How Is the GED Scored?
The GED (General Educational Development) test is scored on a scale of 100 to 200 per subject, with 145 needed to pass each subject. 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
GED Testing Service reports each subject score in one of 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 145 on each of the four subject tests to pass the GED. There is no rounding up — a score of 144 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.
No Combined Score
The GED has no official total score. You cannot make up for a low score in one subject with a high score in another — you must reach 145 in every subject.
The College Ready (165) and College Ready + Credit (175) levels are also earned subject by subject. A score of 175 or higher on a subject may qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours at participating colleges.
The Three GED Score Targets
GED Testing Service sets three score targets for each subject. Here is what each one means for you.
145
Passing Score
The minimum on each of the four subjects. Pass all four to earn your high school equivalency credential.
165
College Ready
Shows you are ready for college-level courses and may let you skip placement tests or developmental classes.
175+
College Ready + Credit
May qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours at participating colleges.
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.
- After your second retake: You must wait 60 days before testing in the same subject again.
You only need to retake the specific subject(s) you did not pass; passing scores on other subjects are kept. Retake fees and limits are set by each state. In California, for example, each subject you buy at full price at a test center comes with one discounted retake (only a $15 test center fee) if you do not pass; discounted retakes are not offered for the online test.
If you scored just below 145, 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 usually available in your GED.com account within a few hours, and almost always within 24 hours. 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
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 Quantitative Problem Solving and Algebraic Problem Solving. 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.