What are the GED® Tests?

The GED® Tests are a set of five tests.  The GED® Tests give you a chance to show knowledge you have gained from experience, reading, and self-study.

The five separate GED® Tests are Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Most questions are multiple choice, and you’ll write a short essay as part of the Writing test.

You may use a calculator for first part of  the Math test. You must use the calculator provided to you by the Test Center.

What scores do I need to pass?

You must score a total of at least 2,250 points on all five tests. You must score at least 410 points on each test and obtain an average score of 450 for all five tests.

What makes a GED credential "equivalent?

The GED Tests are developed using specifications established by experienced secondary school and adult educators and are reviewed by subject matter experts. Every test question is subjected to multiple reviews by test specialists and external content specialists, and is pretested before becoming part of a final test form. The GED Tests are also standardized and normed using a national stratified random sample of graduating high school seniors. In order to pass the tests, the GED candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that meets or surpasses that demonstrated by approximately 60 percent of graduating high school seniors.

 Am I eligible to take the GED®Tests?

To take the GED® Tests in Pennsylvania, you must be a Pennsylvania resident and at least 16 years of age. You are not eligible if you are enrolled in high school or if you already have a U.S. high school diploma.

If you  are considering leaving high school, the GED Testing Service recommends that you first meet with your high school counselor to talk seriously about your decision and the level of academic skill needed to pass the GED Tests.

What happens after I take the Tests?

If you passed, you will receive a Commonwealth Secondary Diploma and a copy of your transcript in the mail about three weeks after your test date.  If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will receive your transcript; you will receive your diploma when you turn 18. If you did not pass, you will receive a copy of your transcript.

What’s in the GED® Tests?

The contents of each test, along with standard time limits, are as follows:

• Language Arts: Writing—Part I (50 multiple choice questions, 75 minutes) and Part II (Essay, 45 minutes)
• Social Studies (50 questions, 70 minutes)
• Science (50 questions, 80 minutes)
• Language Arts: Reading (40 questions, 65 minutes)
• Mathematics—Part I, Calculator (25 questions, 45 minutes) and Part II, Non-calculator (25 questions, 45 minutes)

How can I prepare for the GED®Tests?

• For information on GED Preparation classes contact the ABLE program at 215-504-8610 or 267-685-4822.
• GED preparation books are available at libraries and bookstores.

If you are interested in taking an unofficial GED Practice Test, you can do so online. See the list of websites below:

• GED Testing Service, American Council on Education www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/test/Intro_Testtaker.htm
  • Learning Express Library - www.luzerneco.lib.pa.us
  • Steck-Vaughn - www.gedpractice.com
  • PBS Literacy Link/GED Connections - litlink.ket.org
  • Free Online Practice Test - www.4tests.com
• GED for FREE - www.gedforfree.com
• Test Prep Review - www.testprepreview.com
• Study Guide Zone - www.studyguidezone.com/gedtest.htm
• Test Prep Practice - www.testpreppractice

 How can I get a transcript of my GED® records?

Individuals who have passed the GED Tests may complete a GED transcript request form, then mail in the form with your requried payment. Viist www.paadulted.org and click on the "Get GED Transcript" tab at the bottom of the page for more information.

 GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education.