The toughest GED® science questions and how to solve them

Mastering the GED® science questions involves sharpening your analytical skills rather than memorizing a textbook. Many students preparing for the science test discover that the hardest questions involve reading graphs, analyzing experiments, and drawing conclusions from data rather than recalling definitions. 

The good news is that these skills can be learned. This guide breaks down the test and some question types, offering clear strategies for the toughest GED science questions and how to solve them.

What makes a GED science question tough?

Tough questions test your ability to analyze data and experiments, and you can learn how to pass the GED science test by focusing on these core skills:

• Interpreting graphs, charts, and experimental data

• Reading dense passages quickly and accurately

• Applying basic science concepts to real-world scenarios

• Drawing conclusions based on evidence

• Managing time pressure during multi-step reasoning

Instead of asking for memorized facts, these questions test how well you can think like a scientist—using evidence to support an answer.

To get familiar with question styles, you can explore official materials like the GEDⓇ science test overview and study guide.

Practice GED science questions (with step-by-step answers)

Disclaimer: These aren’t real GED science questions and answers from the test—but they reflect the types of problems many test-takers find most challenging.

Practice question #1: Interpreting a data table

A table shows plant growth over 4 weeks under two conditions: sunlight and no sunlight. Plants in sunlight grew from 5 cm to 20 cm, while plants without sunlight grew from 5 cm to 8 cm.

What conclusion can be drawn from this data?

How to solve it

• Step 1: Compare starting values → both start at 5 cm

• Step 2: Compare growth → sunlight: +15 cm, no sunlight: +3 cm

• Step 3: Identify the variable → sunlight exposure

• Step 4: Draw conclusion → sunlight significantly increases plant growth

Answer + key insight:
Plants grow much more with sunlight. Focus on change over time, not just final numbers.

Common mistake:
Only looking at final height instead of comparing growth differences.

Practice question #2: Reading an experiment scenario

A student tests how temperature affects how quickly sugar dissolves in water. One cup is cold, one is warm, and one is hot. The sugar dissolves fastest in hot water.

What is the independent variable in this experiment?

How to solve it

• Step 1: Identify what is changed → temperature

• Step 2: Identify what is measured → dissolving speed

• Step 3: Independent variable = what is changed

Answer + key insight:
The independent variable is temperature. It is the factor the student intentionally changes.

Common mistake:

Confusing the independent variable with the result (dissolving speed).

Practice question #3: Interpreting a graph

A graph shows a line increasing as time increases, representing distance traveled by a car. 

What does the slope of the line represent?

How to solve it

• Step 1: Identify axes → time (horizontal x-axis), distance (vertical y-axis)

• Step 2: Understand slope → change in distance over time

• Step 3: Interpret meaning → how fast distance increases

Answer + key insight:
The slope represents speed. In science graphs, slope often shows a rate (i.e., miles per hour).

Common mistake:
Describing what the graph looks like instead of what it means.

How many questions are on the GED science test?

There are usually 34–40 GED science test questions. There are multiple question types that focus on reasoning, data analysis, and scientific literacy. How many GED science questions there are can vary slightly by test form, but students should expect a mix of:

• Short answer and multiple choice questions

• Questions based on passages, charts, and experiments

Rather than focusing on memorization, preparation should center on interpreting information and applying scientific reasoning. Many of the toughest questions involve analyzing data rather than recalling facts.

To build familiarity with questions, try out these official GED practice questions.

Common mistakes on the hardest GED science questions

Students often miss challenging questions for predictable reasons:

• Skipping the passage or data before answering

• Guessing without analyzing evidence

• Misreading graphs, labels, or units

• Overthinking instead of using provided information

• Focusing on memorization instead of reasoning

Avoiding these mistakes is the best way to consistently choose the correct GED science test answers on test day.

How to get better at GED science fast

Improving your score on the GED science test comes down to consistent practice and smart strategy:

• Get a free online GED test preview

• Use GED Ready™ practice tests

• Practice interpreting graphs, charts, and experiments daily

• Focus on understanding patterns 

• Review explanations on practice tests to learn from mistakes

Take the next step toward your GED credential

The fastest way to build confidence is through practice. Each question you work through helps you strengthen your ability to analyze information and think critically under time pressure.

