GED
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ExploreAbout this exam
The GED® test is a high school equivalency credential earned by passing four separate subject exams: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. It is designed for adults and out-of-school learners who did not finish a traditional high school diploma and need a credential for college, training programs, or employment. The four subjects are broken into separate exams, so you can space them out however suits you and go at your own pace rather than sitting everything at once. Each subject has its own time limit, and the Reasoning Through Language Arts exam includes a written essay (extended response) plus a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3. Several subjects allow an onscreen calculator and a calculator reference sheet, and the Mathematical Reasoning and Science tests also provide a math formula sheet. To earn your high school equivalency, you need to score 145 or higher on all four subjects. Scoring above 165 on any subject signals college readiness, and above 175 can qualify for up to 10 college credit hours. Preparation should be subject-by-subject: diagnose your weakest area first with practice questions, then work through official study materials, practice tests, and classes before scheduling each exam when you consistently score above the passing threshold.
What you'll study
About GED preparation
What score do I need to pass the GED?
You need at least 145 on each of the four subjects to pass, and you must reach that mark on all four to earn your high school equivalency. Scoring higher carries benefits: above 165 on a subject indicates college readiness, and above 175 can qualify for up to 10 college credit hours.
Do I have to take all four subjects on the same day?
No. The four subjects are separate exams, and you can space them out however suits you and go at your own pace. Many candidates schedule one subject at a time so they can prepare between sittings, which also avoids stacking several long testing sessions into a single week.
How long is each subject test?
Mathematical Reasoning runs 115 minutes, Reasoning Through Language Arts 150 minutes, Social Studies 70 minutes, and Science 90 minutes. Those times include a few minutes of instructions and final review. Language Arts also includes a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3 and 45 minutes for the written essay.
What question types appear on the exam?
Most items are multiple choice, but you will also see drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, select an area, and drop-down items. Reasoning Through Language Arts adds one written essay, an extended response. Because formats vary, practice with each type rather than only answering standard multiple-choice questions.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes, on part 2 of Mathematical Reasoning you have access to an onscreen calculator, and you can bring your own TI-30XS calculator to a test center. Social Studies and Science also allow an onscreen calculator and your own TI-30XS. A calculator reference sheet and math formula sheet are available, so learn where each formula lives before test day.
Which subject should I study first?
Start with the subject where a practice test shows the largest gap, since that is where study time buys the most points. Mathematical Reasoning is the longest exam at 115 minutes, so build stamina there early. Language Arts deserves early attention too because the essay is a distinct skill from reading comprehension.
What are the most common reasons candidates fall short?
Running out of time is the big one, especially on the 115-minute math test and the essay portion of Language Arts. Others include skipping the calculator and formula sheets, ignoring the non-multiple-choice formats, and taking a subject before practice scores are consistently above 145. Pacing practice under real time limits addresses most of these.
How should I prepare for the written essay?
The Language Arts test gives you 45 minutes for one extended response. Practice planning quickly, stating a clear claim, and supporting it with evidence drawn from the passage pair rather than personal opinion. Write timed essays and review them for organization and grammar, since the same section also tests grammar and language.
Is the GED test hard?
Difficulty depends on your starting level in each subject. The content is roughly high school level, but the time limits and varied question formats make pacing the real challenge. Candidates who take a practice test first, target weak areas, and only schedule when practice scores clear 145 generally find the exams manageable.