Some may question, how hard is the GED test? And how hard is it to get a GED?
The GED is a high school equivalency credential that you can earn to demonstrate you possess skills taught at the high school level.
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It usually takes 3 months to study for the GED test. This test includes four subject tests based on the four primary subjects of high school and the application of reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
How Hard Is the GED Test?
The GED is a high school equivalency credential that proves you’re capable of understanding high school-level concepts and possess reasoning and comprehension skills. You may be wondering, is the GED test hard?
The GED test includes four subject tests that generally take about 7 hours to complete in one sitting. You may opt to take the subject tests individually if you want to take the test in shorter increments.
Each subject test has its own time limit and number of questions. The four subjects covered in the GED test include:
- Mathematical reasoning
- Reasoning through language arts
- Social studies
- Science
The mathematical reasoning and language arts subject tests are further split into multiple sections. The mathematical reasoning test includes two parts. You’re permitted to use a calculator on the second part of the math test, and you’ll have access to a formula sheet for the entire exam.
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The language arts test focuses on reading comprehension and writing. It includes three sections, one of which includes an essay question that requires an extended response. Your total GED test score is based on how many questions you’ve answered correctly. Incorrect answers don’t negatively impact your score, but they don’t help your score either.
Each of the four subtests are scored from 100 to 200. Based on the GED Testing Service score scale, these are passable testing scores:
- 145 or higher: A score of 145 or higher on each subject test is required to pass the GED test.
- 165-174: If you receive a score between 165 and 174 on each subject test, this means you’ve passed the GED and are considered college ready.
- 175-200: Scoring a 175 or higher on each test means you’ve passed the GED and demonstrate skills taught at the college level. You may also be eligible to receive up to 10 college credit hours.
If you score below 145 on any of the subtests, you may retake the subtest two times without any waiting period restrictions.
Unlike some subject matter and tests required in high school, the GED test isn’t designed for test takers to rely on memorization. The test mainly focuses on reasoning and the application of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
How to Prepare for the GED Test
Is the GED hard to prepare for? There are many different types of GED prep materials available to help you study for the test. You can start by reviewing the subjects included in the test and familiarizing yourself with the format of the test.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Find a GED study program that fits your preferred learning style
- Access GED study guides for each subject
- Take an online or live GED prep class
- Work one-on-one with a tutor that specializes in GED prep
- Seek GED prep resources or classes offered by community organizations
- Take a GED practice test to gauge your readiness
Preparing for the GED may help increase your chances of passing or getting a higher score. It’s recommended that you give yourself at least 3 months or more to study before taking the GED test.
Some resources offered by the GED Testing Service are free, such as study guides and sample tests. You may also find free classes and GED prep materials through your local library or other community resources.
GED Testing Tips
Once you’ve studied and feel prepared to sit for the official GED test, these are some tips you might keep in mind while you’re taking the test:
- Read each question or passage completely and thoroughly
- Be objective when answering questions
- Read the writing prompt of the essay section prior to reading the passage
- Read all the components of any graphics to understand the information provided to you
- Manage your time accordingly
For the essay section, reading the writing prompt before reading the passage can help you get an idea of what your extended response essay should focus on. One of the most important things to remember is to take your time and answer every question. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you can skip it and revisit it later.
Since incorrect answers don’t impact your score, it’s better to answer every question to the best of your ability. Each subject test has a certain amount of time allotted for you to complete. It’s important to keep this in mind so you’re able to complete the test within the time given.
What Is the GED Test?
The General Educational Development (GED) test is a high school equivalency exam that individuals aged 16 years or older may take as an alternative to receiving a high school diploma.
The GED test covers the four primary high school subjects of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. If you’re unable to finish high school, a GED can be a great option to demonstrate to employers and college admissions offices that you possess skills that are taught at the high school level.
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Earning a high GED score can also demonstrate that you have skills usually taught at the college level.
What Does a GED Test Look Like?
The GED test is usually delivered on a computer, but special accommodations to take a paper-based test are available. The entire GED test consists of four subject tests that cover the four primary high school subjects. Each test has a specific time limit and number of questions.
The language arts test is split into three sections, and the mathematical reasoning test consists of two sections. The social studies test and the science test do not include multiple sections. Questions in each subject test are delivered in various formats, which may include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, drop down, select an area, or drag and drop. There is also one essay section in the language arts test.
How Many Questions Are on the GED Test?
The amount of questions on the GED test varies by subject. The number of questions may also vary depending on if the test has been updated from previous years.
- Mathematical reasoning: Around 50 questions
- Reasoning through language arts: Around 50 questions
- Science: Around 40 to 50 questions
- Social studies: Around 35 questions
According to the GED Testing Service, you have 150 minutes to complete the language arts test. You have 115 minutes to take the math test. The social studies test time limit is 70 minutes, and the science test time limit is 90 minutes.
What Can You Do with a GED?
A GED may help you gain access to a greater amount of job opportunities. There are many entry-level positions that are attainable with a GED.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are just a few of the careers you may pursue with a high school diploma or equivalent:
- Community health worker
- Food service manager
- Library assistant
- Physical therapist aide
- Veterinary assistant
These are just a few examples, but there are many other jobs in virtually every industry that you can pursue with a GED. Additional training or work experience may be taken into consideration by employers during the recruiting process.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your GED?
You may be wondering, is the GED easy to get compared to how long it takes to receive a high school diploma?
Since it’s recommended to study for the GED at least 3 months prior to taking the test, it can often take 3 to 4 months to get your GED. If you feel comfortable taking the test sooner, then you may get your GED in less time.
The time it takes to get your GED can also depend on when your local testing center offers GED testing and how many slots are available. Online testing options may also be available.
What’s the Difference Between HiSET vs. GED?
The HiSET and GED are both nationally recognized high school equivalency exams, but the structures differ between a GED vs. HiSET.
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The number of questions and time limits may also differ. Some states only offer the GED or HiSET, while others may offer both.
What’s the Difference Between a GED vs. High School Diploma?
A GED doesn’t replace a high school diploma, and they’re generally considered two different credentials.
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Most colleges accept a GED in place of a high school diploma, but some colleges may have additional admissions requirements for GED students.
Is a GED Worth It?
Yes, a GED is worth it for many students. If you’re unable to receive a high school diploma, a GED can be a great alternative to potentially grow your job opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for individuals with a high school diploma or GED is lower than the unemployment rate for those with less than a high school diploma or equivalent.
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It can also be a valuable credential if you want to pursue higher education. There are many in-person and online colleges that accept the GED for admissions.
Studying for the GED Exam
If you were unable to finish high school, earning your GED could be a strategic option if you want to increase your job opportunities or go to college.
Most colleges and universities accept GED students, and employers often value job candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Taking your time to prepare for the GED may increase your chances of passing all subject tests the first time around.
You can take the first steps toward earning your GED by gathering study materials and finding a study program that fits your learning style to prepare for the test.
Why not start prepping today?