Download the Official GED & METM app and create an account to get personalized guidance to help you prep for and pass the GED—directly from the makers of the GED!

The toughest GED® Language Arts questions and how to solve them

Students sometimes worry about passing the GED® Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) exam because they need to answer about 46 questions and write one essay in 150 minutes. 

That can sound like a lot, but you can do it!

With practice, you can tackle the toughest GED Language Arts questions and solve them. You can start practicing right now with the example questions we’ve created.

You can also explore our mobile app for additional help. 

GED RLA practice questions and answers

These aren’t real test questions—but they reflect the types of problems many test-takers find challenging. They also reflect similar GED Language Arts test answers that may appear. 

Practice question #1: Making an inference from a newspaper article

There is a secret about Lindon's Easter Egg Hunt. Everyone knows it begins right on the hour and lasts for a minute or two. “If you ever want to see 15,000 eggs disappear in less than a minute. . .” the mayor told the city council April 6. Then she revealed that she holds back a special stash for stragglers, and those eggs have some of the best prizes.

Question: What can the reader most reasonably infer from this information?

• The reporter didn’t get the full quote, as indicated by the ellipses.
• The mayor likes to withhold important information from the city council and residents.
• The reporter is biased in suggesting a lack of transparency in the city government.
• The mayor recognizes how important the Easter Egg Hunt is to children, and doesn’t want them to be disappointed.

How to solve it

1. Identify the key facts in the passage.

2. Ask what conclusion those facts support.

3. Eliminate answers that go beyond the evidence.

4. Choose the answer most directly supported by the passage.

Answer

The fourth answer is correct. 

Ellipses can indicate that the speaker left something unstated that the audience would understand. However, there’s nothing in the paragraph to suggest that anyone speaking in a public meeting with a reporter present is hiding important information.

Practice question #2: Revising for clarity and grammar

The original sentence: The students finished the project late, however they still presented it confidently.

Question: Which revision is most correct?

• The students finished the project late, however, they still presented it confidently.
• The students finished the project late; however, they still presented it confidently.
• The students finished the project late. They still presented it confidently.
• The students finished the project late and they still presented it confidently.

How to solve it

1. Check whether punctuation joins two independent clauses correctly.

2. Look for the clearest, grammatically correct revision.

3. Pick the choice that fixes the error without making the sentence awkward.

Answer

This one is tricky because there are two correct answers, but the second revised version of the sentence is the best answer because it connects the independent clauses most clearly. 

Try more practice questions. 

Practice question #3: Short essay question

Are Tweens Ready for Cell Phones? 

View 1: “Tweens” Are Ready for Cell Phones by Deborah Pendergast 

Thank you for inviting me to the first “Safer Kids Summit.” We are here to discuss ways to keep our children safe in an increasingly complex world. Today’s focus is on technology—specifically on the ideal age to give kids their own cell phones. As a representative of a large telecommunications company, I receive many inquiries from parents on this topic, and this is what I tell them: It depends on the child, of course, but in general, age 10 is just about right. 

A 2012 survey by the National Consumers League backs me up. The survey found that almost 60 percent of children ages 8 to 12 already have cell phones. These “tweens” can contact their parents at any time, and vice versa, giving the kids a sense of empowerment and their parents a feeling of security. Caroline Knorr, of the group Common Sense Media, says, "We want our kids to be independent, to be able to walk home from school and play at the playground without us. We want them to have that old-fashioned, fun experience of being on their own, and cell phones can help with that.” Picture the following scenario: You told your fourth-grader that you would pick her up after school, but you are stuck in traffic. She is waiting for you …and waiting, and waiting. But if you both have cell phones, you can call her to let her know you are delayed, and she can go back inside the school, where there are adults around. You both breathe a sigh of relief.

Psychologists tell us that the period between ages 10 and 12 is one of growing independence. It is a time to teach children about responsibility, and to give them opportunities to earn our trust. Providing a 10-year-old with a cell phone offers an ideal way to achieve these goals and gives parents peace of mind as well.” 

