What Is a GED? How the Test Works and What You Receive
A GED is a high school equivalency credential. You earn it by passing a set of four subject tests that measure high school level skills, instead of completing four years of high school coursework. Most colleges, employers and the military treat a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma for entry requirements.
What does GED stand for?
GED stands for General Educational Development. The name refers to the test series, but most people also use "GED" for the credential you receive after passing it. Depending on the state, that document may be called a GED certificate, a GED diploma, or a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma.
What subjects are on the GED test?
The current GED test has four parts. You can take them one at a time, in any order.
- Mathematical Reasoning: algebra, geometry, data and basic quantitative problem solving.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: reading comprehension, grammar and a short written response.
- Science: life science, physical science, and earth and space science, with a focus on reading charts and data.
- Social Studies: civics, U.S. history, economics and geography.
Each subject is scored on a scale of 100 to 200, and a score of 145 passes. Higher score bands are recognized as college-ready, which some colleges consider for placement.
Who can take the GED?
The GED is meant for adults who did not finish high school. Most states require test takers to be at least 18 and not enrolled in high school. Many states allow 16 and 17 year olds to test with extra paperwork, such as parental consent or a withdrawal form. Rules vary, so check your state's adult education office before you register.
Is the GED offered in every state?
Most states use the GED test. A few use a different high school equivalency exam, such as the HiSET, or offer both. The credential name also changes from state to state. For example, New York issues a High School Equivalency Diploma. What a GED looks like varies just as much. Our guide on what a GED looks like walks through the main design differences by state.
How long does it take to get a GED?
It depends on how much preparation you need. Some adults pass all four tests within a few weeks. Others study for several months. Each test runs roughly 70 to 150 minutes, and you can schedule them separately at a testing center or, in many states, online.
Is a GED the same as a high school diploma?
A GED and a high school diploma both show high school level achievement, and both meet the requirement for most jobs and college applications. The difference is how you earn them. A diploma reflects completed coursework and credits, while a GED reflects passing scores on a standardized test. We cover the details in Is a GED the same as a high school diploma?
How do you get a copy of your GED?
Your official GED records come from the agency that issued them. For tests passed in 2014 or later, you can usually order duplicates through your GED.com account. For older records, contact your state's high school equivalency or adult education office. Our step-by-step guide on how to get a copy of your GED diploma explains the process.
Replacement GED Diplomas at Same Day Diplomas
If you want a display copy of a GED you earned, for a frame, a scrapbook or your personal records, Same Day Diplomas offers replacement GED diplomas and transcripts. These are novelty replacement documents for display and personal use. They are not issued by a state or the GED Testing Service and are not an official credential. For more answers, see our GED FAQs.
