How to Get Your GED: Steps, Costs and Free Prep Resources
Earning your GED is one of the most practical steps you can take toward better options. Many jobs, apprenticeships, training programs and colleges ask for a high school diploma or an equivalent. A GED shows you have high school-level skills in the key subjects.
Maybe you left school to work, care for family or deal with something difficult. Whatever your reason, going back as an adult takes courage, and you are in good company. Every year, many adults of all ages earn their credential.
This guide walks you through the steps, what the tests cover, what they typically cost and how to prepare for free or close to it.
GED, HiSET and your state's rules
The GED is the best-known high school equivalency test, but it is not the only one. The HiSET is also accepted in some states. A third test, the TASC, was discontinued at the end of 2021.
Each state decides which test or tests it offers, the minimum age, and the fees. Some states offer only the GED, others offer only the HiSET, and some offer both. Your state's department of education website will tell you which options you have.
This guide focuses on the GED, but the preparation advice applies to both.
What the GED tests cover
The GED is made up of four separate subject tests. You can take them one at a time, in any order, and on your own schedule.
| Subject | What it covers | Approximate test time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | Basic math, algebra, geometry, graphs and word problems | About 2 hours |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts | Reading comprehension, grammar and a written response | About 2.5 hours |
| Social Studies | Civics, US history, economics and geography | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Science | Life science, physical science and earth science | About 1.5 hours |
Test times can change, so confirm them on GED.com when you schedule.
Each subject is scored on a scale from 100 to 200. You need at least 145 on each subject to pass. Higher scores can show that you are ready for college-level courses.
The tests are taken on a computer. You get an on-screen calculator for most of the math test, and a formula sheet is provided.
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Step-by-step: how to get your GED
- Check your state's rules. Look up the minimum age, residency rules and which tests your state offers. Many states require test takers to be 18, with extra steps for 16 and 17-year-olds.
- Create a free account on GED.com. This is where you schedule tests, see your state's prices and find official study options.
- Find out where you stand. A practice test shows which subjects you are nearly ready for and which need more work.
- Study one subject at a time. Many people start with the subject they feel strongest in, to build momentum.
- Take the official practice test. The GED Ready practice test shows whether you are likely to pass.
- Schedule your test, either at a testing center or online from home where your state allows it.
- Pass all four subjects. Your state then issues your high school equivalency credential.
What the GED typically costs
Costs vary by state, so always check GED.com for your exact price. In most states, each subject test typically costs roughly $30 to $50, which means about $120 to $200 or more for all four. Online tests sometimes cost more than tests at a testing center.
Some states offer free or reduced-price testing, and adult education programs sometimes cover testing fees for their students. It is worth asking before you pay.
The official GED Ready practice tests cost extra, about $8 per subject or a little over $25 for all four as of mid-2026. They are optional for in-person testing but can be well worth it, since they closely match the real test.
Testing online from home
In most states, you can take the GED online with a live remote proctor. It is convenient, but there are rules.
To qualify for online testing, you generally need to score in the "likely to pass" range on the GED Ready practice test for that subject. You also need a private, quiet room, a computer with a working webcam and a reliable internet connection. Phones, notes and other people are not allowed in the room.
If your home setup is not ideal, a testing center may be less stressful.
Free ways to prepare
You do not need to spend much on prep. These free resources can take you a long way.
Adult education programs
Free or low-cost GED classes are offered in every state through adult education programs, often at community colleges, school districts and libraries. You get a teacher, a structured plan and classmates working toward the same goal. Many offer evening and online classes.
To find one, check your state's adult education website, ask at your library or visit an American Job Center through the US Department of Labor's CareerOneStop site.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is free and covers the math, grammar, science and history skills tested on the GED. It is especially helpful for math, with videos and practice problems at every level.
Your public library
Libraries often lend GED prep books, give free access to online test-prep databases and sometimes host GED classes or tutors. Ask a librarian what your library card includes.
YouTube and free practice questions
Many teachers post free GED lessons and practice questions online. Stick to well-reviewed channels, and use official GED practice materials to check your readiness.
Study tips that make a difference
- Set a regular schedule. Even 30 to 45 minutes a day, most days, adds up quickly.
- Focus on your weakest areas, but review your strong ones too.
- Practice reading closely. All four tests involve reading passages, charts and questions carefully.
- Learn to use the on-screen calculator before test day.
- Practice the written response in Language Arts by writing short essays that use evidence from a passage.
- Rest well before test day. Being tired makes simple mistakes more likely.
What to expect on test day
Arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes early, or log in early for an online test. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. Check the exact ID rules for your state before you go.
Personal items like phones, bags and notes are stored away during the test. At a testing center, you will get an erasable board for scratch work. For online tests, check GED.com in advance for what scratch materials are allowed.
Your scores usually appear in your GED.com account soon after you finish, often the same day. If you pass all four subjects, your state will explain how to get your official credential and transcript.
What a GED can open up
A GED is widely accepted by employers, colleges, the military and training programs as equal to a high school diploma for most purposes, although the military may have extra requirements for GED holders. It can let you apply for registered apprenticeships, community college programs and many jobs that require a diploma.
A GED alone will not guarantee a job or a raise, but it removes a common barrier and gives you more choices about what comes next.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a GED?
It depends on your starting skills and how much time you can study. Some people are ready in a few weeks, while others take several months. You can take subjects one at a time as you are ready.
Can I get my GED completely online?
In most states, yes. You can study online and take the official test online with a remote proctor, as long as you meet the practice test requirement and have the right setup.
What happens if I fail one subject?
You only retake the subject you did not pass. Retake rules and fees vary by state, so check GED.com for details.
Are free "online GED diplomas" legitimate?
No. Websites that sell a GED or diploma without an official, proctored test are scams. The real GED is only available through GED.com and approved testing centers.