Why is GED expensive?

The GED is expensive due to rising operational costs (tech, staff, security), the for-profit nature of the testing service (GED Testing Service), and the need for test centers to cover expenses for proctors, facilities, and computer upgrades, though costs vary by state, with some offering subsidies or free tests. Additional costs arise from mandatory practice tests (GED Ready), prep courses, and potential retakes, adding to the total investment for test-takers.

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 I get my GED for free?

The GED test itself usually costs money (around $30-$40 per subject, $120-$180 total), but preparation materials and classes are often free, and some states, employers (like through GEDWorks), or unions offer free testing or vouchers. While you generally pay for the official exam, many resources like Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs, online platforms, and employer programs can significantly reduce or eliminate your costs. 

How much does the GED cost in the US?

How much does the GED test cost? $36 per test, or $144 for the entire GED series (4 exams). You will receive one $10 retake for every GED® test subject you purchase but don't pass. You have 365 days after your full-price test to use this retake.

How much is it to get your GED in AZ?

In Arizona, the GED test costs $41 per subject, totaling $164 for all four tests, whether taken in-person or online, with an additional $9 for the required Arizona Civics Test. A discounted first retake is included for each subject, but additional retakes in person have a $15 test center fee, while online retakes are $41, with practice tests costing extra. 

Why Earning the GED is Important

What happens if you fail GED 3 times?

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.

Is the GED hard to pass?

The GED test isn't inherently "hard," but it requires solid preparation because it tests high school level knowledge in four subjects, with a focus on reasoning and critical thinking, not just memorization; success hinges on dedicated studying, especially for math (algebra/geometry) and the extended essay, as it's designed to be comparable to a diploma, but manageable with practice and good study habits.
 

Can you get a 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. 

Is getting my GED worth it?

Employment Opportunities: The GED opens up more job opportunities, as many employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for a position. Higher Earning Potential: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that GED and high school diploma holders earn more than those without.

How much are all four GED tests?

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 online GED legit?

Yes, the official GED test can be taken online legitimately through GED.com (the GED Testing Service), but only in select areas and with strict online proctoring; any other site promising a quick, easy online GED without this official process is likely a scam diploma mill. The real GED requires passing four subject tests (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts) and involves thorough preparation, not just paying a fee for an instant certificate. 

What is the GED passing score?

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,.
 

Can I just pay to get my GED?

We can take the GED test online for you. Using this option allows you to obtain their GED certificate without the need to invest time in studying. Through our website, you can easily make payments to obtain a GED without going through the testing process yourself.

Does Harvard accept GED?

Yes, Harvard University accepts GEDs as an equivalent to a high school diploma for admission, but applicants need to demonstrate exceptional academic readiness and promise, often through outstanding SAT/ACT scores, strong extracurriculars, and compelling personal experiences to stand out among highly competitive applicants. While a GED allows you to apply, you must prove you're academically competitive with traditional high school graduates, as Harvard looks for top-tier candidates.
 

What is the downside of a GED?

Disadvantages of a GED include potential employer/college bias favoring traditional diplomas, fewer networking/extracurricular opportunities, lower earning potential in some studies, and the need for significant self-discipline for the self-study format, which might leave knowledge gaps compared to a structured high school curriculum. It also comes with testing fees, unlike free public high school diplomas, and may not be accepted by certain programs or the military as readily.
 

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.

Can I say I graduated with a 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. 

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. 

Do employers look down on a GED?

A GED holder can generally expect that the employers will recognize the certificate as comparable to a diploma, and they shouldn't hesitate to apply to a job that says 'high school diploma required'.

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. 

What happens if you fail the GED?

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 hard is the GED test in 2025?

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.

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. 

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!

How to study for GED for free?

You can find free GED prep through the official GED.com website for practice tests and resources, platforms like Khan Academy and USAHello for lessons, local libraries, and adult education programs often linked via your state's education department. These resources offer practice questions, videos, study guides, and sometimes free online classes covering all four GED subjects (Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) to help you prepare at your own pace.