Michigan

Prepare yourself for a future with more opportunities. Learning how to get your GEDⓇ credential in Michigan is a step toward making this significant change in your personal, professional, and educational realms. Get that degree or promotion—the possibilities are endless!

Michigan doesn’t require you to be an official resident to take the GED here. You can get your high school equivalency diploma if you live in the state and meet specific requirements. Ours is the official site of the GED test, so let us explain your options and answer all your questions to determine your best path forward.

FAQs for Earning a GED in Michigan

Top Policies

You must be 18 years old to test in Michigan.

Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to take the GED® or HiSET® in Michigan.

LEO-WD may waive the minimum age requirement under certain circumstances for those

who are 16 or 17 years of age if it is deemed in their best interest.

 

Age Waivers

Consideration for testing may be given to minors 16 or 17 years of age that possess the

academic skills needed to pass the test series, if it is deemed in their best interest by the

parent or guardian, the minor, and the school administrator (when applicable).

To be considered for an age waiver, the individual must:

 

• Be 16 or 17 years of age.

• Have established Michigan residency; and

• Have withdrawn from high school or alternative high school.

 

Individuals requesting an age waiver in Michigan must complete and submit the Michigan

High School Equivalency Age Waiver Request Form. The form must include:

 

• A written and signed statement by the minor explaining why HSE testing is in their best interest.

• The parent or guardian's signature.

• The name and contact information of the school last attended.

• The last day of attendance or withdrawal date.

• The signature of the school administrator or designee from the school last attended (when applicable).

• A copy of a government-issued identification (ID) to verify the minor's date of birth (e.g., birth certificate, state ID card, driver’s license, or passport).

• Documentation to verify Michigan residency.

 

Additional information regarding special circumstances, including home-schooling or military enlistment, can be found under  Michigan HSE Jurisdictional Requirements

 

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • A parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in to give consent and authorize the underage tester to be recorded during testing. If the parent or guardian is not present, the exam session will be revoked.

There is not a residency requirement for individuals 18 years of age or older. Individuals that are 16 or 17 years of age must have established residency in Michigan.

Some states allow people who don’t live there to take the GED® test and others don’t. You’ll need to check the residency requirement for the state that you’re interested to test in.

No, Michigan doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED® test in an adult education classroom.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

  • No, you’re not required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test. 

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

  • Yes, you are required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online. 

No.

How to Get a GED in Michigan

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that this process is straightforward, as Michigan authorities want to encourage people to get this done.

Am I Eligible?

If you left high school without a degree, you can take the GED test in Michigan. If you’re 18 years or older, you can take the computer-based test whenever you like. If you’re between the ages of 16 and 17, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Permission from your local school board and parent or guardian
  • Formal withdrawal from high school
  • Must be a resident of Michigan, Additional information and access to Michigan’s HSE Age Waiver Request Form can found on Michigan’s High School Equivalency Website, LEO - High School Equivalency

The test in Michigan is computer-based only. You can take the GED online from your home or office or take it at an official GED test center.

Create a Free Account

First, sign up for your free account and provide the necessary information. Ensure your name and contact information match your state-issued ID. If you need help, follow these set-up instructions.

Have you already set up an account? Log in now to check your GED status and continue the steps to study and take the exam.

Options for Preparation

This crucial exam covers multiple subjects, and preparatory classes are recommended. Many programs offer these classes free of charge. If you take the test online, you must score high enough on the GED ReadyⓇ test. Your high score shows you’re ready for the actual exam.

After two to three months of solid preparation, you should be ready to pass the exam. When you do so, the State of Michigan will send you a GED certificate. The certificate shows you’ve achieved the same level of knowledge as a public high school graduate in the state.

GED Online in Michigan

Prepare for the GED through convenient online courses. Work at your own pace when you have time. You don’t have to miss work, fight traffic, sacrifice child care, or even leave the house to prepare for this critical exam.

If you take classes and the actual exam from your personal computer or work laptop, make sure ahead of time that your computer, internet connection, and webcam are reliable. You also want a quiet space to focus and give this vital test your full attention.

In-Person Options

Do you find concentrating easier when taking classes in person with other students? No worries! Michigan has centers that provide a traditional learning environment where you and your fellow test-takers can learn together.

Find informative and engaging GED courses that provide the following:

  • Qualified instructors
  • Flexible schedules
  • Accommodations for different learners
  • Study groups
  • Self-pacing curriculum
  • An inclusive atmosphere
  • Employment counseling
  • Thorough preparation
  • Information about higher education
  • Review quizzes
  • Practice tests
  • Supportive staff

When you’re ready to take the exam but don’t have a quiet space or reliable equipment, take the test at one of Michigan’s many testing centers throughout the state. Get the information you need to find test centers or attend in-person classes near you.