We all know failure is sometimes a part of success, and this is true even with the GED test. If you don’t pass the first time, you have a few opportunities to do better in certain areas of the test. You can study, then retake the test and do better. It’s possible to pass.

Many people before you have not passed on their first try. They improved a knowledge area, then passed on a second or third attempt. You can do it! We’re going to help you answer several questions, like:

• How many times can you take the GED test?
• How do you prepare to retake it?
• How much does a retake cost?

You only truly fail if you give up. You can keep learning and try until you pass. You are capable of it. Remember why you want to succeed, and use the tips below in your next attempt.

How Many Times Can You Take the GED Test?

Retakes policies and holds are determined by your state, please check your state’s specific requirements.

It’s natural to feel disappointment and maybe anger if you don’t pass a subject test the first time. Many students have trouble with a particular subject within the GED—they might struggle with math, for example. So, you can retake the subject test you didn’t pass. This lets you study just that subject more intensely until you can pass its test.

How Much Does It Cost to Retake a Test Subject?

You may be able to retake subject tests for free. The GED Testing Service doesn’t charge another fee if you need to retake a subject. Test locations might also decide to give you free or low-cost retests. Just ask about it.

What Are the State Policies for Retaking the GED?

Most states let you retake a subject test without any kind of waiting period. After three attempts, including the first, they usually give you a waiting period of 60 days before the fourth attempt. To confirm pricing and all other rules, look up the specific GED testing policy in your state.

What Score Do You Need to Pass the GED?

If you don’t pass the first time, you might only need to raise your score a small amount in a particular subject test. You don’t need a perfect score.

Here’s a more specific breakdown:

100 to 144: This score is below passing.

145 to 164: Congratulations, this indicates that you demonstrate high school level skills and knowledge.

165 to 174: This indicates that you’re prepared to enter college without remediation and may be eligible to bypass placement exams.

175 to 200: You’ve shown above-average skills and knowledge and may be eligible to bypass placement exams and earn college credits in certain subjects/schools.

How to Prepare for Your Retake Test

But how do you actually study? First, look at your scores and ask yourself a few questions to figure out what areas you struggle with:

• Did you answer every question? Did the test time run out first?
• Did you use a calculator on the math or science portions? Do you need to learn how to use one?
• Are you struggling with the written essay? Did you directly answer the writing prompt? Did you write a long enough essay?

Look for any areas where you need to improve, then pick the study guides that will raise your skills in that area. Keep reading the practice questions and answering them aloud until you are confident you can answer them on the test.

Then, take a GED practice test. When you finish, it will tell you if you are likely to pass (a score of 145 points or higher), too close to call, or are not likely to pass. This will give you a great idea of whether you need to study and practice more or not.

Study with Expert Materials

Remember, if you only struggle in one or two areas, you can pick out the study materials for those areas and practice hard with them. This will save you time and help you improve in the areas where you really need it.

On GED.com, you can get practice questions, classes, practice tests, and more. You can retake the GED as many times as you need, so you’ll succeed if you keep studying!

Passing the GED will open up new job opportunities and give you the foundation required to further your education. But how long should you study for the GED test? What skills are necessary when learning how to study for the GED test at home?

This guide will help you learn how (and what) to study for the GED test for each subject.

What To Study for the Test

Fortunately, there doesn’t have to be any guesswork involved in knowing what to study for the GED test. The test is broken down into four subjects: language arts, math, social studies, and science. By preparing for each of these individually, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to pass the GED test.

Language Arts

The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts test consists of multiple-choice questions that generally take 150 minutes to complete. Set yourself up for success on this exam by implementing these tips:

• Read the question before you read the passage.
• Frame the question in your own words.
• Don’t know the answer? Use the process of elimination to make your best guess.
• Summarize paragraphs as you read.

Test your knowledge by taking the RLA sample questions before the exam date. If you achieve a passing score, you’re probably ready to take the test.

Math

The GED Mathematical Reasoning test contains multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and more with 115 minutes to complete. All the questions require quantitative or algebraic problem-solving skills, covering topics like the quadratic formula, perimeter, and mean or median. Here are some tips to help you study:

• Read all of the information before choosing an answer.
• If you’re not sure of the answer, try estimating or approximating.
• Don’t see the correct answer? Look for the numbers in a different format.

After you’ve spent some time studying, measure your progress by taking the GED Math Practice Test.

Social Studies

You’ll have 70 minutes to answer questions on the GED Social Studies test. As with the language arts exam, many of these questions are based on a passage (or historical document.) Keep these tips in mind as you get ready for this subject on the GED:

• Remember that the answer usually lies in the passage—not in memorizing history facts.
• Look to charts or data for help answering the question. What does the information tell you?
• Focus on an event’s cause or effect rather than names and dates.
• Get familiar with economics terminology.

It’s time to test your knowledge! Take the GED Social Studies Practice Test to see how you stand.

