Are you thinking about earning your GED? You're not alone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of adults take the GED test to open doors to better jobs, college, and a fresh start. Whether you left high school early, had family obligations, or just didn't think a diploma would matter – it's not too late.
This guide answers everything beginners ask: What is the GED? What subjects are on it? Can I take it online? Is it hard? How do I actually get started? Let's break it all down, step by step.
📌 Quick fact: The GED is recognized by nearly 100% of U.S. colleges and employers. GED graduates earn about $8,500 more per year than those without a credential.
What Is the GED?
GED stands for General Educational Development. It is a series of four subject tests that, once passed, earn you a high school equivalency credential. This means that legally and academically, the GED is treated the same as a traditional high school diploma.
The GED was developed by the American Council on Education in the 1940s to help veterans who joined the military without finishing high school. Today, it is administered by GED Testing Service and taken by adults across all 50 states and internationally.
Who Is the GED For?
The GED is for adults who did not graduate from high school. There are no academic prerequisites – you don't need to have taken any specific classes before signing up.
- Minimum age: Typically 16–18, depending on the state. Most states require you to be at least 18, or 16–17 with parental consent and proof that you've left school.
- Upper age limit: None. Adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond take the GED every day.
- Residency: You usually need to be a resident of the state where you're testing.
What Subjects Are on the GED Test?
The GED consists of four subject tests. You do not have to take them all at once – you can take one subject at a time, in any order.
| Subject | Time | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | 150 min | Reading comprehension, grammar, writing an essay |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 min | Algebra, geometry, basic math, graphs & functions |
| Science | 90 min | Reading graphs, scientific experiments, reasoning |
| Social Studies | 70 min | Analyzing historical events, reading for meaning, using data |
Total testing time: Approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes. But remember – you can split this across multiple days.
What's in the Math Section?
The math test has about 46 questions. The first part (about 5 questions) does not allow a calculator. The second part (about 41 questions) allows a calculator – and you are provided with a formula sheet. No memorization needed!
Topics are split into:
- Quantitative Problem Solving (45%) – basic math, geometry, measurements, data interpretation.
- Algebraic Problem Solving (55%) – expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing.
👉 Want to dive deeper? See how to pass all four GED subjects without studying for months and our proven strategies for passing the GED.
How Does the GED Test Work?
The GED is a computer-based test (except for a few paper-based accommodations for disabilities). Question types include:
- Multiple choice
- Drag-and-drop
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Select an area (hotspot)
- Drop-down
- One written essay (for the RLA section)
Scoring: Each subject is scored from 100 to 200. You need a minimum score of 145 on each subject to pass. Scores of 165–174 are considered "College Ready", and 175–200 are "College Ready + Credit" (which may earn you college credits).
GED Online vs. In-Person – What's the Difference?
One of the biggest questions beginners have is: "Can I take the GED from home?" The answer is yes – in most states.
| Factor | In-Person | Online (At Home) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Official testing center | Your private home or secure room |
| Schedule | Limited weekdays/hours | Available 24/7 |
| Requirements | Valid ID, arrive 15 min early | Private 4-walled room, webcam, stable internet, must pass GED Ready first |
| Cost | Varies by state | Same as in-person |
| Proctoring | In-person monitor | Remote proctor via webcam (AI + human) |
⚠️ Important: To take the GED online, you must first take the official GED Ready practice test and score at least 145 (a "Green" score). This proves you're prepared and prevents wasted test fees.
Which States Accept the GED?
All 50 U.S. states accept the GED credential. It is recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and the military nationwide.
However, a few states (like Iowa and Maine) do not offer the GED test – they use alternative tests like the HiSET. But if you earned your GED in another state, they still accept it for employment and education purposes.
Which States Allow Online (At-Home) GED Testing?
Most states now offer the online proctored (OP) version of the GED. Here is the breakdown:
✅ States that allow online GED testing (partial list):
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
❌ States that do NOT allow online GED testing (in-person only):
Connecticut, Florida, New York, West Virginia, Wyoming – plus Puerto Rico.
⚠️ Limited/conditional online testing: Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah – check your specific state rules on GED.com.
How Much Does the GED Cost?
Pricing depends on your state and whether you're testing in person or online. Most states charge about $30 to $46 per subject, so the total for all four subjects is roughly $120–$184. Testing online often costs a few dollars more per subject than testing at a center. Prices change, so check your state's current fee on GED.com before you book.
| State | Cost / Subject | Total (4 subjects) |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $32 | $128 |
| Georgia | $46 | $184 |
| Ohio | $36 | $144 |
💡 Pro tip: Many states offer discounted retakes (sometimes as low as $10–$20) if you don't pass a subject on your first try. Some states even offer free testing for eligible residents – check your local workforce development office.
