What is the highest GED score possible?

The highest possible score on the current (2014 series) GED test is 200 per subject, making the maximum total score 800, with passing being 145 on each of the four sections (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts), though scoring 165+ can earn college credit. The older 2002 series had a higher total passing requirement (580 average) but was based on five tests with a 200-800 range per test, while the current version uses four tests, each scored 100-200.

Is 172 a good GED score?

Pass/High School Equivalency: Minimum score of 145 on each of the four content area modules. (U.S. Only) GED® College Ready: Scores of 165 – 174 on any given GED® test content module. (U.S. Only) GED® College Ready+ Credit: Scores of 175 and above on any given GED® test content module.

Is 580 a good GED score?

GED Passing Score – What is a Good GED Score? A good GED score is at least 145 points per subject, so at least 580 points for the whole test (4 subjects).

What is the highest score you can get on a GED test?

GED Test Scores

On each test, you'll receive a score between 100 and 200. You need a score of 145 on each test to pass and earn your GED diploma.

What is a 157 GED score?

The GED test has 3 passing score categories: 145-164 is the GED High School Equivalency scoring range. 165-174 is the GED College-Ready scoring range. 175-200 is the GED College Ready + College Credit scoring range.

Understanding GED Test Scoring

What is my GPA if I got a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took. Most students are tested on five sections of the GED. For example, if your total score was 2300 and you took five sections, your average GED score would be 460 (2300/5 = 460).

What is a 600 score on the GED?

GED scores range from 100-200 for each subject on the GED test. To earn a GED Passing Score, students will need to score at least a 150 on each subject and a total score of 600 or higher for all four subjects to receive the GED test credential. A GED Passing Score demonstrates high school Equivalency in that subject.

What's the hardest test on the GED?

Math is often considered the hardest GED subject due to its complex problem-solving and critical-thinking requirements.

Do GED scores expire?

No, your GED test scores generally do not expire and are valid for life, functioning like a high school diploma once earned; however, this applies to the current computer-based test version, with scores from prior versions (before 2014) often becoming invalid when the exam was updated, requiring you to start over if you hadn't finished then.
 

Is 2250 a good GED score?

A minimum standard score of 2250, which is an average of 450 on the five tests, with no score below 410, is necessary to qualify for the certificate. Scores are valid for two years from test date.

Is it harder to go to college with a GED?

It's not inherently harder to get into most colleges with a GED, as 98% of U.S. colleges accept them, but it can present different challenges, requiring higher GED test scores (around 165+), strong SAT/ACT scores, and extra effort to showcase readiness through essays or community involvement, especially for competitive schools where a diploma is standard. The path often involves demonstrating equivalent preparation beyond just the credential. 

What level of math is on the GED?

The GED math test covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Graphs & Functions, focusing on applying these concepts to real-world problems, roughly equivalent to 9th-grade math skills but emphasizing practical reasoning rather than advanced algorithms, with topics like fractions, decimals, percentages, equations, and data interpretation being key. You'll use a calculator for most questions, and formula sheets are provided, so it's more about understanding how to use math than complex memorization. 

Is 735 good for GED?

Is 735 a Good GED Score? A score of 735 on the GED is not applicable in the current scoring system. The GED test was redesigned in 2014, and scores now range from 100 to 200 for each subject. The total score is no longer used.

Can I go to college with a 145 GED score?

What score do you need on the GED to get into college? Most colleges require a GED score of at least 145 on each of the four test subjects to meet their admission standards. However, some competitive schools may require higher scores.

What is a 144 on the GED?

Scoring the GED

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 159 a bad GED score?

145-164: This is the GED High School Equivalency Passing Score. You have performed at a level comparable to that of high school students upon graduation. 165-174: This is the GED College-Ready Passing Score.

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

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. 

How hard is it to fail a GED?

Very few people can pass the test without preparing for it first. As long as you put in the time to learn the skills required to pass, the GED test will be a breeze. Know What to Study. Make a study list of skills you need to review based on the high school equivalency test that you'll take.

Is GED harder than high school?

Getting a GED isn't necessarily harder than high school, but it's different: a diploma involves years of coursework, while a GED requires passing four rigorous, college-level exams (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts) that test high school equivalency knowledge, demanding strong self-motivation, critical thinking, and focus for a concentrated effort. The GED's difficulty comes from its high standards and self-paced nature, contrasting with high school's gradual, structured learning, making it a tougher choice for some despite its faster completion time.
 

How long is a GED certificate valid?

Your GED Diploma Never Expires

Once you've passed all four GED subtests, you've earned your diploma, and that will retain its validity forever!

What is the easiest GED to pass?

So, to answer the question, “Which GED test should I take first,” we cam say that many students start with the subtest Reasoning through Language Arts, as they think that's the easiest for them, and take Mathematics as their last subtest.

What is your GPA with a GED?

Your next step would be to times your percentage by the grading scale you wish to calculate your GPA (a 4.0 scale). For example, if your percentage were 0.775, your GPA would be 3.10 (0.775*4 = 3.10). To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took.

Can you pass the GED if you fail math?

Can You Pass the GED If You Fail Math? If you fail GED Math or any other test subject, you don't pass the GED exam. However, you might be able to retest up to two times with no restrictions between retakes.

Can I get accepted into college with a GED?

Yes, you can absolutely go to college with a GED, as nearly all U.S. colleges accept it as equivalent to a high school diploma, but you might need to meet extra requirements like placement tests or higher GED scores, especially for competitive programs. Community colleges are a great starting point, and showing strong academic performance in your first few courses, alongside other achievements like work or volunteer experience, helps strengthen your application.