Ged Exam Faq

GED Exam FAQ (frequently asked questions)

By Robert C. Gonzalez CE Instructor, San Antonio College

What is the GED Exam?





Stands for “General Educational Development” exam. Standardized test that is accepted nation wide. Test reflects subjects covered traditional high school. Test has 5 timed subjects.

What are the subjects on the test?






Language Arts (Writing) Social Studies Science Language Arts (Reading) Math – –

25 questions with a calculator. 25 questions without a calculator.

How many questions and how much time?


Language Arts (Writing) – –




Social Studies –




80 min for 50 questions

Language Arts (Reading) –




70 min for 50 questions

Science –




75 min for 50 questions 45 min for Essay

65 min for 40 questions

Math –

90 min for 50 questions

What do I need for the test?



You MUST pre-register, no walk ups. Bring – – – –




Test reservation (depends on testing center) Valid ID. Social security card. #2 Pencils and blue or black pens.

You do not need a calculator, one will be provided.

How is the test scored?





GED has a different grading system when compared to high school. 800 is the highest score per subject. 410 is the minimum passing score per subject. A score of 410 is similar to a score of 70 in high school; one point less and it is a 69/F.

What is a passing score?


To pass the GED exam, you MUST be able to say “Yes” to BOTH of these statements: – –

I scored a minimum of 410 in ALL 5 test subjects. When I add up ALL 5 scores, I get a minimum score of 2250.

Please note:





Scoring 410 in all 5 subjects still does NOT add up to the needed 2250. 410 X 5 = 2050 (200 points short). 75%-80% score on all class work/tests is a realistic goal to establish. 75%-80% is approximate to a score of 460500.

What if I have taken the test before?








You only have to retake the subjects you did not pass; you do not have to retake the entire exam. Do not wait too long! Your scores will expire and then you will have to retake the entire exam. If you lost your scores, it is possible to have them sent to you.