The GED test cost varies by state, with in-person fees ranging from $0 to $50 per subject and online fees generally ranging from $36 to $50 per subject where online testing is available. Because you pay separately for each of the four GED subjects, your total cost depends on your state, testing format, and any available subsidies or discounts. This guide breaks down GED fees, retake costs, online testing prices, and ways to save.
How much does the GED test cost?
The GED test typically costs $30-$40 per subject, or about $120-$160 for all four subjects, although the exact fee varies by state, and some states offer free or discounted testing for eligible test takers.
The GED is priced per subject, so you pay separately for Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Since each state or testing jurisdiction sets its own fees, the actual cost may be lower or higher than the typical range, with some states offering subsidies, vouchers, or free testing. You may also need to budget for GED Ready® practice tests or retakes. The table below provides a general overview of the costs you may encounter.
|
Cost category |
Typical price |
Required? |
|
GED test (per subject) |
$30-$40 |
Yes |
|
GED test (all 4 subjects) |
$120-$160 |
Yes |
|
Retake fees (per subject) |
$0-$40 |
If you need to retake a failed subject |
|
GED Ready® practice tests |
$7.99 per subject; $25.99 for all four subjects |
No |
|
Online GED test (per subject) |
$36.00-$50.00 |
Only if testing online |
The GED test itself is the only required testing cost. Everything else depends on how much preparation and support you want before taking the official exam.
For example, you can prepare using free study resources and avoid paying for a commercial GED course. If you fail a subject, you may also have to pay a retake fee, although some states offer free or discounted retakes.
Because prices and financial assistance vary by state, always check your state's current GED testing fee before scheduling an exam.
GED test cost by state
The cost of the GED test depends on your state, the way you take the exam, and whether your state currently offers discounts or free testing. Most states charge a separate fee for each of the four GED subjects, but the amount can vary significantly.
For example, some states charge less than $10 per subject for in-person testing, while others charge $40 or more. Online testing can also cost more than testing at a physical center in some states, although several states charge the same price for both options.
If you're asking how much a GED is, the table below gives you a state-by-state starting point. Prices are listed per subject, not for all four tests combined.
|
State |
In-person test cost (per subject) |
Online test cost (per subject) |
|
Alabama |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Alaska |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Arizona |
$41.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Arkansas |
$4.00 |
$36.00 |
|
California |
$41.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Colorado |
$43.50 |
$43.50 |
|
Connecticut |
$0.00 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Delaware |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
District of Columbia |
$39.75 |
$36.00 |
|
Florida |
$38.00 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Georgia |
$46.00 |
$46.00 |
|
Hawaii |
$43.50 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Idaho |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Illinois |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Indiana |
$45.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Iowa |
GED not offered |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Kansas |
$39.00 |
$39.00 |
|
Kentucky |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Louisiana |
$38.50 |
$36.00 |
|
Maine |
GED not offered |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Maryland |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Massachusetts |
$36.00 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Michigan |
$43.50 |
$43.50 |
|
Minnesota |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Mississippi |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Missouri |
$33.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Montana |
$26.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Nebraska |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Nevada |
$31.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New Hampshire |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New Jersey |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New Mexico |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New York |
$0.00 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
North Carolina |
$26.00 |
$36.00 |
|
North Dakota |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Ohio |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Oklahoma |
$41.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Oregon |
$44.00 |
$44.00 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Rhode Island |
$30.00 |
$36.00 |
|
South Carolina |
$37.50 |
$43.50 |
|
South Dakota |
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
|
Tennessee |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Texas |
$36.25 |
$42.25 |
|
Utah |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Vermont |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Virginia |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Washington |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
|
West Virginia |
$0.00 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
|
Wisconsin |
$41.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Wyoming |
$26.00 |
N/A - This area does not offer online testing. |
Important: State fees and subsidy programs can change. Where a state currently offers a voucher, free-testing program, limited online availability, or a special registration fee, that information is noted in the table rather than replacing the standard test price.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much are all four GED tests?
All four GED tests typically cost about $120-$160 total before any retakes, state subsidies, or additional fees. Some states offer free or discounted testing, while others charge more than the typical range
2. Can I pay for one GED subject at a time?
Yes. The GED is registered and paid for one subject at a time, so you can spread the cost over weeks or months. Many test-takers start with their strongest subject to build confidence, then schedule the rest as their budget allows. The GED is priced by subject, so you can schedule and pay for subjects separately.
3. Can I take the GED test for free?
Free testing is possible in states that fully subsidize the exam or through voucher programs tied to adult education enrollment. Eligibility usually requires state residency and attendance in an approved prep class. Contact your local adult education office to confirm what is available where you live.
4. Does the GED test fee include a diploma?
Additional transcripts or replacement diplomas may cost extra, but the fee varies significantly by state. Some states provide certain documents for free, while others charge a separate document or processing fee. Check your state's GED credential provider for the current price.
Final thoughts
Understanding the GED test cost before you register makes the whole process easier to plan, because the per-subject structure lets you pace both your studying and your spending. Budget for the four exams first, check whether your state subsidizes fees or offers vouchers, then set aside a small amount for official practice tests. That order keeps your total certification budget predictable and reduces the risk of paying for avoidable retakes. The single best way to control what you spend is to walk into each subject prepared. Start with realistic, exam-style practice at GED Prep, find your weak areas, and register only when your scores show you are ready.