New York

You must be 19 years old to test in New York State (NYS).

In New York, you must be at least 19 years of age to take a GED test.

If you are 16, 17, or 18 you must get approval to test. You will need to complete an Age Eligibility form which is located within the application when you create your online GED account. The Age Eligibility form must also be signed by the institutional official authorized to attest to the information required and the completed form mailed to the NYSED HSE Office. The chart below provides details on the requirements and which institutions are authorized to sign the form. The approval process may take up to one week, after the form is received. Please allow two full weeks for the mail to reach NYSED HSE Office. Once approved, you will be able to schedule your GED test.

NYS Age Eligibility for Testing

Candidates must provide proof of identity and New York State residency. Furthermore, they must prove they have been a resident of New York State for at least 30 calendar days. Candidates have two options to meet the ID and residency requirements: 

Option 1: Provide a valid, government-issued ID with the candidate’s New York address (for example, a driver’s license or state ID). 

Option 2: Provide one of each: 

• A valid, government-issued ID with an out-of-state address (for example, a driver’s license) or no address (for example, a passport).
• A document that proves New York State residency and is dated at least 30 calendar days prior to the test appointment. Examples of acceptable documentation include a utility bill, signed lease, tax record, voter registration form, bank statement, car registration, or any other document that proves the candidate is a resident of New York State. 

A diploma will be earned in the state that a test taker credentials in. New York State (NYS) residents must successfully complete their GED testing requirements at a NYS testing center to be awarded a NYS High School Equivalency diploma. In New York state you have to be a resident for at least 30 days to take the GED test, state residency must be demonstrated at the time of testing. 

No, you do not need to take a GED® class or receive instruction at an adult education prep center before testing, but it is highly recommended if you need support to pass the subject/subtest.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

No, you are not required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking GED® subjects/subtests at a Testing Center.

What is my cost if I test at a Test Center?

New York State (NYS) does not charge test takers to take GED subtests. Testing is paid for by NYS.

In New York State you must wait 60 days before scheduling any failed subject/subtest and may only take a given subject/subtest three times per calendar year. In New York State you are not allowed to retest for a higher score in a subject/subtest you have already passed.

In New York you must wait 60 days before scheduling a test for a missed subject/subtest.

If you miss 5 scheduled GED subject test appointments (without canceling or rescheduling)  you will be prohibited from scheduling any testing appointments for six-months (180 days). If you continue not showing up for scheduled appointments after this blocked period, GED Testing Service and New York State have the right to place further restrictions on my account, up to and including a permanent test scheduling ban.

Yes, you must reschedule or cancel your test appointment a minimum of 24 hours prior to the appointment time. If you do not reschedule or cancel your test at least 24 hours in advance, that test appointment will be counted as a missed test and you will be required to wait 60 days before scheduling another test. 

If you miss 5 scheduled GED subject test appointments (without canceling or rescheduling) you will be prohibited from scheduling any testing appointments for six-months (180 days). If you continue not showing up for scheduled appointments after this blocked period, GED Testing Service and New York State have the right to place further restrictions on my account, up to and including a permanent test scheduling ban.

In New York State you are not allowed to retest for a higher score in a subject/subtest you have already passed.

If all subjects/subtests were passed – and a diploma has been earned – test takers should expect to receive their diploma in the mail in 8 to 10 weeks. The diploma will be sent to the address in the GED account. If it has been longer than 10 weeks, please contact the NYS HSE Office at (518) 474-5906 or email [email protected] for a status update.

No, passing HSE subtests earned 2002 or later are grandfathered in. You do not need to retake passed tests. If you have questions about which tests you passed, contact [email protected]. See https://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/high-school-equivalency-hse for more information.

You do not need to request your transcript or diploma if you pass all GED subjects/subtests and have earned a diploma. They will automatically be mailed to the address in your GED account within 8 to 10 weeks after testing. Please check your GED account to be sure you have passing subject/subtest scores – a minimum of 145 – for each subject/subtest. If you have not passed all subtests you will not receive either a transcript or a diploma.

Transcripts and duplicate diplomas can be ordered through the NYSED High School Equivalency Office. Please visit http://www.acces.nysed.gov/hse/duplicate-diplomas-andor-transcripts.

In New York State (NYS), test takers who successfully pass all required subtests will be awarded a NYS High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

Yes, in New York you can take all four subjects/subtests in the same day if you can find a test center with hours that accommodate it. You will need to make an appointment for each subject/subtest.

Yes, in New York State you can test in English or Spanish. You can combine subject/subtests from different languages to earn your diploma. However, the diploma will be awarded in the language you test on for the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject/subtest. The RLA includes both writing and reading in one subject/subtest.

Yes, you can combine Spanish and English language versions of the GED® test. Your diploma will be issued in the language you choose on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject/subtest.

It depends on the requirements in the other state. Check the residency requirements and contact the GED Administrator™ in that state with questions. A NYS HSE diploma cannot be issued to an out of state resident.

In New York State (NYS), you must be a resident of the state for at least 30 days prior to taking the GED test. However, if you had passing GED subject/subtest scores from other states prior to moving to NYS, you may be able to be use those passing subject/subtest scores in NYS.

Ruth Singer

Director, High School Equivalency (HSE) Office

New York State Education Department (NYSED)

89 Washington Avenue, EBA 460

Albany, NY 12234

HSE Call center: (518)474-5906 (Tues – Thurs, 10-12)

Fax: (518)473-3859 General questions: [email protected]