Click on a topic to get to it quickly:

• Verification of eligibility
• Cost of GED® Tests
• Test Structure
• Test Times
• Test Scores
• Retesting
• Transcript and Diploma
• GED Accommodations
• GED 2002
• Requesting Transcript
• Links

Before testing, you must confirm the following and attest to it with your signature:

• You are a resident of Pennsylvania.
• You are 18 years of age. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you must provide a written request for GED testing from an employer, college admissions office, military recruiting officer, or director of a state institution.
• You are not currently enrolled in school. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you must provide a written statement from your school superintendent or principal saying that you are withdrawn from school.
• You have not received a high school or GED credential from any state.

You must provide documentation of your identity and Pennsylvania residence. This documentation must provide your name, address, date of birth, signature, and current photograph.

Standard documents for verifying identity and Pennsylvania residency are a Pennsylvania driver's license or a Pennsylvania photo ID.

If you do not have a Pennsylvania driver's license or Pennsylvania photo ID, you may use a valid US or foreign passport, military ID, or other US or foreign government-issued document to prove identity. You may use a utility bill, signed lease, tax record, voter registration form, bank statement, or car registration to prove Pennsylvania residency.

Back to Top

Each GED Test Center determines its own fees. Test sites also determine the fee for retests.

Back to Top

The GED Tests are comprised of tests in Math, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts Reading and Language Arts Writing. The Language Arts, Writing Test includes an essay. For specific test times and additional information about the contents of each subject test, go to www.gedtestingservice.com.  

Back to Top

GED Tests' time limits are:

• Language Arts, Writing Part I - 75 minutes
• Language Arts, Writing Part II (essay) - 45 minutes
• Social Studies - 70 minutes
• Science - 80 minutes
• Language Arts, Reading - 65 minutes
• Math, Part I - 45 minutes
• Math, Part II - 45 minutes

Test times for the Spanish and French versions are slightly longer.

Test Centers determine how many tests to administer in each test session. You must contact the test sites for their schedules. Click here for GED Test Centers in PA.

Back to Top

Passing scores for the GED Tests are:

• Minimum score of 410 on each of the five GED Tests.
• Minimum total score of 2250 on all five test scores combined.

Back to Top

If you do not earn a passing score (minimum of 410) on each of the five test, you may take the test(s) again. Your highest score will count toward your total points (minimum of 2250 on the entire battery of tests). 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.

You may take each test only three times a year. We encourage you to attend a GED preparation class before you take a retest in order to improve your chances of getting a higher score.

When you register to take a retest, inform the test examiner when and where you took the test before.

Back to Top

After you take any of the GED Tests, you will receive a transcript of the scores. If you have taken any of the tests more than once, your transcript will indicate only the highest scores earned.

When you have taken all five GED Tests, your transcript will indicate the total score and whether or not you have passed. If you have passed the GED Tests, your transcript will also indicate the date your diploma was issued.

Back to Top

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. Each request is considered on an individual basis. The proper accommodation request form and instructions for filling it out can be found at http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/accommodations-for-disability. Accommodations are available for:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Learning and Other Cognitive Disabilities
• Emotional/Mental Health
• Physical/Chronic Health Disability
• Intellectual Disabilities

Accommodation request forms must be completed by you, the GED Chief Examiner, and an appropriate professional, usually a physician or licensed psychologist. Make sure the request form and the necessary documentation are complete before the Chief Examiner submits them for review.

Accommodations include: extended time, Braille or audiocassette versions, supervised breaks, use of a calculator for the entire Math test, and private testing room. Other accommodations are also considered.

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.

Back to Top

The current GED Tests were introduced in January 2002. Any tests you took and did not pass before 2002 are no longer valid. Spanish and French versions were introduced in March 2004. At that time all previous scores from partially completed tests became invalid.

Back to Top

When sending a transcript request, please provide the following information:

• Your name at time of testing
• Approximate date of testing
• Birth date
• Social Security Number
• Address where transcript is to be sent
• Daytime telephone number
• Your signature

You may download a GED Transcript request form (PDF), complete and sign it, then mail it.

Requests for GED Transcripts MUST be accompanied by a MONEY ORDER or CASHIER'S CHECK for $3.00 per transcript. The money order or cashier's check should be made payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Personal checks and cash will not be accepted and may delay the processing of your request.

Money orders or cashier's checks for more or less than $3.00 per transcript will be returned. It will take up to six (6) weeks to process a request. If you visit the GED office in Harrisburg with the $3.00 money order or cashier's check and a photo ID in hand, we will issue a transcript while you wait. Duplicate diplomas are not issued. Most higher education institutions and employers accept GED Transcripts.

Mail transcript requests to:

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

Back to Top