View 2: Wait Until They Are Older by Linda Sidner 

Good morning! I come to this topic as a parent and a veteran teacher of so-called “tweens.” I love kids this age for their curiosity and energy, but those same qualities can lead to trouble if not overseen by adults. That’s why giving children their own phones actually makes them less safe, not more. I believe that the best age for a cell phone is 16, the point at which we consider kids grown-up enough to learn to drive — and even then, parents must set firm limits on phone use! 

Why are tweens with phones less safe? For one thing, parents may be lulled into a false sense of security if their kids have phones. They may become careless about knowing where their child is and who he is with, thinking, “I can always reach him on his phone.” For another, cell phones give children access to all the frightening, dangerous, and inappropriate sites on the Internet, with no parent nearby to monitor this activity. But perhaps the most worrisome aspect of giving cell phones to children is the rise in “cyberbullying” or “text bullying.” Text bullying means using a cell phone to send cruel, embarrassing, or false text messages to or about someone. In one study, researcher Elizabeth Englander found that by middle school, over 90% of children report that they use their cell phones to text or go onto the Internet. She also found that in grades 3 through 5, between 14 and 19 percent of children reported being victims of cyberbullying. What if it’s your child on the receiving end of this cruelty? Or, perhaps worse, what if your child is the bully? Children of this age are simply not mature enough to handle this technology, and we shouldn’t expect them to be. It’s our job as adults to protect them. That’s why I say: It’s better to wait. 

Task: In your essay, develop an argument to claim which view is better supported. Use evidence from both opinions to support your decision. 

How to solve it

1. Read both views carefully.

2. Choose which view is better supported.

3. Pick out evidence that supports your argument.

4. Write out your thoughts clearly and use the evidence to support your argument.

Answer

There is no “right answer” for this part of the exam. 

Instead, your score depends on how well you analyze both views and clearly write your evidence and reasoning. You also need to ensure your essay is grammatically correct. 

Explore more essay examples. 

How to get better at GED Reasoning Through Language Arts fast

Here are more ways to practice:

• Read news articles: You’ll read a lot of information in a short amount of time due to how news articles are formatted.

• Write essays about topics you like: Practice formatting your arguments and thoughts by writing essays about topics that interest you. 

• Use GED ReadyⓇ: Use this practice test that mimics the real GED RLA exam. It will not only tell you your score but also what areas you should study more to strengthen your skills. (We also have a shorter free version.)

You can also try our mobile app!

The Toughest GED® Social Studies Questions (and How to Solve Them)

The GED® Social Studies exam doesn’t have to be intimidating. This test is more about reading comprehension and reasoning than memorizing a bunch of facts. Learn about the toughest GED Social Studies questions and how to solve them below.

What makes a GED Social Studies question “tough?” 

One major reason students can struggle with GED Social Studies questions is because it requires you to read dense (and often dry) texts or charts in a short amount of time. Also, instead of simple yes-or-no questions, students are also asked to answer if the text is biased or creates propaganda, which can be tricky to know. 

Practice GED Social Studies questions (with step-by-step answers)

Below aren’t real GED Social Studies questions and answers, but are similar to problems many students find tough to answer.

Practice question #1: Making an inference from a historical passage

This is a passage from the Declaration of Independence:

“Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence.”

Question: What can the reader most reasonably infer from this information?

• The colonists are impatient and unwilling to put up with the king’s laws.
• The colonists tried many other things before declaring independence, all to no avail.
• The colonists feel no kinship with the king and Britain.
• The colonists find British rule magnanimous.

How to Solve It

1. Identify the key facts in the passage.

2. Ask what conclusion those facts support.

3. Eliminate answers that go beyond the evidence.

4. Choose the answer most directly supported by the passage.

Answer

The second answer is correct. 

The passage has four statements in a row beginning with “We have” and goes on to explain different things the colonists tried before declaring independence that have not worked. 

Practice question #2: Identifying bias or propaganda

A wartime poster says that anyone who disagrees with a policy is unpatriotic.

Question: Which answer best explains why this is propaganda?

• The poster is telling people what to do.
• The poster is appealing to people’s emotions.
• The poster is using emotional manipulation to force people to agree with the policy.
• The poster is informing people of a new policy.

How to solve it

1. Look for emotionally loaded language.

2. Ask whether the source is trying to inform or persuade unfairly.

3. Compare the language with more neutral, evidence-based wording.

Answer

The correct answer is the third one. 

