GED test: subjects, practice tests and how to prepare
The GED test is a high school equivalency exam from GED Testing Service with four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. You need a score of at least 145 in each subject, and you can take them one at a time at a test center or, in many states, online. The cost varies by state.
- Subjects
- Math, Language Arts, Science, Social StudiesGED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026
- Testing time
- Math 115 min, Language Arts 150 min, Science 90 min, Social Studies 70 minGED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026
- Passing score
- 145 in each subject (scale 100 to 200)GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026
- Number of questions
- Not published by GED Testing Service on the pages checkedGED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026
- Cost
- Varies by state, paid per subject; example Texas: $145 at a test center, $169 online for all fourGED Testing Service and Texas Education Agency, checked 19 October 2026
- Delivery
- Computer at an authorized test center, or online proctored in many statesGED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026
- Minimum age
- 18, or 16 to 17 with the paperwork your state may requireGED Testing Service brochure, checked 19 October 2026
- Official practice test
- GED Ready, $7.99 per subjectGED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026
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Why you can trust these GED questions
What is the GED test?
The GED test is a computer-based high school equivalency test made up of four separate subject tests. You can schedule and pay for each subject on its own, in any order, and you earn your credential once you have scored 145 or higher in all four. The diploma itself is issued by your state, not by GED Testing Service.
Each subject combines multiple choice with other question types: drag and drop, fill in the blank, select an area and drop down. Language Arts also includes one written essay. GED exams are therefore not one long sitting: there is no single day on which you have to pass everything.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Subjects. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED test subjects and timing
GED Testing Service publishes the time and topics for each subject. It does not publish the number of questions on the pages we checked, and it notes that points earned are scored, not the number of questions answered correctly.
- Mathematical Reasoning, 115 minutes: basic math, geometry, basic algebra, graphs and functions. Two parts with a 3-minute break.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts, 150 minutes: reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, grammar and language, including a 45-minute essay and a 10-minute break.
- Science, 90 minutes: reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting experiments, using numbers and graphics in science. No break.
- Social Studies, 70 minutes: reading for meaning, analyzing historical events and arguments, using numbers and graphs. No break.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Subjects. Checked 19 October 2026.
Math on the GED test and the GED test calculator
Math on the GED test comes in two parts. No calculator is allowed on the first part. On the second part you get an onscreen calculator, and Science and Social Studies also have one. At a test center you may bring your own TI-30XS; that is the only model named by GED Testing Service, so if you are choosing a calculator for GED test subjects, practice on the TI-30XS or the onscreen version.
You also get a math formula sheet and a calculator reference sheet on screen, so the GED test calculator rules reward knowing which formulas are given and spending your practice time on applying them.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Subjects. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED Ready test: the official practice test
The GED Ready official practice test is sold on GED.com for $7.99 per subject, or $25.99 for all four. GED Testing Service calls it the official GED practice test. Each GED Ready practice test is timed and half the length of the real subject test, and it tells you whether you are Likely to Pass (145 to 200), Too Close to Call (134 to 144) or Not Likely to Pass (100 to 133).
The GED Ready test also works as a GED readiness test for online testing: to take a subject online, you must score green on GED Ready for that subject within the last 60 days. Each purchase gives one attempt, and it runs on a computer, not on a phone. When people search for a GED.com practice test, this is the product GED Testing Service sells.
Source: GED Testing Service — GED Ready. Checked 19 October 2026.
Free practice test for the GED
GED Testing Service offers a free sample test in each subject on GED.com. These preview tests are 25% of the length of the actual exam and come with answer explanations for each question, so a practice GED test for free is a realistic first check before you pay for anything.
A free GED test online from GED Testing Service is a short sample, not a score prediction. For that, GED Testing Service points to GED Ready. There is no free math GED practice test that predicts a score; the free math sample is a shortened preview, while GED Ready is the paid GED practice test for math that does.
Source: GED Testing Service — Free online GED test. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED practice tests by subject
GED test prep works best subject by subject, because you can schedule each test separately. Use the free sample and GED Ready per subject, and focus on the skills GED Testing Service lists for that test:
- GED math practice test: basic math, geometry, algebra, graphs and functions, with and without a calculator.
