A Guide to the GED Test: & Tips
Updated November 20, 2023
- What Is the GED Test?
- When Is the GED Test Taken?
- Example GED Practice Questions
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
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- General Conditions of the GED Test
- What Subjects Are Included in the GED?
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- How to Prepare for the GED Test
- Online Registration
- Taking the Test
- What Is the GED Pass Score?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The GED test is a high school equivalency exam for individuals who didn't graduate from high school.
The test covers four subjects:
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Science
- Social Studies
Preparing for the GED test is important by reviewing the content areas, developing test-taking strategies, and practising with sample questions.
What Is the GED Test?
The General Educational Development (GED) test is a standardized computer-based test assessing the knowledge and skills of individuals who did not complete high school.
It is an alternative to a high school diploma. It serves as a credential for individuals who wish to pursue higher education or employment opportunities.
The test covers four subject areas:
- Reasoning through language arts
- Mathematical reasoning
- Science
- Social studies
It consists of multiple-choice questions, short-answer responses and essay questions.
To pass the test and attain the GED credential, the test-taker must score at least 145 in each subject area.
Take a Practice GED Test on TestPrep-Online
When Is the GED Test Taken?
The GED test is taken by those without a high-school diploma who want to apply to higher education or career opportunities.
As the test is online, test takers can sit the test at any point in the year.
Example GED Practice Questions
Here are some GED test practice questions that could appear in the mathematical reasoning section of the GED test:
If the area of a rectangle is 24 square meters and its length is 6 meters, what is its width?
a) 2 meters
b) 4 meters
c) 6 meters
d) 3 meters
Solve the equation: 3x + 4 = 13
a) x = 2
b) x = 5
c) x = 3
d) x = 1
Reasoning Through Language Arts
GED practice questions in the Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the GED test may include:
Read the following extract of text and answer the question below:
'During the great depression, many people moved from rural areas to cities in search of employment. This shift significantly impacted society. One of the consequences was the rise of urbanization, as cities experienced rapid population growth. Another effect was the emergence of labor unions, as workers fought for better working conditions and fair wages. This period in US history brought about significant social and economic changes.'
What were the two consequences of the great depression mentioned in the text above?
Read the following sentence and answer the question below:
'The essay was written in a stream-of-consciousness style, which allowed the readers to delve into the character's inner thoughts and emotions.'
What is the purpose of using a stream-of-consciousness style when writing an essay?
a) To provide a chronological account of events
b) To present a persuasive argument
c) To explore the character's inner thoughts and emotions
d) To analyze the cause and effect relationships
‘A scientist is experimenting to determine the effect of light intensity on the growth of plants. They set up three identical potted plants labeled 1, 2, and 3 and placed them in different locations with varying light intensities.
'Plant 1 is placed in direct sunlight, Plant 2 is placed near a window with moderate sunlight, and Plant 3 is placed in a dark closet. All other environmental factors, such as temperature and water supply, are constant.
'After four weeks, the students measure the height of each plant. The results are as follows:'
- Plant 1: 40 cm
- Plant 2: 25 cm
- Plant 3: 10 cm
Based on the experiment, what can be concluded about the effect of light intensity on plant growth?
'A scientist is investigating the relationship between temperature and the rate of chemical reactions. They experiment by mixing a set amount of reactants and measuring the time it takes for the reaction to complete at different temperatures. The scientist performed the experiment three times, each time maintaining a different temperature: 35°C, 45°C and 65°C.'
The following table shows the time taken for the reaction to complete at each temperature:
| 35°C | 60 seconds |
| 45°C | 40 seconds |
| 65°C | 30 seconds |
Based on the experiment, what can the scientist conclude about the relationship between temperature and the rate of the chemical reaction?
Which of the events below was a turning point in the American Civil Rights Movement?
a) The signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
b) The Montgomery Bus Boycott
c) The Brown v. Board of Education decision
Which of the following factors contributed to the outbreak of World War I?
a) The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
b) The formation of military alliances
c) The arms race and the development of new weapons
d) All of the above
General Conditions of the GED Test
Those wishing to apply for the GED test must meet specific criteria. These conditions ensure fairness, security, and consistency in administering the test.
Eligibility: Candidates need to be over 16 and not be at any high school or a high school graduate.