“Anyone who disagrees with a policy is unpatriotic” is a form of pressuring people to agree with something through emotional manipulation rather than balanced evidence.

Practice question #3: Interpreting a chart or table

Since the 19th century, many people have worked for equal rights for women. Much of this effort focused on suffrage, which is the right to vote. One of the greatest victories for advocates of women’s rights was ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920. The 19th Amendment stated that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.” However, the struggle for equality in other areas of society continued even after the 19th Amendment grated woman suffrage. 

View chart

Question: What do the passage and graph indicate about the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries?

• Social movements halted inequalities within.
• The changes in voting rights impacted representation in the U.S. government.
• Democratic principles are more powerful than cultural traditions.
• The Civil War Amendments created greater democratic opportunities for women.

How to solve it

1. Read the title, labels, and time period.

2. Identify the biggest trend in the data.

3. Focus on what the graph proves, not implications.

4. Pick the answer supported by the chart and passage.

Answer

The correct answer is the second one. 

The graph and passage focus on how changes in voting rights led to more women voting—which led to more female representatives. Neither the passage nor the graph discusses the Civil War, cultural values, or claims that inequalities no longer exist. 

Practice more example questions, and take a look at our GED Study Guide for more information. 

How many questions are on the GED Social Studies test?

There are about 35 questions on the GED Social Studies test, and they must be completed in 70 minutes or less.

Common mistakes on the hardest GED Social Studies questions

Here are the top six mistakes students make when taking the GED Social Studies test:

1. Reading too fast, leading to misunderstanding the context of the passage or even the question.

2. Skipping steps to finish on time.

3. Picking answers too quickly without considering the question.

4. Misreading graphs, leading to a misunderstanding of the information.

5. Not checking their work and catching mistakes.

6. Choosing answers that sound good but aren’t supported by the text/graph.

How to get better at GED Social Studies fast

Practice is the best way to get better at GED Social Studies. You can practice by:

• Using practice tests: This will allow you to understand what kind of questions will be asked and what the correct answers are without pressure.

• Studying the most challenging areas: If you struggle with a certain section, say interpreting graphs, take the extra time to focus on that area. 

• Retaking practice exams: Practice exams will often share your score and where you can improve. Use this information to improve your study plan. 

• Download our mobile app, GED & Me™: Work through practice questions, and work up an individual learning plan based on your GED Ready® Score Report.

• Try GED Flash™: This paid tool has 1000s of interactive practice questions in both English and Spanish.

• Use MyGED®: This provides you with GED resources on the go so you can study whenever and wherever you want. Sign up today!

Balancing a full-time job while preparing for the GED® test isn’t easy. You have little time, your energy is stretched, and studying can feel like too much. With the right approach, it’s possible to follow a GED plan for full-time working adults and make real progress in just six weeks.

This guide gives you a realistic, structured path to help you stay focused, avoid burnout, and move efficiently toward your goal.

Can you really get the GED® in six weeks?

Yes. Many adults are able to make it happen. The key is consistency, not cramming.

If you can commit about 1–2 hours a day, most days of the week, you can build enough momentum to get the GED in six weeks. Your timeline will depend on your starting point, but a focused plan helps you avoid wasting time on what you already know.

Instead of trying to master everything, focus on what matters most—being ready to pass.

What you need before you start

Before jumping into your GED schedule for full-time working adult success, take a few simple steps:

• Create your account
• Explore official study tools
• Take a GED Ready® practice test

These steps help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can study smarter, not longer. For example, you might discover you’re already close to passing Social Studies but need more work in Math.

Your 6-week GED study schedule (while working full-time)

Week 1: Assess and plan

Start by taking GED Ready practice tests in each subject. Use your results to:

• Identify 1–2 subjects to focus on first
• Create a weekly study schedule (evenings and weekends work best)
• Set realistic daily time blocks (60–90 minutes)

This week is all about building a clear, focused plan.

Weeks 2–3: Focus on your first subjects

Choose one or two subjects from Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, Reasoning Through Language Arts, and Science.

