The GED exam: length, questions and scores
The GED test takes 7 hours and 5 minutes in total if you add up all four subjects: Language Arts 150 minutes, Math 115, Science 90 and Social Studies 70. Each subject is scored from 100 to 200, and the GED passing score is 145 in every subject. GED Testing Service does not publish a fixed number of questions.
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How long is the GED test?
You do not have to take all four subjects in one day, so the more useful answer to “how long are the GED tests” is per subject. The times published by GED Testing Service include short instructions and review time and, where there is one, the break:
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: 150 minutes, including a 45-minute essay and a 10-minute break between parts 2 and 3
- Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes, in two parts with a 3-minute break
- Science: 90 minutes, no break
- Social Studies: 70 minutes, no break
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Subjects. Checked 19 October 2026.
How long does the GED test take overall?
Added together, the four subjects take 425 minutes, or 7 hours and 5 minutes of testing time. You can spread them over several appointments, because each subject is scheduled and paid for separately. Plan for check-in time on top of the testing time, at a test center or online.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Subjects. Checked 19 October 2026.
How many questions are on the GED test?
GED Testing Service does not publish a fixed number of questions per subject on the pages we checked. It explains why the count matters less than you might think: the points you earn in each section are scored, not the number of questions answered correctly.
So for how many questions are on the GED, the honest answer is: it is not published. What is published is the time per subject and the question types, which is what you need for pacing practice. Any specific number you see quoted elsewhere is not a GED Testing Service figure.
Source: GED Testing Service — Understanding GED Scores. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED scores and score levels
GED scores run from 100 to 200 per subject. GED Testing Service defines four bands. There are no deductions for wrong answers, so you should answer every question.
- 100 to 144: Below Passing
- 145 to 164: GED Passing Score
- 165 to 174: GED College Ready, which may qualify you for waivers from placement testing
- 175 to 200: GED College Ready + Credit, which could qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours
Source: GED Testing Service — Educator Handbook, 6th edition. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED passing score
The passing score for GED subjects is 145, and it applies to each subject on its own. You need 145 or higher in all four subjects to earn your high school equivalency; a high score in one subject does not make up for a low score in another.
In Language Arts, the essay makes up about 20% of the score, so a strong essay can matter a lot in that subject.
Source: GED Testing Service — Test Scores. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED testing scores: when results arrive and retakes
GED testing scores are typically posted within 24 hours of your test. If you do not pass a subject at a test center, you get two further retests that you can schedule at any time; for the online proctored exam, one retake is allowed before a 60-day waiting period. Retake policies vary by state.
Example Texas: at a test center, a 60-day wait applies after the first three attempts, and the count resets every January 1; online, the 60-day wait applies after the first two attempts.
Source: GED Testing Service — FAQs. Checked 19 October 2026.
GED exam: questions people ask
How long is the GED test?
425 minutes in total: Language Arts 150, Math 115, Science 90 and Social Studies 70. Each subject is taken separately. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
How many questions are on a GED test?
GED Testing Service does not publish a fixed number on the pages checked; points earned are scored, not the number of correct answers. Checked 19 October 2026.
What is the passing score for GED?
145 in each of the four subjects, on a scale of 100 to 200. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
What are good scores for GED?
165 to 174 is GED College Ready; 175 to 200 is GED College Ready + Credit, which could qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours. Source: GED Testing Service, checked 19 October 2026.
When do I get my GED score?
Scores are typically posted within 24 hours. Source: GED Testing Service FAQ, checked 19 October 2026.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the GED?
No. GED Testing Service states there are no score deductions for incorrect answers. Source: GED Educator Handbook, checked 19 October 2026.
