. The test has three parts: the 45-minute essay is part 2, and there is a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3.
About 75% of questions are based on informational texts (workplace documents, nonfiction, social studies and science passages), while 25% use literary fiction. You will also edit passages for grammar, sentence structure, and usage.
Full Language Arts GuideScience
The GED Science test assesses your ability to understand and interpret scientific information. You will have 90 minutes to answer approximately 34 questions drawn from three content areas: life science (approximately 40%), physical science (approximately 40%), and earth and space science (approximately 20%).
Questions require you to read short passages, interpret data from graphs, tables, and charts, evaluate experimental designs, and draw evidence-based conclusions. No advanced science knowledge is required — the test focuses on scientific reasoning skills.
Full GED Science GuideSocial Studies
The GED Social Studies test evaluates your ability to understand, interpret, and apply information about history, geography, government, and economics. You will have 70 minutes to answer approximately 35 questions based on reading passages and graphics such as charts, maps, graphs, and political cartoons.
Content areas include civics and government (50%), U.S. history (20%), economics (15%), and geography and the world (15%). Question formats include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drop-down, hot-spot, and drag-and-drop.
Full Social Studies GuideHow the GED Is Scored
Understanding the GED scoring system helps you set clear targets and measure your progress during preparation.
Score Range
Each of the four GED subject tests is scored on a scale of 100 to 200. Each subject is scored separately; there is no official combined score. Most scores appear in your GED.com account within a few hours of testing, and almost always within 24 hours.
Performance Levels
The GED uses three performance levels. A score of 145–164 on each subject earns a “GED Passing Score” (high school equivalency). A score of 165–174 earns “GED College Ready” status, which may qualify you to skip placement tests at some colleges. A score of 175–200 earns “GED College Ready + Credit,” which may qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours.
Passing Requirements
You need a minimum score of 145 on each subject test to pass. There is no combined total requirement — you simply must pass each subject individually. If you score below 145 on one or more subjects, you can retake just those subjects without repeating the entire exam. Your passing scores never expire.
Computer-Based Testing: What to Expect
The GED is delivered entirely on computer, either at an authorized Pearson VUE test center or as an online-proctored test at home. You do not need advanced computer skills — the interface uses simple point-and-click, drag-and-drop, and keyboard interactions. A brief tutorial is provided at the beginning of each test to familiarize you with the tools.
The test uses several question formats beyond traditional multiple choice. You will encounter drag-and-drop questions (placing items into correct positions), fill-in-the-blank questions (typing a short answer), drop-down menus (selecting the best option from a list), and hot-spot questions (clicking on the correct area of an image or graph).
On the Math test you get an on-screen TI-30XS MultiView calculator (for part 2) and a formula reference sheet. The on-screen calculator is also available on the Science and Social Studies tests, and at a test center you may bring your own TI-30XS MultiView. The Science and Social Studies tests provide stimulus materials such as passages, charts, graphs, and images that you must analyse to answer questions.
Each test is timed independently. You can take all four tests on the same day or spread them across multiple testing sessions over weeks or months. This flexibility allows you to focus your preparation and build confidence one subject at a time.
How to Register for the GED
Eligibility Requirements
Age rules are set by each state. Most states use 18 as the standard minimum, with exceptions for 16- and 17-year-olds who meet extra conditions (some states, such as New York, set the standard age at 19). In California you must be 18, or within 60 days of your 18th birthday, or 17 and out of school for at least 60 days with a letter of request from the military, a college, or an employer. You generally must not be enrolled in high school, and some states have residency rules, so check your state’s page on ged.com.
Registration Process
Registration is handled online through ged.com. Create a free account, select your state, choose a test center (or the online test) and date, and pay the fee for each subject test you want to schedule. Fees are set by each state; GED Testing Service says most states charge about $30 to $40 per subject ($120–$160 for all four). California charges $41 per subject, at a test center or online. Some states, such as New York, offer free testing for qualifying residents.
You can schedule your tests at any authorized Pearson VUE test center in your state. To test online instead, you must first score “green” (likely to pass) on the official GED Ready practice test for that subject within the last 60 days, and test on a computer with a webcam in a private room with a closed door. Online testing is not available in every state. For a test center, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early with a valid, government-issued photo ID. No personal belongings, including cell phones, are permitted in the testing room.
If you need to reschedule, you can do so through your ged.com account at least 24 hours before your appointment without penalty. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before your test may forfeit your testing fee.
How Dr. Donnelly Prepares You for GED Success
Dr. Stuart Donnelly (Oxford Ph.D.) has helped GED students prepare for all four subjects, using timed GED-style practice so you can see you are ready before you book each test. His approach is built on targeted preparation, not one-size-fits-all programmes.
Diagnostic Assessment
Every tutoring engagement begins with a diagnostic evaluation to identify your specific strengths and weaknesses across all four GED subjects. This ensures your study time is focused on the areas that will have the greatest impact on your scores.
Customised Study Plans
Dr. Donnelly designs a personalised preparation plan based on your diagnostic results, target score, and timeline. Whether you need to focus on one subject or all four, every lesson is structured around your individual needs.
Proven Test Strategies
Beyond content knowledge, Dr. Donnelly teaches you the test-taking strategies that make the difference on exam day — time management, process of elimination, strategic guessing, and how to handle the computer-based format with confidence.