Free guide · GED® Test

The GED® test, explained

Four subjects, taken one at a time, each scored on its own. Here is how each test is built, how it is scored and what to expect on the day. Every fact links to the page on ged.com it comes from.

How the test is built

You can take the subjects in any order and on different days. You pass each one separately.

The four tests [1]
TestTimePartsCalculator
Mathematical Reasoning115 min2: Part 1 without a calculator, a 3-minute break, then Part 2Part 2 only, on screen
Reasoning Through Language Arts150 min3, including a 45-minute essay and a 10-minute break after part 2None
Science90 min1, no breakOn screen, for some items
Social Studies70 min1, no breakOn screen, for some items

GED Testing Service doesn't publish how many questions each test has.

  • Questions come in several types: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, select an area, drop-down and fill-in-the-blank. [1]
  • The math test gives you a formula sheet and a calculator reference sheet. Science and Social Studies give you the calculator reference sheet. [1]
  • Only the Language Arts test has an essay. [1]

How it is scored

  • Each test is scored from 100 to 200. You pass a test with 145 or more. [2]
  • Scores of 165 to 174 are labelled College Ready, and 175 to 200 College Ready + Credit. [2]
  • The essay is scored on three traits, each from 0 to 2: how you use evidence in your argument, how you develop and organise it, and how clearly you write standard English. [3]

Booking and price

  • You book through a ged.com account: pick a test center or online testing, choose subjects, a day and a time, and pay online. [4]
  • The price, age rules and other requirements depend on where you live, so check the rules for your state. [5]
  • To test online you first need a "green" score in that subject, within the last 60 days, on the paid practice test from GED Testing Service. [6]

Free practice from the test makers

  • ged.com has a free sample test in each subject, about a quarter of the real length, with explanations. [7]

Test-day checklist

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID that has not expired. Without the right ID you can be turned away and lose the fee. [8]
  • Check in at least 15 minutes early. [8]
  • At a test center you may bring your own handheld calculator of the model the test uses. You get note boards and a marker there. [8]
  • Personal items stay outside the room. Taking several subjects in one day includes a 10-minute break between them. [8]
  • Testing online: no calculator of your own, no scratch paper, a private room with the door closed, and your phone out of reach. [6]

Rules can change. Check the official page before test day.

Practice with Prepanchor

Practice packs written by Prepanchor, an independent publisher.

Sources

  1. GED® test subjects, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  2. GED® scores, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  3. Language Arts guide for educators (PDF), ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  4. Scheduling your test, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  5. Price and rules where you live, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  6. Take the GED® test online, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  7. Free GED® sample tests, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  8. What to expect on test day, ged.com checked 23 Oct 2026