Click on a question to get to it quickly:

• What is the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma and who is eligible to receive it?
• What are the GED Tests?
• Who is eligible to take the GED Tests in Pennsylvania?
• What is the minimum passing score?
• Is retesting allowed?
• How do I get a diploma?
• How can I get a copy of my transcript?
• Where can I take the GED Tests in Pennsylvania?
• Are the GED Tests available online?
• Where can I prepare to take the Tests?
• Are there accommodations for taking the Tests?
• GED brochure

The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma is a secondary school credential available to residents of Pennsylvania who do not possess a high school diploma and who have met criteria specified in 22 PA Code Section 4.72.

1. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be issued to an applicant who is a resident of Pennsylvania, does not possess a high school diploma and has completed a minimum of one full year or 30 credits at an accredited institution of postsecondary education.
2. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be issued to an applicant who is a resident of Pennsylvania, does not possess a high school diploma, is not enrolled in a public, licensed private, registered accredited or licensed nonpublic secondary school and has earned a passing score as determined by PDE on the GED Tests.

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The Tests of General Educational Development were developed in 1942 to certify a high school level of academic skills for those people who did not graduate from high school. They were originally used to test veterans of World War II to determine whether returning GIs were qualified to attend higher education institutions. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, 11 Canadian provinces, and the U.S. insular areas and freely associated states use the GED Tests as a basis for awarding high school equivalency credentials. Most U.S. employers consider the GED credential in the same manner as a high school diploma. Almost all U.S. colleges and universities accept the GED transcript for admissions purposes. GED Tests are available in English, French, and Spanish versions.

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If you are 18 years old or older, you must meet the following criteria to take the GED Tests in Pennsylvania:

• Are a resident of Pennsylvania
• Have not graduated from high school or received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Are not enrolled in a public, licensed private, registered accredited, or licensed nonpublic secondary school
• Can provide necessary documentation to prove your identity

If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you must meet the above criteria and also provide written verification from your school superintendent or principal stating that you are withdrawn from school. In addition, you must provide a letter from one of the following:

• A letter from an employer stating that you must pass the GED Tests in order to gain or maintain employment
• A letter from a college or postsecondary training institution stating that passing GED test scores are required for enrollment
• A letter from a branch of the Armed Services stating that passing GED test scores are necessary for induction
• A letter requesting GED scores from the director of a state institution in which you are a resident, patient or inmate

These letters must be written on company or school letterhead and signed by the appropriate staff. Persons 16 years old and older who are under the direction of correctional facilities or parole/probation offices are eligible to take the GED Tests while enrolled in school, if so ordered by a court. No persons under the age of 16 are eligible to take the GED Tests in Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania requires a passing score of 2250 total points on all five GED tests. Each test score can be no lower than 410 points. If you receive at least 410 on each of the five tests but do not receive a total score of 2250, you may retest on any of the tests to achieve the points necessary for a 2250 total score.

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Applicants may retest any test they do not pass. An applicant may take each test only three times a year because there are only three different forms of the tests. It is at the discretion of the Chief Examiner to determine the frequency of testing and retesting. Applicants are encouraged to attend GED preparation classes prior to retesting.

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Upon a candidate's successful completion of the GED Tests, the Pennsylvania Department of Education will issue a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. Only one diploma will be issued per candidate; duplicate diplomas are not issued. The diploma will be sent to the address the applicant provides, along with the transcript. Candidates who take the GED Tests before turning 18 years old will be issued diploma on their 18th birthday.

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Individuals who have passed the GED Tests may fill out a GED transcript request form (on screen or on paper), then mail in the form and $3.00 fee per transcript in the form of a money order. The $3.00 fee is nonrefundable.

Click here to create and print a transcript request form

Requests for GED transcripts MUST be accompanied by a money order for $3.00 per transcript made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Transcripts can be picked up at the GED office at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 333 Market Street, 12th Floor, Harrisburg. With the $3.00 money order and a photo ID, a transcript can be issued while you wait. Duplicate diplomas are not issued. When sending a request, please include:

• Name at time of testing
• Approximate year of testing
• Birth date
• Social security number
• Address where transcript is to be sent
• Phone number where you can be reached during the day
• $3.00 money order or cashier's check for each transcript
• Signature

Mail to:

Commonwealth Diploma Program
333 Market Street, 12th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

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The Tests are given at over 150 sites throughout Pennsylvania. Find one near you through the GED Test Center locator.

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There are no online GED testing programs recognized by the GED Testing Service of the American Council of Education or by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Authentic Commonwealth Secondary School Diplomas are earned only by passing the GED Tests in Pennsylvania.

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Free classes to help you prepare for the GED Tests are available throughout the state. Find a program in your area.

You also can prepare outside of the classroom using the Internet, workbooks, and/or videos. This is a good option for people who cannot attend a class due to family obligations, transportation issues, or work schedules, or for people who prefer not to attend class. For more information, learn more about Distance Learning.

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If you have a physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, or learning disability that makes it difficult for you to take the GED tests, you may request special testing accommodations. Ask your test examiner for the appropriate request form and instructions. Each request is considered on an individual basis.

There are also accommodations that do not need prior approval. Before test day, inform the GED examiner if you want to use any of these accommodations. They include:

• Large-print tests
• Colored transparent overlays
• Clear transparent overlays and a highlighter
• "Sticky" notes (for example, Post-It® Notes) for spatial directions
• Earplugs
• Magnifying devices
• Priority seating
• One test per day
• Straightedge
• Request to wear a cap or hat to limit the effects of fluorescent lighting
• Graph paper

These accommodations do not need prior approval because they do not affect the test administration or interpretation. You should practice using these accommodations before you test.

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The Division of Adult Education has available a brochure publicizing GED® testing in PA and providing GED testing information for the general public. It is directed toward anyone interested in taking the GED Tests in PA who is not familiar with the tests or aware of the basic requirements or procedures for GED testing in the Commonwealth.

Download the GED Brochure (PDF) to print out.
(For best results, use laser output directly from the PDF file.)

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