How Is the GED Scored?
The GED (General Educational Development) test is scored on a scale of 100 to 200 per subject, giving you a total possible score range of 400 to 800 across all four subjects. Understanding how the scoring system works is the first step toward setting realistic goals and developing a winning study plan.
Each of the four GED subject tests — Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies — is scored independently. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score between 100 and 200 using a statistical process called equating, which ensures that scores are comparable across different test editions.
GED Score Ranges & Performance Levels
The GED Testing Service classifies scores into four performance levels. Each level reflects a different degree of readiness for college or the workforce.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the GED?
Per-Subject Passing Score
You need a minimum scaled score of 150 on each of the four subject tests to pass the GED. There is no rounding up — a score of 149 on any single subject means you have not passed that particular test, even if your other scores are well above the threshold.
Each subject test is taken and scored independently, which means you can pass some subjects while needing to retake others. You do not need to retake subjects you have already passed.
Total Passing Score
Since each of the four subjects requires a minimum of 150, the minimum total passing score is 600 out of a possible 800. However, you cannot compensate for a low score in one subject by scoring higher in another — you must reach 150 in every subject independently.
To achieve honors-level recognition (GED College Ready + Credit), you need at least 170 on each subject, for a minimum total of 680. This level can earn you college credit at participating institutions.
GED Score Percentiles
Your GED score report includes a percentile rank that shows how your performance compares to that of graduating high school seniors who took a norming study. Here is a general guide to what different score ranges mean in terms of percentiles.
150
Passing Score
Roughly equivalent to the performance of the bottom 40% of graduating high school seniors. This is the minimum to earn your diploma.
165
College Ready
Approximately the 60th–70th percentile. This score demonstrates readiness for college-level courses without remediation.
170+
College Ready + Credit
Roughly the 80th percentile and above. Outstanding performance that may earn college credit at participating schools.
How Long Are GED Scores Valid?
Your GED scores do not expire. Once you pass all four subject tests and earn your GED diploma, your credential is permanent — much like a traditional high school diploma. You will never need to retake the GED to maintain your credential.
If you passed some subjects under an older version of the GED (for example, the 2002-series test), those passing scores may still count depending on your state's policy. However, most states that transitioned to the current computer-based GED (launched in 2014) require you to pass all four subjects under the same test version. Check with your local GED testing center or state education department for specific rules in your jurisdiction.
Your score report is available online through your GED.com account indefinitely. You can download official transcripts and request diploma verification at any time, which is useful for college applications or employment verification years after testing.
GED Retake Rules
If you do not pass a subject test, the GED retake policy allows you to try again. The current retake rules are as follows:
- First and second retakes: No mandatory waiting period — you can reschedule as soon as a testing slot is available.
- Third retake and beyond: You must wait 60 days before attempting the same subject test again.
There is no limit on the total number of times you can retake a GED subject test. You only need to retake the specific subject(s) you did not pass; passing scores on other subjects are retained. Each retake does require a separate testing fee, which varies by state (typically $30 to $40 per subject).
If you scored between 145 and 149 (close to passing), focused preparation on your weak areas can often push you over the threshold in just a few tutoring sessions. Dr. Donnelly specializes in pinpointing these weaknesses and building targeted study plans that maximize your score improvement in the shortest possible time.
Understanding Your GED Score Report
After you complete a GED subject test, your score report is typically available within 24 hours on your GED.com account. Here is what you will find on it.
What's Included
- Overall scaled score for each subject (100–200)
- Performance level — Below Passing, Passing, College Ready, or College Ready + Credit
- Indicator scores for content domains within each subject, showing relative strengths and weaknesses
- Percentile rank compared to graduating high school seniors
How to Use Your Report
Pay close attention to the indicator scores (sometimes called sub-scores). These break down your performance by content area — for example, in Math you will see separate indicators for Algebraic Problem Solving and Quantitative Reasoning. If one area is significantly lower, that is where focused study will yield the greatest score improvement.
Dr. Donnelly uses these indicator scores to build personalized study plans that target your specific weaknesses, so every tutoring hour counts toward raising your overall score as efficiently as possible.
How to Improve Your GED Scores
1. Identify Weak Areas
Review your score report's indicator scores to find your weakest content domains. Spending time on already-strong areas is inefficient — focus where it matters most.
2. Practice with Official Materials
Use the free GED practice tests at GED.com and Dr. Donnelly's recommended resources. Official practice tests mirror the real exam format and difficulty level.
3. Get Expert Tutoring
Private tutoring with an experienced GED tutor like Dr. Donnelly can mean the difference between a near-miss and a strong pass. Personalized instruction targets exactly what you need.