What to know before getting your GED?

Before getting your GED, know you must meet age/residency rules, focus on four subjects (Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies), prepare by taking practice tests (like GED Ready), study key concepts (not just facts), and create a consistent study plan, as it's a college-level exam requiring serious preparation, not just cramming. You'll take the tests online or in person, need a valid ID, and must pass each section with 145+ points.

What to know before taking the GED?

It's recommended to prepare for the GED test by studying subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies. The test format includes multiple-choice questions, short answers, and essay questions, and you'll need to achieve passing scores in each section to earn your GED credential.

How hard is it to pass the GED test?

The GED test isn't inherently "hard," but it requires focused study and motivation, feeling challenging if you lack high school fundamentals, especially in Math, though you only need about 45% correct to pass each section. With proper preparation, practice tests, and a consistent study plan covering high school-level subjects, most people can pass, with many finding it manageable within a few months. 

How much does a GED cost in Idaho?

In Idaho, the official GED exam costs $36 per subject, totaling $144 for all four tests, whether taken at a testing center or online, but online test-takers also need to factor in the cost of GED Ready practice tests (around $32 total) unless they qualify for free ones, making the full online cost about $176. Preparation courses are often free through local community colleges or adult education centers, and financial aid may be available for the exam itself. 

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.
 

HOW TO START STUDYING FOR THE GED EXAMS | first three steps to pass and get your GED

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. 

What are the negatives of a GED?

Other disadvantages of the GED include fewer networking opportunities, lower earning potential, and potential stigma from some employers. Many perceive high school graduates as having developed essential soft skills—like time management and collaboration—that are not always associated with GED recipients.

Can you take your GED fully online?

Yes, you can get your GED completely online in most states by meeting specific requirements, including passing the GED Ready practice tests with a "green" score, having a private testing space, and a computer with a webcam for live proctoring, though some states like Florida still require in-person testing. You manage your entire process—studying, scheduling, and taking the exams—through your online GED.com account, with an online proctor monitoring you just like an in-person test center. 

What is the passing score for the GED?

To pass the GED test, you need a minimum score of 145 on each of the four subjects, totaling at least 580 points across the battery, with scores ranging from 100 to 200 per subject, where 145-164 is passing, 165-174 is college-ready, and 175+ is college-ready with credit, according to GED.com and other sources like Study.com and Wallace State https://www.ged.com/about-test/scores.html, https://study.com/academy/popular/what-score-do-you-need-to-pass-the-ged.html,.
 

What happens if you fail GED math?

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.

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!

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.

Is GED open book?

How to Answer GED Science Test Questions. The GED Science Test is structured as an open-book test. This means that for most of the GED Science questions that students need to answer, the resources are provided.

How many hours a day should you study for GED?

Achieving success on each of the GED test subjects requires proper preparation. Study for at least 30 minutes each day to keep your brain active. You could even use free GED prep materials online to help you.

Can you use notes on a GED test?

You will be given three erasable note boards and a marker to take in with you. All personal items must remain outside of the testing room in a secure area.

Does the GED have an essay?

The extended response is the portion of the GED® test similar to an essay.

What level of math does the GED test have?

The math section will challenge your skills in basic math, geometry, algebra, and graphs and functions. Once you study each of these areas long enough, you'll be confident that you can pass.

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. 

How much is the real GED test?

The cost of the GED test varies from state to state, but in most states, the GED® fee is around $36 per subject test. There are 4 subject tests, so the total price is around $144. Online GED testing is more expensive because you have to purchase four GED Ready tests to qualify for online testing.

Is the online GED test monitored?

During the entire online GED test, a proctor will be monitoring you, generally using a mic and a webcam, and the proctor will also have screen access to the computer you're using. It is the proctor's role to prevent cheating and guarantee the integrity of your GED exam.

Is getting a GED looked down upon?

Myth 2: Colleges look down on GED holders.

This is also incorrect. Many colleges understand that every student has a unique story and that getting a GED may have been the best option for some students.

Does Harvard accept GED?

Yes, Harvard accepts applicants with a GED, as they consider it equivalent to a high school diploma, but admission remains highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic preparation, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and unique accomplishments to stand out, not just the GED itself. 

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.