Learn More About The Official GED Test

If you are considering preparing for the GED test, please read through this page of helpful recommendations and explanation to assist your understanding.

About: The GED test is comprised of five sections which have varying lengths of time allotted to complete each part. The five sections are: Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. The GED results are then compared to the most current performance of high school students who have tested in the five main subjects. The GED test is created by the American Council of Education and there are at least 33 variations of it in circulation to deter cheating.

Time: Math Test: 1 Hour 30 Minutes - 50 Questions - Less than 2 minutes for each question
             Science Test: 1 Hour 20 Minutes - 50 Questions - 1 3/5 minutes to answer each question
             Social Studies Test: 1 Hour 10 Minutes - 1 2/5 minutes to answer each questions
             Reading Test: 1 Hour 5 Minutes - 40 Questions - 1 3/5 minutes for each question
             Writing Test Part 1: 1 Hour 15 Minutes - 50 Questions - 1 1/2 minutes for each question
             Writing Test Part 2: 45 Minutes - 1 Question - 45 minutes to complete (Essay)

History: The GED test was first created by the United States War Department during the 1940's that was specifically used for returning US military soldiers. By the early 1960's less military and more civilians were using this GED test to earn a new education credential of achievement. Many state Legislature Departments have approved the GED as an equivalent to the traditional high school diploma.

Requirements: An individual looking to take the GED test must be at least 16 years old and unless 18 years or older, need a notarized parental consent and verifiable school withdrawal letter. The individual can't be enrolled or planning to enroll in any accredited High School and must not already possess an accredited high school diploma. Each testing candidate must show two forms of ID that are acceptable before registration can be completed.

Test: The GED test is more difficult than most people believe. With over a 69% first time in-completion on the test, preparation is important in order to succeed. Since 2002, the test uses a new, more difficult, battery of questions. The test had also been revised in order to make correct answers in the selection less obvious. Additionally, the test now requires explanation to the nature of various answers instead of previously only providing an answer.

Scores: GED test scores range from a low 200 to 800 and are scored for each part of the testing program. In order to determine if a candidate has passed the GED test, most states now look at the scores two ways; each test score individually and then an average of all scores. They will then compare this data with similar information provided by traditional high schools and how their graduates performed. The official GED Testing Service has declared 410 on each test and a 450 test average are the minimum GED test scores acceptable to pass.

Testing Centers: In order to receive your GED, you must first take the GED test. In order to take the test, you must first locate a local GED testing center and make sure you are prepared with their requirements in order to receive acceptance. On the day of the test, you must physically drive to the location and be prepared for a long testing procedure. These testing centers apply strict oversight to ensure no cheating and no work after time limit is up.

Purpose: The purpose of the General Education Development test is to have an alternative program that is accepted by each of the States as an equivalent to a diploma from high school. This GED should be used in similar ways as a high school diploma; to include when applying for a job position, when applying to a college, education credential verification, proof of accomplishment....

Study: In order to pass the GED test, you must be prepared to study the five main subjects that you will be tested on. Not only are the questions difficult and answers inviting, the test is also timed, giving you an average of less than 1 1/2 minutes per question to answer. There are many valuable GED study materials and prep programs that will dramatically increase your chances of success. It should be reiterated that most who study frugally will not pass the GED test their first time.

Practice: There are many GED practice programs on the Internet and also in literature which will help prepare you for the real course. These prep courses can be pricey but they will assist in preparing your mind to juggle a time limit and the many tough angles the questions use when they are presented. Most individuals have at least one area of weakness when it comes to the entire GED test. There are now individual test prep kits that can sharpen your education edges.

Centennial High School offers a GED alternative practice test that is free and can be used to either prepare for the real GED test or go on and receive our online high school diploma which includes lifetime verification. Learn more about our GED Practice Test .

Cost: If it is the first time a candidate is taking the GED, it will cost them $75.00. This includes a $20.00 fee for the certificate, a $10 testing fee and a $45 fee for the five parts of the test. If one doesn't pass all the five parts of the course, it will cost them $10.00 for each part they need to take again. There are additional payment options and waivers based on eligibility of each candidate and proof of financial income.

Help: If you have additional questions that haven't been answered on this page, we suggest you contact your local state GED testing center and speak with a representative who can better assist your needs. To locate your GED testing center, CLICK HERE.