• Study 60–90 minutes/day, 5 days per week
• Use official prep materials and practice questions
• Focus on weak areas instead of reviewing everything

Sticking to just a couple of subjects keeps your workload manageable and prevents burnout.

Week 4: Test your first subjects

Now it’s time to check your progress.

• Retake GED Ready tests
• If you score “likely to pass,” you’re ready to move forward
• Book your GED test in those subjects

Scheduling your tests in these subjects will help you maintain momentum and bring you closer to getting that GED.

Weeks 5–6: Finish the remaining subjects

Repeat the same process for the subjects you haven’t yet prepared for.

• Study consistently during the week
• Take the final GED Ready tests
• Schedule your remaining exams as soon as you’re ready

By the end of week six, you can realistically complete all four subjects.

How to balance GED study with a full-time job

When you’re working full-time, the biggest challenge isn’t necessarily the material. It’s managing your time and energy.

Here are some practical ways to stay on track:

1. Time block your study sessions: Same time each day builds routine
2. Use micro-sessions: Even 30–60 minutes is effective
3. Leverage weekends: Catch up or get ahead
4. Limit your focus: Don’t study all four subjects at once
5. Stay consistent: A little every day beats intensity every time

Don’t forget to build rest time into your schedule. Overloading yourself leads to burnout, which slows progress. 

Tips to stay on track and pass faster

If your goal is to get the GED in six weeks, keep these strategies in mind:

• Focus on test readiness, not perfection
• Use GED Ready as your progress benchmark
• Schedule tests early to stay motivated
• Study your weakest areas first
• Trust that small, daily progress adds up

Start your GED plan today

The fastest way to reach your goal is to start now. Six weeks from now, you could be holding your GED credential and opening the door to new opportunities.

Create your account, take your practice test, and begin building your GED plan for a full-time working adult.

What is Credly?

Credly is the official issuer of GED® digital badges and hosts the largest and most connected digital credential network. Educational institutions and employers have trusted Credly for years to save time and provide verified confirmation of an individual’s educational achievements.

The Credly platform isn’t just for the GED credential. Credly enables organizations, educational institutions, and certification providers to create, issue, and manage digital badges. For context on the technical side, if you’re curious how the sausage is made: digital badges are often embedded with metadata that provide information about the accomplishment, the issuer, the criteria met, and the evidence supporting the achievement. This metadata is important for verification and validation purposes.

After receiving your GED credential – or after each subject test when you score College Ready or College Ready+ – you’ll get an email with instructions on how to access and use your Credly badge.

A high school diploma signifies high school graduation. It shows you attended and passed all the required classes in a traditional high school setting.

The GED credential is a high school equivalency diploma. It shows you passed four high school equivalency tests, demonstrating you have the same knowledge as a traditional high school graduate.

Perhaps the time requirement is the key difference in the GED vs. high school diploma question. Traditional high school students typically need four years to complete classes and graduate. The GED is a 7-hour test. For most people, preparing for it takes less than a year. In most states, you can take the GED tests any time after age 16.

As you can see, the difference between a diploma and a GED is not significant. Both allow students to join the workforce, launch a career, or attend college.

Is a GED Equivalent to a Diploma?

Most colleges and employers see the GED and a high school diploma as the same. Just under 100% of U.S. schools accept the GED, including community colleges, private secondary or technical institutes, and universities.

Coupling your GED with a decent ACT or SAT score will improve your chances of getting accepted into a top school. Or, you can bypass other standardized tests with a GED College-Ready score, awarded to those who earn a high score on their GED tests.

Because the GED is equivalent to a high school diploma, in addition to using it to register for college, you can also use it to apply for a job.

Many employers view these achievements equally when it comes to a GED vs. a high school diploma, and getting a GED can lead to a higher salary. Many GED graduates can make around $8,500 more annually than those without a GED or diploma.

Which Option Is Best for You?

What’s the difference between a high school diploma vs. GED? And which should you pursue? Both choices open up possibilities for a higher salary, additional education, and professional advancement.

High school diplomas can provide excellent preparation for an entry-level job or college studies. It’s an ideal option for those with the time and whose personal life situations make it possible to attend.

However, some students may need to leave high school for many reasons, including family obligations. In those instances, a GED may be the best option.

What Is a GED?

