Can you get your GED at 16? In many states, yes - but turning 16 does not automatically make you eligible to take the test. Depending on where you live, you may need parental consent, proof that you have left high school, an age waiver, or approval from your school district. Some states also require underage testers to attend adult education or pass a practice test first. This guide explains the requirements and how the rules differ by state.
Can you get your GED at 16?
Yes, you can get your GED at 16 in some states, but you will usually need to meet additional requirements. These may include officially withdrawing from high school, getting parental or school approval, applying for an age waiver, or joining an approved adult education program.
However, GED age requirements vary by state. Some states allow qualified 16-year-olds to test, while others require you to wait until 17 or 18.
Before applying, check your state's official GED policy to confirm the minimum testing age and any requirements for underage candidates.
Requirements to get your GED at 16
The requirements for taking the GED at 16 vary by state. In most cases, underage candidates must meet additional conditions before they can schedule the test. These may include school withdrawal, parental consent, an age waiver, or participation in an approved education program.
Official withdrawal from high school
Most states require GED candidates to no longer be enrolled in a traditional high school. At 16, you may need to provide an official withdrawal form, school letter, or other documentation confirming that you have legally left school.
Some approved GED Option or alternative education programs may be exceptions to this rule.
Parental or guardian consent
Because you are still a minor, your state may require written permission from a parent or legal guardian. This could involve signing a consent form, age-waiver application, or school withdrawal document. In some states, the signature must also be notarized.
GED age waiver
If 16 is below your state's standard testing age, you may need a GED age waiver. This gives eligible underage candidates permission to take the test early.
Waiver requirements vary but may include proof of school withdrawal, parental consent, residency documents, or a specific reason for taking the GED before the standard age.
School or district approval
Some states require approval from your former school, local school district, superintendent, or another education authority. This approval may confirm that you have officially left school or qualify for an alternative high school equivalency pathway.
State residency
Certain states require 16-year-old GED candidates to prove that they live in the state where they plan to test. Accepted documents may include a state ID, school records, utility bills, or a parent or guardian's proof of address.
Not every state has a residency requirement, so check your local policy before applying.
Adult education program enrollment
Some states require underage candidates to enroll in an approved adult education program before taking the GED. These programs may include preparation classes, academic assessments, and assistance with the underage approval process.
For example, Georgia requires 16- and 17-year-old candidates to meet specific adult education and readiness requirements before testing.
GED Ready practice-test requirements
Some states or underage programs require candidates to demonstrate that they are academically prepared before taking the official GED.
This may include taking the GED Ready practice test and reaching the required readiness level. Even when it is not mandatory, GED Ready can help you identify weak areas and determine whether you are prepared for the real exam.
GED age requirements by state
GED age requirements are different across the U.S. In many states, you can qualify to take the GED at 16, but you may need to meet additional requirements such as withdrawing from high school, getting parental consent, receiving school or district approval, or obtaining an age waiver. Other states do not provide an underage testing pathway until age 17.
Last reviewed: September 2026. GED policies can change, so always check your state’s official requirements before applying or scheduling your test. GED Testing Service maintains separate policies for each testing jurisdiction.
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Minimum age |
What should you know |
States |
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16 |
A 16-year-old may qualify, but additional requirements usually apply. Depending on the state, these can include parental consent, school withdrawal, an age waiver, district approval, adult education enrollment, or other special circumstances. |
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia |
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17 |
These states generally do not provide a regular testing pathway at 16. Eligible 17-year-olds may test after meeting specific underage requirements. |
California*, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee, Wisconsin |
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18 |
Many states use 18 as their standard or unrestricted testing age, but this does not necessarily mean younger applicants cannot test. Most states with an age-18 standard also provide an exception for qualified 16- or 17-year-olds. |
Applies as the standard age in many states rather than as an absolute minimum |
Official policies illustrate how different these rules can be. For example, Delaware allows testing at 16 with an approval age waiver and school-withdrawal documentation, while Georgia requires 16- and 17-year-olds to enroll in an approved adult education program. Nevada also allows qualified 16- and 17-year-olds to test at a testing center with school district and parental permission.
By comparison, Connecticut’s underage pathway begins at 17, and Minnesota allows eligible 17-year-olds who are out of school to apply for an age waiver.
*California generally sets the testing age at 18 but provides limited exceptions for certain 17-year-olds and candidates who are within 60 days of turning 18 or reaching their expected high school graduation date.
FAQs
1. What is the youngest age you can get a GED?
The youngest age is 16 in states that permit underage testing with an approved waiver. No state currently allows testing below 16, and states that do allow 16-year-olds require full withdrawal documentation and guardian consent before approval.
2. Can I get into college with a GED at 16?
Yes. Community colleges and most public universities accept the GED credential the same way they accept a high school diploma. Younger applicants should expect to submit additional materials, such as placement test scores or a personal statement, and some four-year schools also look at SAT or ACT results to offset a shorter academic record.
3. Can you get your GED at 16 without dropping out?
In most states, no. Testing centers require proof that you are no longer enrolled in high school, so simultaneous enrollment is generally prohibited. The narrow exceptions are court-referred programs and certain state-approved alternative education pathways that grant a formal enrollment release.
4. What happens if my age waiver is denied?
You can usually reapply after addressing the reason for denial, or re-enroll in school and test once you reach the standard age. Ask the state administrator for the specific deficiency, since incomplete signatures and missing withdrawal proof account for most rejections and are quick to fix.
Final thoughts
Getting your GED at 16 is possible in many states, but the exact requirements depend on where you live. You may need parental consent, school withdrawal documents, an age waiver, or other approval before testing. Once you confirm your eligibility, focus on preparing for all four subjects. Taking a GED practice test can help you identify weak areas, build confidence, and prepare more effectively for test day.