- GED language arts practice test: reading for meaning, arguments, grammar, and a timed 45-minute essay. For language arts, GED practice should include writing a full essay under time pressure.
- Practice science GED test: reading science texts, interpreting experiments, using numbers and graphics.
- GED practice test for social studies: reading for meaning, historical events and arguments, numbers and graphs. Good GED social studies practice mixes reading passages with numbers and graphs.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Subjects. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED test center or GED exam online
You schedule by logging into your GED account, choosing a GED test center or online proctoring, picking your subjects, a date and a time, and paying online. Test centers are found through a Pearson VUE locator linked from GED.com.
To take the test for GED online, you need a computer with a webcam and reliable internet, a room with four walls and a closed door, a government-issued ID, and a green GED Ready result from the last 60 days for each subject. Online testing is not offered in every area; GED.com lists which states and territories offer it.
Source: GED Testing Service — Take the GED test online. Checked 19 October 2026.
How much does the GED test cost?
The price is set by state, and you pay one subject at a time. GED Testing Service shows a range of $0 to $50 per subject. As an example, the Texas Education Agency lists $145 for all four subjects at a test center and $169 online proctored.
Source: Texas Education Agency — GED Test Information. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED scores, retakes, GED test transcripts and certificate
Each subject is scored from 100 to 200. 145 is passing, 165 to 174 is GED College Ready and 175 to 200 is GED College Ready + Credit, which can qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours. There is no deduction for wrong answers. Scores are typically posted within 24 hours.
At a test center you get two further retests per subject that you can schedule at any time; online, one retake is allowed before a 60-day wait. State policies can differ. After you pass all four subjects, your GED test transcripts and diploma are ordered through GED.com, and the GED test certificate is issued by your state; some states email an e-diploma and e-transcript right after you pass.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Scores. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED test preparation: classes, prep centers and materials
GED Testing Service says there are over 6,000 GED prep centers worldwide, searchable by city, state or ZIP code on GED.com, with day and night classes. A GED preparation center is a good place to ask about free or low-cost local classes; in Texas, for example, the state lists free adult education classes.
Official GED prep materials on GED.com include the free samples, GED Ready, and an interactive set of practice questions sold at $17.99 for one subject for one month or $29.99 for all four. To prep for GED efficiently, take the free sample first, study your weakest subject, then confirm with GED Ready.
Source: GED Testing Service — GED Classes. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED practice questions
Certsqill’s GED practice questions are expert-developed and organized by the four GED subjects, so your GED test questions practice follows the same split as the real exam.
Every question comes with an explanation for each answer option, and your results build a readiness score per subject, so you know which subject to schedule first. A 7-day money-back guarantee applies.
GED questions people ask
How hard is the GED test?
GED Testing Service does not publish a pass rate on the pages checked. You need 145 of 200 in each of four subjects; math has a no-calculator part and Language Arts includes a 45-minute essay. Checked 19 October 2026.
What are GED exam questions like?
Multiple choice plus drag and drop, fill in the blank, select an area and drop down; Language Arts adds one essay. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
Is there a GED practice exam free of charge?
Yes. GED.com offers a free sample test in each subject, 25% of the real length, with answer explanations. The official GED Ready practice test costs $7.99 per subject. Checked 19 October 2026.
Can I take the GED exam online for free?
The real test is not free on GED.com; price is set by state. Some states fund vouchers for eligible adults, for example Texas through adult education grant programs. Checked 19 October 2026.
Is there a GED test online for adults?
Yes, in many states. You need a webcam, a private room, ID, and a green GED Ready score within 60 days per subject. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
What is an online practice test for GED that predicts my score?
GED Ready, the official practice test. It is half the length of the real test and reports Likely to Pass, Too Close to Call or Not Likely to Pass. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
Where is a GED sample test with explanations?
On GED.com, as free subject previews with answer explanations for each question. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
What calculator can I use on the GED test?
An onscreen calculator on math part 2, Science and Social Studies; at a test center you may bring your own TI-30XS. Math part 1 has no calculator. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
How do I prepare for GED test day?
Take a free GED.com sample per subject, study your weakest areas, then take GED Ready and schedule once you are Likely to Pass. A GED prep practice test is most useful close to your test date.
