How long do I have to wait if I fail a GED test?

If you fail a GED subject test, you usually get two immediate retakes with no wait, but after your third attempt (first failure + two retakes), most states enforce a 60-day waiting period before you can try again, with a limit of 3 attempts per year, though policies vary by state, so check your local rules on GED.com.

How long do you have to wait if you fail the GED?

If you need to retake a GED® test subject, you are given two subsequent retests that you can schedule at any time. If you don't pass within your first 3 attempts, you'll need to wait 60 days for your next attempt and between every attempt thereafter.

What happens if I don't pass my GED test?

If you did not pass one of your GED® test subjects, you can take two subsequent retests, with no restrictions between retakes. If you fail the third or any subsequent retest, you must wait 60 days for your next attempt. Additional state requirements may apply.

What is the lowest passing score for GED?

The GED® test has a passing score of 145 for each test subject. To earn your high school equivalency, you'll need to score 145 or higher on all four subjects.

How many times can I retake my GED test?

It's usually possible to retake the test twice (for a total of 3 testing attempts) without a waiting period. Candidates only have to retake the subject which they failed to get 145 points. For for the first two retakes and done within one year, they are eligible for $10 on each subject failed.

GED Test: Can You Re-register If You Failed? - Your GED Coach

What is the hardest GED test to pass?

Most GED test-takers find the Mathematics section the hardest due to complex algebra, geometry, and problem-solving, followed by Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) because of the essay, though personal background greatly influences difficulty, with some finding Science or Social Studies more challenging. Math consistently appears as the toughest, with many needing multiple attempts, but proper study focusing on core math skills makes it manageable. 

How long is a passed GED test good for?

So, in all states, if you passed parts of the computer-based GED test, for example, Social Studies and Science, your passing scores for these subjects are valid all the time as long as the current edition is used.

Is it hard to fail a GED?

Depending on which test you're taking, you only need to answer 40-50% of the questions correctly to get a passing score. Passing the test can be fast and easy, with a little preparation. If you don't study for the test, it might be too hard. Very few people can pass the test without preparing for it first.

How hard is the GED test in 2025?

Passing the GED can be fast and easy with some preparation. Very few people can pass the test without preparing first. The test won't be hard if you take the time to learn about the test and the skills required to pass. The GED tests in 4 subject areas, but you don't have to take all of them at once.

What's a perfect GED score?

GED® Test score requirements are: Required minimum standard score of 145 on each test (Max possible: 200)

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you absolutely can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's officially a high school equivalency diploma recognized by employers and colleges, but you should be accurate and list it as a "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or mention you earned your "high school equivalency diploma," demonstrating you met 12th-grade level skills. It's best to list it in your education section just like a diploma, showing you achieved equivalent knowledge, and it opens doors for jobs and further education. 

Can I get a job with no GED?

Many employers hire workers based on skills, work ethic and personality rather than education. Start by searching online for jobs that don't require a diploma or GED. Many job boards now let you filter results with options like “no degree required” or “no diploma needed.”

How many people fail the GED?

Sadly, many people fail at least one of the GED tests. According to GED.com only 45% of students pass the GED on their first try. And 75% of people won't retake the test after failing just one section.

Is it hard to pass the GED without studying?

Passing the GED test without studying is impossible. Well unless you're a genius, and let's be honest, when was the last time you bumped into one? Occasionally, I read about students who claim to have achieved this feat, but on the whole I don't believe them. We can all remember back to high school.

Is a GED pass fail?

You have to earn a passing grade for each subject to get your GED credential. A score of 144 or lower in a subject means you have not passed. But don't give up! You're allowed to schedule multiple retakes of any subject.

Is 735 a passing GED score?

GED Passing Score – GED Score System

The maximum attainable score across the four modules is 800, and you are required to earn no less than 580 points across the board. The four tests may be taken separately, so a 580 score is only good if you've reached a 145 score on each of the four sections.

Is GED harder than high school?

Getting a GED isn't necessarily harder than high school, but it's a different challenge: high school involves sustained work over years, while the GED requires passing four high-stakes, college-level exams in a shorter time, demanding focused study and motivation, especially after its 2014 revamp made it more rigorous, covering concepts closer to 11th-grade proficiency. 

What is the easiest way to pass a GED test?

To pass the GED test easily, focus on strategic preparation: take official practice tests to find weak spots, use self-paced online programs like Essential Education or GED.com resources for targeted study, and learn test-taking strategies like eliminating answer choices, especially for Math and Science. Prioritize consistent, focused study in the four subject areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts) and build confidence with preview tests to reduce anxiety on exam day. 

What is the hardest part of the GED?

The hardest part of the GED test for most people is the Math (Mathematical Reasoning) section, due to weak fundamentals, math anxiety, and complex topics like algebra, geometry, functions, quadratic formulas, solving inequalities, and word problems, though some find the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) essay and lengthy passages challenging. The difficulty is subjective, but Math consistently ranks as the top challenge for many test-takers.
 

Is GED harder than SAT?

The GED (High School Equivalency) and SAT are for different purposes: the GED proves you have high school-level skills, while the SAT assesses college readiness, making the SAT generally harder and more comprehensive for college entry, but the updated GED (post-2014) is also challenging, testing near 11th-grade skills in core subjects (Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies) and requires solid preparation, with some finding GED Math tricky, while others find the SAT's adaptive format and new digital tools present unique challenges. 

Why is GED so expensive?

Why is the test price increasing? support; test security work and enforcement; and services provided to test-takers (score reporting, GED.com account services, essential marketing and information sharing on social media, employment connections, and more).

Can the average person pass the GED?

The majority of GED® test takers completed the exam (70.2 percent), meaning they took all four subject-area modules. Of those completers, 85.3 percent passed and received their GED® credential.

Which GED test is the shortest?

The Social Studies test is the shortest test at 35 minutes.

Is the GED test changing in 2025?

Yes, the GED test changed in 2025, with significant updates including new drag-and-drop question types, a major platform shift to Pearson VUE centers for some locations, higher test fees (to $85/subject), and a new Android app expected, all aiming to better prepare test-takers for modern workforce demands. The updates also introduced fewer free retakes (1 free within 12 months in Ohio) and saw the closure of older testing sites for the new system. 

Can I get my GED in a week?

Yes, it's possible to pass the GED in a week, but it's extremely challenging and depends heavily on your current knowledge, intense daily study (9+ hours/day), strong focus on weak areas (especially math), and familiarity with the test format and calculator, with most people taking a few months. While some learners pass quickly, the average preparation time is 2-4 months to ensure thorough understanding.