The General Educational Development Test consists of four subject tests that, once passed, earn you a high school equivalency credential. The four subjects are language arts, math, social studies, and science.

Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s because they’re subjects commonly taught in high school. You will have earned your credential after you successfully pass these four exams. What does this do? It proves you have a grade 12 education—even without a traditional diploma.

How Did the GED Get Started?

The American Council on Education developed the GED in the 1940s to help veterans who had joined the military without finishing high school. Passing the test allowed them access to colleges or jobs requiring a high school diploma. In the 80 years since, millions of Americans have earned their GEDs, including many celebrities.

Explore the Benefits of Earning Your GED

Now that you know the difference between a GED vs. diploma, which option is right for you?

GED.com makes it easy to work toward earning your GED with online resources, study guides, progress goals, practice tests, and more. Learn more about the benefits of earning your GED and how to get your GED as an adult today.

It’s the day before your GED exam and you’re thinking of ways to prepare. Don’t know where to start? The tips below will help you get ready fast.

Clarify All Your Doubts

Before test day, be sure that you understand all the info clearly. You can do this by jotting down every topic that’s challenging for you. Use previous study materials and online resources to help clarify your doubts.

The day before the exam, focus on reviewing those difficult topics and getting them down so test day is a breeze!

Complete a Practice Test

Completing a practice test is a great way to review and allows you to gauge your level of understanding. We recommend to take at least three practice tests throughout your GED prep. You can practice by using sample exams that your instructor provides or find them online.

Here’s another tip: time yourself while completing it to make sure you have good pacing. Use GED Ready or check out our free GED practice tests!

Review With a Friend

Studies have shown that reviewing with a friend helps to retain more information, increases your level of motivation, and encourages you to think more critically. When collaborating with another person, you get exposed to different points of view. This is extremely beneficial because it can make a difficult topic easier to understand.

Next time a big test is coming up, create a study group or call a friend!

Get Plenty of Rest

Don’t pull an all-nighter before an exam! Cramming and staying up late will leave you tired and struggling to focus the next day. Instead, lightly review before going to bed early and eat a filling breakfast the next morning. This will help you feel energized throughout the day and remain cool, calm, and collected when the exam begins.

Don’t forget to visit GED.com for study tips, practice tests, study tools, and more.

Taking the GED test is an important step in furthering your education or career opportunities. Getting a GED could also help you earn more money over your lifetime–GED graduates can earn $9,000 more a year than those without a GED or high school diploma. With a GED, you can expand your opportunities and apply to college and career training programs. And while the fees for the GED test are a worthwhile investment in your future, the cost of the test could be a barrier to entry for some people seeking to earn their GED.

So how can you get a free or discounted GED? Fortunately, there are a few options for getting a free or subsidized GED test.

Earn a Free GED with the GEDWorks Program

GEDWorks is a comprehensive program that allows you to get your GED for free through your employer. The GED program allows you to take free GED tests, making it easy to earn your GED while you work.

GEDWorks is free to employees or members, with costs covered by the employer or healthcare provider. The program provides unlimited access to English and Spanish study materials, preparation courses, tutoring, practice tests, a personal advisor, and more–at no cost to you. Advisors work with each student weekly by coaching, offering study tips, and study material guidance every step of the way. Participating students also have the support of their employers, as they can track progress and overall performance using the data and reporting features built in the program.

Those who enroll in GEDWorks are almost twice as likely to earn their GED than those who study for the test on their own. Top companies like Taco Bell, KFC, Sheetz, The Cheesecake Factory, Pizza Hut, and more are building stronger workforces with GEDWorks. There are also health plan providers, like Minnesota-based UCare, that offer eligible members access to GEDWorks. Since the program’s launch, we’ve helped over 4,200 students earn their GED credentials at no cost to them. You can register at GED.com to see if your company already offers free GED tests. A full list of participating employers can be found here.

Other Ways to Take Your GED Test for Free or a Discount

Some states across the country offer the opportunity to take your test for free or a discount as part of a promotion. States like Minnesota, Maryland, and DC offer discounted testing, and others like Connecticut, Kentucky, and Virginia offer free testing. Depending on the state, the student may need to be a state resident, a first-time tester, enrolled in an approved adult education program, and take the GED Ready practice test. Eligibility varies by state, but you can view a full list of states currently offering free or discounted testing here.