Candidates under 17 years must have permission from their parents or carer.
Test takers must present a valid form of identification to verify their identity before taking the test.
Prior registration for the test is usually required. Test takers must follow the registration procedures specified by the testing center or the GED testing service.
Candidates are required to pay a fee for taking the GED test. The amount and payment methods vary by jurisdiction.
Test takers with documented disabilities or special needs may be eligible for reasonable adjustments.
Accommodations requests must be made in advance and supported by appropriate documentation.
What Subjects Are Included in the GED?
The four subjects that make up the GED test evaluate the knowledge and skills an individual would gain if they had graduated from high school.
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)
This section is split into three parts and assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, and critical thinking.
The format of the RLA section includes multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions and answers, short answer responses, and an essay lasting 45 minutes.
This section lasts 150 minutes, with the introduction section lasting around three minutes. The test also includes a break between sections two and three.
Mathematical Reasoning
This subject evaluates mathematical skills, problem-solving, and data analysis. The test covers topics such as algebra, geometry and statistics.
It consists of multiple-choice questions and requires around 115 minutes to complete.
Most of the questions in this section of the test are multiple-choice based.
The questions are split into two distinct sections: part one, where a calculator isn't needed, and part two, where individuals must use a calculator.
Reasoning Science
The Science part of the GED test measures the ability to interpret and analyze scientific information. It covers various branches of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
The test includes multiple-choice questions and takes about 90 minutes, with two minutes for instructions.
Social Studies
This section assesses knowledge of civics, history, geography and economics. It requires understanding and interpreting social science information, such as information in graphs or charts.
Questions are also asked on historical events and evaluating information to provide a reasoned assumption.
The format of the questions includes multiple-choice, drop-down, drag-and-drop answers and multiple-choice questions.
The test can be completed in approximately 70 minutes, and calculators are permitted.
If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership.
Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
Get a Family Membership with 12-month access
How to Prepare for the GED Test
There are several ways that students can prepare for the GED test, so they perform to the best of their capabilities.
These options include:
Step 1. Start Practicing at Least Four Months in Advance
It's essential to thoroughly prepare for the GED test well in advance of sitting the test. Ideally, preparation should start at least four months before the test date.
Create a study schedule including each of the areas the test focuses on.
Regular study sessions will reinforce your knowledge and improve your understanding of the topics.
Step 2. Revise the Subjects to the Required Standard
The GED test is a high school equivalency test. Make sure to revise subjects at this level, covering all topics taught in the curriculum at this level.
Use various study resources such as textbooks, online courses, and study guides. These resources can provide valuable content review, practice questions, and simulated test experiences, helping you familiarize yourself with the exam structure.
Step 3. Take Online Practice Test Papers
The best way to prepare for the GED test is to take GED practice tests. Find past papers and complete the GED practice questions under test conditions.
Complete the test under timed conditions, in a room free from distractions, using only the equipment permitted in each test.
Step 4. Seek Help and Support
Join study groups or find a study partner to work with.
Discussing questions, sharing study materials, and explaining concepts to others can boost your knowledge and motivate you when preparing for the GED test.
Step 5. Practice Time Management
The GED test is timed, meaning effective time management is crucial. Practice working on GED practice tests within the given time limits to develop a sense of pacing yourself.
Step 6. Check Computer Equipment
The GED test is an online assessment that can be taken at a test center or under proctored conditions at home.
Before taking the test, make sure to test your computer settings. Switch off any pop up's or notifications and ensure your computer browser system is compatible with the GED test format.
Step 7. Check Internet Connections
Make sure you have a reliable and strong internet connection. If in doubt, sit the test at a place with a strong internet connection or use an ethernet connection to ensure you aren't reliant on a wifi connection that can be unstable.
Step 8. Ensure Your Well-Being
Give yourself the best opportunity to perform to the best of your capabilities. Ensure you get a good night's sleep the night before. On test day, make sure you have eaten before taking the test and are well hydrated.
Online Registration
The GED test is an online test; candidates must pre-register for the test online.
To register for the GED test, visit the official website of the organization that administers the GED test in your country. In the United States, for example, the GED test is administered by the GED Testing Service.
Here are the general steps to register online for the GED test:
- Visit the official website of the GED Testing Service or the authorized organization in your country that administers the GED test.
