How Hard Is the GED?

Answer 1

There are 5 sections of the test that must be passed in order to get a GED certificate.

If you fail any section or sections you only have to re-take the section or sections that you did not pass.

You can retake individual sections of the test without retaking the entire GED, up to three times in a year. Most testing centers charge per section. You may need to show proof of having taken a preparation course or need to wait a few months before you retake the test.

Although the term "GED test" is often used, students must pass 5 individual tests in order to obtain their GED. These are known collectively as the testing battery.

The test is not that hard.

The 5 tests in the GED: (1) Language Arts, Writing; (2) Social Studies; (3) Science; (4) Language Arts, Reading; and (5)Mathematics.

The Language Arts, Writing test is further divided into Part I and Part II, and the Mathematics test is split into a calculator-optional portion and a calculator-free one.

What is the test like?
The test has five sections. Some sections are multiple
choice, while others require written answers. The test covers broad concepts, not facts or definitions. The test requires you to have a minimum of a ninth grade reading level. Test sections include:

1. Writing/Language Arts Section (120 min.)
Part one: fixing sentence structure, reorganizing paragraphs, and correcting grammar (75 minutes).

Part two: writing an essay in ink on a familiar topic, such as children and television (45 minutes).

2. Social Studies Section (75 min.)
Answering questions by using a chart, map, table, political cartoon, advertisement, almanac, atlas or statistical report. Content areas: history, economics, political science, geography, behavioral sciences.

3. Math Section (90 min.)
Part one: solving multiple choice math problems with a calculator provided for you (makes up 80 percent of the math section).

Part two: solving problems
without a calculator and putting answers into a grid (makes up 20 percent of the math section). Content areas: measurement, number relationships, data analysis, algebra, geometry.

4. Science Section (85 min.)
Interpreting and applying information in a paragraph, chart, table, graph, map or figure. Content areas: biology, earth science, physics, chemistry.

5. Literature/Language Arts Section (65 min.)
Reading a business document, nonfiction story and/or fictional tale and answering questions to show your full understanding. Content areas: popular literature, classical literature, commentary.

How is the test scored?
Each section receives a standard score between 200 and 800. The testing service adds together the scores from each of the five sections to produce a cumulative “standard score,” ranging from 1000 to 4000.

To pass, you must meet your state’s minimum standard score. Most states follow the GED Testing Service’s minimums.

These require you to earn a 410 on each section and have an average of 450 on all five sections, or a standard score of 2250.

You can find your state’s minimum score by contacting your state GED Administrator.


The entire length of the test is Seven hours and twenty-five minutes. Most testing centers have you take the test over two days, but some may allow you to take all five sections in one day.

Depending on the state and district, students may or may not have to take all of the tests at the same time. Due to the length of the testing battery, most districts divide the tests into two or more days, and testing sessions are not always consecutive. In larger districts, students are usually given the option of taking their tests on multiple consecutive days or evenings, or they can take them on two consecutive weekends, depending on which time frame is more convenient for them.

Note that the writing section consists of an essay. I highly recommend that you practice writing sample essays. If you fail the essay you will have to re-take both part 1 and 2 of the Language Arts, writing test.

Another thing I did before taking the GED was to order a practice GED test. This is a test that simulates the actual test and lets you practice before taking the real one.

You may also search the web for free practice GED tests. One such test is: http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=38

What to bring with you to the GED test center when you take the test?

(1) Do not bring any scratch paper, calculator, pencils, or pens. These will be provided to you when you take the test. Only bring these items if specifically told by the center to do so.

(2) Bring 2 forms of current ID. A current driver's license, or other valid photo IDare required. The second proof can be a library card, credit card, birth certificate, social security card, etc. If you are not able to present positive proof of your identity, you will not be admitted to take the tests.

** (Check with the center where you will take the test if they require 1 or 2 forms of ID)


(3) Take any receipt you have showing you paid the GED test fee.

(4) Be at the test center at least 15 minutes before the test.

(5) Do not bring calculators, arithmetic tables, rulers, cell phones, pagers, “Walkman,” or computers of any kind. If you have a cell phone, you must turn it off and leave it in your bag. You will leave your bag in the area provided (in viewing distance).

(6) You may bring a snack with you. Leave it in your bag. You may eat your snack in the break provided.

Good luck!
You should do fine.

(let me know if you have any more questions)

Answer 2

Depending on how long you've been out of school and the kind of student you are, getting your GED may take you a bit of time and study. One thing to consider though while your contemplating whether or not to go back - a high school graduate (i.e. somebody with a GED) will in his or her lifetime make over hundreds of thousands of dollars more than a non high school graduate (someone without a GED or a diploma). Taking that into consideration, I think its more than worth it to invest a bit of time now and go for the gusto.

Answer 3

did you pay attention at all during school? its all general. it was the easiest test i have ever taken. good luck

Answer 4

my friend told me it's alot harder then the regular testing for the fact they give you questions that you either didnt study for or wasnt in the book

Answer 5

easiest test you will ever take

Answer 6

Real hard if you take it high!

Answer 7

for drop outs it is pretty hard...haha