General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

For more information on GED testing facilities, please visit the GED Testing Centers page.

Questions about the GED

Q: Are you eligible to take the GED?
A: Read more about eligibility here.

Q: What is the GED?
A: GED stands for the General Educational Development Program.  The GED test offers people who did not finish high school the opportunity to earn high school credentials.  If your scores on the GED test are satisfactory, you will be awarded an official High School Equivalency Diploma by the State of Alabama.  This credential is considered equivalent to a high school diploma and is recognized as such by employers, the military, and colleges.

The GED Test

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for taking the GED test?
A: GED examinees must be

• 18 years of age
• not enrolled in school
• not a graduate of any accredited high school
• a resident of Alabama

Q: Are there any provisions for 16 and 17 year olds to take the test?
A: Yes.  A 16 or 17 year old may test.  However, students from this group are required to submit documentation from a public or private school, as appropriate, verifying that the applicant has withdrawn.  In addition, the student should submit a notarized letter of permission from a parent or legal guardian.  The required format for this letter may be obtained from a GED examiner.

If you are enrolled in a GED preparation program, your teacher will assist you.  If not, ask the GED test administrator for guidance through this process.

Q: What does it cost to take the GED test?
A: The cost is $50 to take the entire test for the first time.  It will cost $10 per subject to repeat any individual subject test.

Q: What subjects are tested on the GED exam and what are the time limits?

A:

Q: Do I have to take the entire test in one day?
A: Candidates taking the GED for the first time are expected to complete the test in a one-day sitting.  However, there are two exceptions.  First is the candidate who applies to the GED testing service and is approved for special testing accommodations.  Second is the candidate who can sufficiently demonstrate to the Chief GED Examiner an inability to do this due to transportation, child care, work or family responsibilities.  In any case, the entire test must be completed within a ninety day period.

Some centers test on weekdays, some in the evenings, and some on weekends.  When you call the test centers, inquire about all the options they provide.

Q: Are there special test accommodations for those with disabilities?
A: Yes.  Test candidates may not have the ability or test-taking skills required to complete the test under standard conditions because of physical, psychological, or learning disabilities.  In these cases, the student can be tested under special conditions and/or with special editions of the test (Braille, large print, etc) at no additional cost.  However, you must inquire about this option in advance at your test center, fill out special forms and receive certain approvals.  If you are enrolled in an adult education class, your instructor will assist you with this.

Q: What score is required to pass the GED test?
A: In Alabama, your total score on all five tests must add up to 2250 points (the essay is not included in this scoring system).  The required minimum score on each individual test is 410.  Remember, this is the minimum.  To achieve the total, you must have an average score of 450 per test.

Q: Is this score based on a 0 to 100 point scale?
A: No.  The scores used on the GED have a different range.  The lowest score you can earn on each test is 200; the highest is 800.

Q: How long will it take me to receive my test scores and find out if I passed?
A: It is usually two to four weeks before you receive your official test results in the mail.