- Look for the 'Register' or 'Sign up' button on the website. Click on it to start the registration process.
- Create an account, and provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address and contact details.
Choose a test center and a suitable test date.
Pay the registration fee. The GED test usually requires a fee for each subject you choose to take. The cost may vary depending on your location. The website will provide payment details, typically online, using a credit or debit card.
Review your registration details. Double-check all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy.
Submit your registration. You will usually receive a confirmation email with your test details and instructions on what to bring on the test day.
Taking the Test
Completing all four subjects of the GED test takes around seven-and-a-half hours. Test takers can sit as many subjects as they want in a day.
Many individuals choose to schedule different tests on different days, meaning they can entirely focus on a particular subject at a time, leaving a break in between.
The duration of the four GED test subjects is:
- Reasoning Science (90 minutes)
- Social Studies (70 minutes)
- Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 with a break of 10 minutes)
- Mathematics Reasoning (115 minutes)
What Is the GED Pass Score?
Scoring on the GED test is as follows:
- Over 145 – Satisfactory; the test taker has demonstrated knowledge and skills at the high school level
- Over 165 – College ready; the test taker is ready to embark on a college program with no extra support needed
- Over 175 – The test taker has knowledge and skills equivalent to a first-year college student
The GED test results are usually provided within three to twenty-four hours. Candidates who pass the test can use their GED credentials to apply for further education or career opportunities.
Those who fail a GED test subject area are permitted to retake the subject area where they fail but do not need to retake all the subjects.
Candidates can take the test three times but cannot retake the test a fourth time until 60 days have passed, and not within the same academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GED (General Educational Development) test is a set of exams designed to measure the knowledge and skills typically acquired through high school education. It is an alternative for individuals who have not completed high school but wish to obtain an equivalent credential.
The GED test assesses proficiency in four subject areas:
- Reasoning through Language Arts
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Science
- Social Studies
Each subject area is a separate test that must be completed within a specific time.
There are four sections on the GED test, each comprising a different number of questions with a different time limit for completion.
Each test consists of up to 30 to 50 questions.
The best way to prepare for the GED test is to start preparations well before your test date, ideally, at least four months before.
Create a schedule to ensure you cover all subject areas, practice the tests and seek support by buddying up with other test takers.
You can find out more about online GED classes, as well as online GED prep classes and test prep advice at TestPrep-Online.
The GED test is a high school equivalency test that assesses candidates in four subject areas.
To perform well on each of the four GED subject areas, make sure you have prepared well before the GED exam date and are well prepared for the difficulty level of the questions.
The cost of the GED test varies according to the test taker's location. For full pricing details, visit the GED website.
The GED test can be taken online or at a designated test center. For full details on where to take the GED test visit the GED website.
Before taking the GED test, it is essential to practice the tests. In addition to the practice GED practice questions contained in this article, GED practice test questions can also be found at TestPrep-Online.
The best way to pass the GED test is to prepare for the GED test well in advance of your test date.
Take GED practice questions, prepare a study schedule ensuring all subject areas are revised, and seek support from others, studying with others to help motivate you.
Individuals who fail a GED test subject area are permitted to retake the subject area where they fail but do not need to retake all the subjects.
Candidates can take the test three times but cannot retake the test a fourth time until 60 days have passed, and not within the same academic year.
To give yourself the best opportunity to pass the GED test, it is advisable to study for the test. Create a study schedule in the months leading up to the test.
Make sure you revise all four subject areas and take GED practice questions. In studying, you ensure you know what to expect in the GED test and are fully prepared to answer the questions.
In most states in the United States, the minimum age requirement to take the GED (General Educational Development) test is 16 years old.
However, specific age requirements can vary slightly from US state to state or by country. It is essential to check with your local GED testing center or the education department in your state or country.
A full GED test practice guide can be found on TestPrep-Online including detail on how to do well in the test and test formats.
Final Thoughts
The GED test measures the knowledge and skills typically acquired in high school. It is an alternative for individuals who have not completed high school but wish to obtain an equivalent credential.
Initially designed for soldiers who had returned from war and had no qualifications, the qualification is now globally recognized as a way to provide equal opportunities for all to access career and educational opportunities.