Science

You’ll be required to answer questions on the GED Science test covering topics like earth science, life science, and physical science in a total of 90 minutes. Prepare for the exam with these study tips:

• Pay attention to trends. Graphs and tables are telling you something about the data. What is it?
• Know the difference between a dependent and independent variable.
• Review the question before reading a passage or data set.
• Skip questions you’re struggling with, then come back to them at the end of the exam.

Are you ready for the big test day? Find out by measuring your skills with the GED Science Practice Test.

How Long Should You Study

Most students spend about three months preparing for the GED and divide their time according to which areas they need to focus on the most. But don’t let the average timeline determine when you take the test—instead, wait to take the exam when you’re confident in your abilities.

Remember that you don’t have to take every subject on the exam on the same day. It may be best to spread them out over several weeks or months. And as you consider how to study for the GED test at home, remember to take breaks during your study time to keep your mind fresh.

You can also create a positive study environment (link to best study environment article here) by removing distractions, setting a regular study time, and keeping an organized desk surface.

Start Studying for the GED Today

Learning how to study for the GED test doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one subject at a time, follow our study tips, and get started today with our GED practice questions. Then create a free account to access additional study resources, including our online and in-person GED test prep classes.

As a someone who’s just gotten her college degree after years of blood, sweat, andmaybe a few tears (literally),I know just how important it is to find a schedule and tools that work for you. There are many benefits of using apps to help you study.

For example, appscan help you work on procrastinating less (we’ve all been there). Whether you need help being organized or staying on task, there are a multitude of resources out there for you!

Here are four free, and I mean FREE, apps and study tools that will help you be successful on your educational journey. I personally love and use allthese study tools.

Quizlet

What:A lot of you may be familiar with Quizlet during your last-ditch attempt to study for a big test, but it can also be used to study ahead of time.It allows anyone to create a set of flashcards to help them study, or search for flashcard sets made by others for any class or subject.

Best Features:Some perks include being able to utilize the text to speech function, add photos to your study sets, or star important terms.

Is it For You?:Quizlet is great for people who need a quick review of their material prior to a major test or quiz. Basically, there’s no reason not to pass when using this amazing app.

Flora

What:Florais one of my favorites, because it blocks distracting apps on your phone and prevents you from going on them while working.

Best Features:Not only does it block apps for you, such as social media or games,but you can also set a specific amount of time that you want to focus. There’s even a virtual tree that grows the longer you stay focused!If you leave Flora to go on one of your blocked apps, the tree dies, creating a real consequence for not staying on task. So, save the planet!

Some other features include being able to challenge friends, create to do lists, and you can also pay to plant real trees anywhere in the world!

Is it For You?:This app is a good tool for those of us who are easily distracted. Use Flora if you want to get good grades while also getting a green thumb.Talk about saving trees, am I right?

Notion

What:As someone who loves keeping digital notes for everything, I really enjoyed using Notion! This is truly an all-in-one note taking app.

Best Features:In addition to being able to take notes, Notion is a planner, journal, database, habit tracker, calendar and so much more. It allows for customization so you can tailor it to best suit your style.

Is it For You?:I recommend Notion to anyone who likes to keep all their notes in one place. It’s perfect if you’re a student who likes to keep a digital planner or take online notes.

Xmind

What:Xmind is a study tool that focuses on creating mind maps.Mind maps are used to visually organize information and allows you to see the relationships between different topics.

Creating mind maps is great not only for studying, but also planning out projects or working with a team.Now you can finally answer the age-old question, can you compare apples to oranges?

Best Features:In the free version of the app, you can insert notes, markers, stickers, and hyperlinks.You’re also able to add labels to your topics anddownload your maps to look back at later.

Is it For You?:Xmind is a great tool if you like to learn by visualizing topics or enjoy breaking down complex information.

Make sure to check out all the study tools above and get started on your student journey.It’s not easy but it is worth it.Good luck!

*All recommendations are available for iOS and Android users.

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.

First, let’s clear up what the terms cause and effect mean.

Cause and effect is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen. A cause is something that happens. As a result of that, an effect is what follows. For example, as a cause, if you spend a week lounging around munching on junk food all day, the effect is that you’d gain a couple pounds.

• An effect answers the question*: “What happened?”
• A cause answers the question*: “How or why did it happen?”

Are you preparing to take the GED math test? Whether math comes naturally or it feels like a foreign language to you, you can walk into your test well-prepared to pass if you know what to study and how to go about it. To ensure you are ready, check out our tips for how to pass the GED math test.

What to Study

There are found four main types of math four main types of math on the GED exam. By breaking down your study time to cover all four types of math, you’ll be well prepared for exam day.

• Basic Math
• Geometry
• Algebra
• Graphs and Functions

How to Prepare for the GED Math Test

Knowing the type of material on the GED math test will help guide your studies. Take time to become familiar with each of these four subjects well before exam day. Once you have a good knowledge base, it’s time to start taking practice exams. This will help you know if you’re prepared to take the test—without any help from your book or answer key.

After taking a practice test, be sure to go back and study the subjects that you struggled with on the practice exam. Keep in mind that you’ll have the most success on the GED math test when you have an understanding of math concepts and how they apply to real-life situations. You should be prepared to answer questions in many different formats, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and more.