Learn More About How to Earn a Free or Discounted GED

Want to learn more about how to earn a GED for free or a discount? Whether you’re an employee working for a company offering the GEDWorks program or a student living in a state offering a test discount, GED Testing Service is ready to help. You can learn more about our employer-sponsored GEDWorks program by visiting GEDWorks.com. Or you can register at GED.com, and during the sign-up process, you can see if your company offers GEDWorks or your state offers free or discounted testing.

If you don’t know where to take the GED test, there are hundreds of GED locations across the country, and chances are one of them is conveniently located in or near your community.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most states now offer the option to take the GED test online from the safety of your home.

Let’s take a look at the possibilities available to you and go over what you can expect when scheduling your test.

In-Person Locations

In-person testing is the preferred option for many people who need to take the GED test. If you need to know where to take the GED in your community, take a look at our scheduling page to find a location near you.

In-person testing takes place in monitored test environments at test centers, colleges and other educational facilities across the country. When scheduling your test, you can choose which subjects you’ll be testing for that day, and then you can select a date and time at a nearby testing center that works for you.

To help promote safety during COVID-19, GED locations will have additional test-day requirements around mask wearing, social distancing, and other health-oriented behaviors. Alternately, some locations may be closed, and others may have fewer time slots available to choose from for taking your test. Plan ahead so you can schedule the time slot and testing center that works best for you.

Online Testing

Online testing is a new option available in most states to help you safely take the GED test even when testing centers are closed or have limited capacity. With no need to drive to a testing center, along with testing time slots available around the clock, many people prefer the online testing for its convenience. However, online testing has its own requirements, so you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared.

Like an in-person test, when you take the GED online, you’ll be monitored and recorded during the exam. This will happen through your webcam, so you’ll need a computer with a webcam and a good internet connection. In addition, you’ll need a private workspace with four walls, a closed door, and no distractions.

Online testing has a few additional rules and restrictions, which you will learn more about when you schedule a time to take the test online.

GED Locations for Your Success

Whether you choose an in-person location or take the test online, your hard work will be rewarded, and you’ll be one step closer to earning your GED and unlocking new opportunities for your future.

You’ve been dedicated to consistent study and are finally ready to take the GED. But before you go in for your test, it’s important to know your goal. A GED passing score on all four subjects allows you to earn a high school equivalency credential, and a college-ready score can allow you even more opportunities for your future education. So what is a good GED score? And how do you find out your GED score and what it means? The answer to this question depends on your goals.

What is a Passing GED Score?

You need to receive a score of 145 or better to pass the GED. But students who score higher may be eligible to receive college credit or even skip college entrance exams. So clearly, it’s in a student’s best interest to do as well as possible on the GED.

Overview of GED Scores

GED test score percentiles can be broken down into four categories: below a passing score, a high school equivalency score, a College Ready score, and a College Ready + Credit score that could result in college credit.

Below a Passing Score: 100-144

Students who get below a passing score will need to retake any test subject of the GED exam that they did not pass. If they earned below a passing score on all subjects of the GED exam, they would need to retake each subject.

Passing Score: 145-164

Students who achieve a score of 145 or higher on each section of the exam will earn a high school equivalency credential.

College Ready Score: 165-174

Though a score of 145 or better is considered a passing score on the GED, a college-ready score is considered to be anything above 164. Students who score 165-174 show that they have the skills needed to start college-level courses and may be exempt from placement tests or remedial (non-credit) courses in college. However, their score may not qualify them to skip entrance exams.

College Ready + Credit Score: 175-200

Any student who earns a score of 175 or higher may have the chance to earn up to 10 college credits, or have the chance to skip college entrance exams. GED Testing Service will endorse these students, but it’s ultimately up to the college to decide if they are eligible for these benefits.

Does a Score on the GED Test Translate into a GPA?

Though many students believe that a GED test can be easily translated into a GPA, there is actually no general rule of thumb to do so.

Do Your Best

When it comes to studying for the GED, doing your best is what counts most. Study the right topics, take practice exams, and hone in on your weaknesses. The better your score, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn college credit and begin your path to a rewarding future.