How Do I Get My GED? (Step-by-Step Process)
Here is the exact 8-step roadmap to earning your GED:
- Create an account at GED.com.
- Check your state's policies – age requirements, pricing, and whether online testing is available where you live.
- Study and prepare – use free resources on GED.com, YouTube tutorials, or community college prep classes. You can also get one-on-one tutoring from LearnerPros.
- Take the GED Ready practice test – this is mandatory if you plan to test online, and highly recommended even if you don't. To warm up first, try our free GED practice tests.
- Schedule your test – choose your subjects (one at a time or all four) and pick a date/time.
- Pay – use a credit card, debit card, or a voucher if your state provides one.
- Take the test – show up to the test center (or log in from home) and do your best.
- Pass and order your credential – once you pass all four subjects, you can order your official diploma and transcripts through DiplomaSender.com.
📞 Stuck on a subject? Need guidance?
Our tutors help adults just like you prepare for the GED – from math anxiety to essay writing. Chat with us for free advice.
How Do I Get a Copy of My GED Certificate?
If you lose your GED certificate or need official transcripts, you can order replacements through DiplomaSender.com – the official transcript service for the GED. You'll need your name, date of birth, and the state where you took the test.
Cost is typically $15–$30 per copy. Some states also allow you to download a digital PDF version. (We'll be publishing a complete step-by-step guide on this soon – stay tuned!)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are the most common questions beginners search for – including "is the ged test hard" and "how do i get my ged online."
1. Is the GED test hard?
The GED is moderately challenging – it's designed to measure high school-level knowledge. However, it's not impossible. With proper preparation, most test-takers pass. The test focuses on critical thinking and reasoning, not memorization. In fact, about 80% of test-takers pass on their first try if they've studied adequately. The math section is often considered the hardest, while the essay portion intimidates many. But with free practice tests and study guides, you can build confidence quickly.
2. How hard is the GED math test?
The math section has a pass rate of around 70% – lower than other subjects. It tests algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. However, you're given a formula sheet and a calculator, so you don't need to memorize formulas. The hardest part is usually word problems and algebraic equations. With 2–3 weeks of dedicated study, most learners pass.
3. How hard is the GED compared to high school?
The GED is generally considered easier than a full high school curriculum because it tests core skills rather than requiring 4 years of coursework. You're tested on applied knowledge – reading comprehension, basic algebra, scientific reasoning – rather than memorizing dates or formulas. Many adults find the GED surprisingly manageable because they now have real-world experience that helps them understand the material better.
4. How do I get my GED online?
To take the GED online from home: 1) Go to GED.com and create an account. 2) Check your state allows online testing (most do – see the list above). 3) Take the GED Ready practice test and score at least 145. 4) Schedule your official exam – you'll need a private room, a computer with webcam, and stable internet. 5) A remote proctor monitors you via webcam. Pay the fee and take your test.
5. How do I get my GED if I'm an adult with a busy schedule?
You can take the test one subject at a time – you don't have to do all four in one day. The online (at-home) option allows you to test 24/7, making it easier for working adults. You can study at your own pace using free resources on GED.com, YouTube tutorials, or community college prep classes.
6. What's the difference between a GED and a high school diploma?
A high school diploma means you attended and passed all required classes in a traditional high school setting – usually over four years. A GED is a high school equivalency credential earned by passing four standardized tests, typically in under a year. Most colleges and employers treat them as equivalent – nearly 100% of U.S. schools accept the GED. 👉 Read our full GED vs. High School Diploma comparison guide.
7. How long does it take to get your GED?
Preparation time varies. The average learner spends 3–6 months studying part-time. If you study intensively (15–20 hours per week), you could be ready in 6–8 weeks. The test itself takes about 7.5 hours total – but you can spread it across multiple days.
8. Can I take the GED test if I'm under 18?
Yes, but most states require parental consent or proof that you've been out of school for a certain period. Check your state's specific age requirements on GED.com.
9. What happens if I fail a subject?
You can retake it. Most states offer discounted retakes – sometimes as low as $10–$20. You'll need to wait about 30 days before your first retake, but you can re-test as many times as needed until you pass.
10. Is getting your GED worth it?
Absolutely. GED graduates earn $8,500 more per year on average than those without a high school credential. It opens doors to college, trade schools, and better job opportunities. Nearly 100% of U.S. colleges accept the GED, and the military accepts it as well.
Your GED Journey Starts Here
Deciding to earn your GED is a brave and smart move. It takes commitment, but thousands of adults do it every year – and so can you. Start by visiting GED.com to create your account, check your state's rules, and take that first step toward a brighter future.
Need a little extra support? Reach out to us at LearnerPros. We help adults navigate the GED process from start to finish – whether you need study tips, scheduling help, or just someone to cheer you on.
🎓 Ready to start?
Explore our full collection of GED study guides, or talk to a tutor for one-on-one guidance.