Formulas

You won’t need to memorize formulas, but you will need to know how to use them. You can use this formula sheet to understand a breakdown of the different formulas you’ll be using on the test.

Calculators

You will want to be well-practiced with using a calculator before taking your test. During the test, will be provided with an on-screen calculator to make calculations. You can reference this tutorial to understand how to find it and use it during the test. When you take your test, you will be provided a calculator reference sheet as well, but you will be better off if you know how to use it ahead of time.

How Difficult is the GED Math Exam?

The GED math exam is designed to test your skills and ensure that you have a solid understanding of basic math, algebra, graphs, and more. You will need to thoroughly study the right concepts to feel prepared going into the exam. With the GED Ready practice test, you can test your knowledge and see exactly what you need to improve. If you’re in the green with the GED Ready, then you should have no problem passing the actual test. Once you’ve taken the time to go through these steps to prepare, you can go into the exam and be confident about achieving a passing score.

Are there Questions that Are Commonly Missed?

The difficulty of the questions on the math exam are entirely up to your ability and preparedness. You will have a different understanding of the material than someone else who takes the test. The hardest questions on the tests will be the ones you are unprepared for. So the best approach is to study, take a practice exam, spend additional time on the areas you fall short, then take the practice test again to make sure you improved. Sticking to this pattern is the best way to prepare for the exam. We do know that many students find the math exam difficult, in addition to studying, you can always save the math exam as your last GED test subject.

Start Studying Today

Remember that through diligent study and preparation, you’ll be well equipped to pass the GED math exam. Take practice tests, identify your weaker areas, and keep studying until you have a solid knowledge base. All of this knowledge will help you pass the exam and benefit you in your future career.

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.

From human evolution to the Earth’s placement in the cosmos, the GED science exam will test your knowledge of many different subjects. But before you start to feel overwhelmed, take this bit of encouragement: the GED science test has a 90% pass rate, meaning if you are well-prepared, you have a great chance of doing well on the exam.

By learning more about what to expect and spending time studying well in advance, you’ll be well prepared when test day arrives. Check out our tips to learn how to pass the GED science test.

What’s on the GED Science Exam?

The GED science test is a 90-minute exam with questions across three main topics: Earth and space science, life science, and physical science. As with the other GED exams, the science exam is scored from 100-200, with a passing score set at 145 or higher. Questions are in a variety of formats, such as multiple-choice, drop-down, short answer, and more.

Here’s an in-depth look at the topics you’ll be tested on for the GED science exam:

• Reading and meaning in science
• Designing and interpreting science experiments
• Using numbers and graphics in science

Are there Commonly Missed Questions?

The difficulty of the questions on the science exam depend on your preparedness. The hardest questions on the tests will be the ones you did not study enough. The best approach is to study, take a practice exam, spend additional time on the areas you fall short, then take the practice test again to make sure you improved. If you implement this strategy, you will be prepared for the test.

Tips for Passing the GED Science Exam

Keep in mind that the GED science exam isn’t about memorizing facts. Instead, you’ll need to use your reasoning skills to interpret scientific data. Here are some tips for passing this part of the GED.

• Use the question as a source of information (most include a graph, chart, diagram, text, etc.)
• Focus on the bigger picture—don’t get lost in the basic details of a topic.
• Remember to think like a scientist:
  • Use data to make conclusions
  • Review an experiment and find the hypothesis, variables, errors, etc.
  • Know how to apply math in a scientific setting
• Ready carefully before you answer a question

• Use data to make conclusions
• Review an experiment and find the hypothesis, variables, errors, etc.
• Know how to apply math in a scientific setting

Studying for the GED Science Exam

Are you ready to dive into your studies? Once you’ve spent time reading up on the three main topics, you can assess where you’re at by taking GED Ready, the official GED practice test. You can also try a free GED sample test to help further your studies. Once you’re happy with your score, you’ll know you’re ready to take the GED science exam with confidence.

A number line is a horizontal line that has equally spread number increments. The numbers included on the line will determine how the number on the line can be answered. The question that goes with the number determines how it will be used, for example, plotting a point.

How long does it take to get a GED? Studying 2-3 times a week can help you become GED ready and more likely to pass the test in just a few months, which can vary based on the last grade you completed and how recently you attended school. In most cases, the more you study, the quicker you can learn the information needed to pass the GED test subjects. Decide how quickly you want to finish, and use a step-by-step checklist to get there.

There are four different tests you’ll take to earn the GED: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. If you shoot to finish the process of earning a GED in three months, you could either:

Option 1: Study a single subject for three weeks, take the GED test for it, then repeat for the next subject.

Advantage: Focus completely on just one subject at a time and finish faster.

Option 2: Study all four subjects for about three months, then take all four tests in one day.

Advantage: If you have to drive far to get to your testing center, avoid taking the trip four different times.

Either way, you’ve got to set a goal that will work for you and start using it. Be realistic about your situation and personality. For example, if you don’t have a lot of time to study, you may need to give yourself a longer timeline.