A Must-Read GED Study Guide [2025 Updated]

The GED is the high school equivalency test that was originally developed to help World War II veterans who were returning from combat and needed a simple, standardized way to show their skills in order to enter the job market. As we know, the GED is a test that has been around for decades. Today, we’ll provide an online GED study guide combined with GED practice test questions for people of all ages. Our GED practice materials are designed for students at all levels of proficiency so if you’re ready to take your GED exam or just want some more information about it, this blog post has got you covered!

What Does GED Stand For?

You may have heard about GED such as Graduate Equivalency Degrees or General Educational Diplomas. However, GED traditionally stands for General Educational Development Test. 

You will receive a diploma after graduating from high school. This diploma is a document and its purpose is to state you’ve met all the requirements and finished all the courses to graduate. Some students in high school are close to completing and getting a diploma but don’t quite get there. In those cases, students can take a set of tests that will show whether or not they have a high school level of education. This is known as the GED test. 

Want to discover more about earning your GED? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We can say obtaining your GED is worthwhile, and we’re here to help you learn and understand more about what a GED is, the process of getting one, and how it will benefit your life afterward as well. 

First of all, let’s take a look at general but necessary knowledge about the GED. Below here is some basic, current information about the GED test. Check it out!

• There are four topic tests that make up the GED test: Reasoning Through Language Arts (which covers both Reading and Writing), Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science. 
• The GED test is available in both English and Spanish.
• There are such provisions for free accommodations as extra time and the use of scratch paper. For test security purposes, applicants are normally issued wipe-off boards for scratch use, instead of paper.
• Candidates are allowed to take the GED test up to three times with no waiting period and then again, they can retake the test every 60 days. This provides you with 8 testing opportunities in a calendar year for those needing to retest.

What Are The Benefits Of GED?

Obtaining GED earns you better chances of furthering your education. Passing the GED is synonymous with you earning a state high school diploma and you would be recognized for achieving a high school level of education. 

If you’ve had a dream to get a good job or a higher degree, there’s good news that GED is accepted by nearly all U.S. colleges, employers, and universities. Passing the GED can bring you better opportunities for work in the future, which in turn has the potential to lead to greater financial earnings. And don’t think that you’re alone in preparing for or wishing to earn your GED: there are 20 million GED graduates across the world with you. Many people who hold GED certificates start out at community colleges or technical schools and transition to four-year colleges after a year or two.

How To Be Eligible For a GED?

GED Prerequisites

You may wonder whether or not you are able to take the test and what standards you have to meet in order to take the test. Well, we’re here to answer for you. You may take the test if:

• You are not enrolled currently in or graduated from high school.
• You are at least 18 years old.
• or You are 16 or 17 years old and have completed your state’s required paperwork.

GED cost

The testing fees vary from state to state, so it is an optimal idea to check with your testing administrator for the most up-to-date costs. The GED testing service often charges local testing agencies $30 to administer each subtest, for a total of $120 for the complete GED test. The cost to the applicant is determined by the testing center and can vary. Most states seem to charge by subject or module, with many charging $30 or less. 

There is now a “discounted retakes program” which enables candidates to retake each failed subject test twice within 1 year since the first-time test, at a $20 discount. In some states, the entire retest fee is waived and you can retest free of charge. The fourth attempt (only when necessary) on the same test starts the fee cycle over again, with the full price paid for the fourth testing session, and so on. 

How To Take The GED Test?

You can either go to and take the GED test which is administered at an official GED testing center or take the online exam. There are a number of certified locations where you can go and take your tests across states. But first, you will need to schedule a testing time online at GED.com before you can take the test. In preparation for your tests, our GED practice test is an optimal choice. You can see our practice tests, questions, and detailed explanations are all designed for you to increase the possibility of passing the test.

What To Expect On The GED Test?

Types of questions 

The GED test designs a number of question formats in order to gauge a wide variety of knowledge and skill levels. There appear not only the traditional multiple-choice question format, but also drag-and-drop, hot spot, fill-in-the-blank, and extended response (short and long essay) types of questions. The test format is designed so that each section is taken separately, rather than all together. In each portion, you can expect to find those types of questions:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Fill-in-the-blank type questions
• Drag-and-drop questions
• Short answer questions
• Hot spot questions

Covered Subjects

There are four subjects that are included in the GED test. Are you curious about what they’re about and how to ace them?

1. GED Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA)

The RLA section is broken into two subsections: writing and reading. It lasts a total of 150 minutes, of which 45 minutes is to write one essay completely. This section also contains a break of 10 minutes. You would be required to write some kind of response, either essay, a short essay, or such a short answer as several sentence items. 

Its purpose is to test:

• You’re able or not to explain, comprehend, and give the right answer to questions based on the text given.
• Ability to write in a clear manner, read closely, and comprehend written text.
• Your ability to use evidence to support an argument.
• Your ability to comprehend and communicate with basic English skills that are necessary for college or in a job.

Read our GED Language Arts Study Guide 2025 now!

2. GED Science

The science section of the test gives you 90 minutes. You’ll have to complete 2 short answer questions that are 10 minutes each. You are allowed to bring and use a TI-30XS calculator.

Take note: This section focuses on Earth and Space (20%), Physical Science (40%), and Life Science (40%).

It gauges:

• Your ability to explain, comprehend, and answer science-related text questions.
• Your ability to solve problems in science-related situations.

Read our Comprehensive GED Science Study Guide In 2025 now!

3. GED Mathematical Reasoning

The mathematical portion is 115 minutes and is divided into two parts with a short break. For the first part, you are not allowed to use a calculator, while a TI-30XS calculator is allowed for the remaining part,

You will be provided with math formulas and a calculator reference guide.

The section measures your problem-solving abilities in both the Algebraic (55%) and Quantitative (45%)

Read our Best GED Math Study Guide In 2025 now!

4. GED Social Studies

 The social studies part of the test gives you 70 minutes to complete 50 questions in total, with no break in between. A TI-30XS calculator is allowed in this portion.

This section focuses on Geography (20%), Civics & Government (50%), U.S. History (20%), and Economics (15%).

It assesses:

• Your reading, explaining, and comprehending skills in social-studies-related text.
• Your problem-solving skills in situations related to the social studies topic.

Read our GED Social Studies Study Guide In 2025 now!

What Should Be Noted To Bring?

Since registering and scheduling your GED exam online, you will need to complete all the necessary verification at the test center on the computer, with your log-in email and password which you created. In the other version, if you do not register online, candidates will have to supply a valid form of ID, such as a current driver’s license, state-issued ID,  military ID, or passport. Make sure to access and complete the process correctly. You should also check with your testing center for any other documents that may be required on test day. 

If you want to use a handheld calculator instead of the online version provided, you will need to bring a TI-30XS Multiview Scientific Calculator. This is the only type of handheld calculator allowed and test centers will not provide handheld calculators for candidate use. You will be allowed to bring and use a calculator during most of the Math section and during all the Science and Social Studies sections of the GED test.

You will be required to bring very little else with you on the test day. Like many other kinds of exams, cell phones are apparently not allowed in the testing center. Centers may have limited secure storage for personal items, but it is recommended to limit as much as possible what you bring. No other individuals (including friends or family) will be allowed to be in the testing center with you.

What Minimum Score To Pass GED?

Applicants must get a score of at least 145 out of 200 points on each of the four sections to get a GED certificate. There is no such thing as a passing average point for combining all 4 section scores.

If test-takers achieve scores higher than the 145 passing scores, they can be waived from college placement tests and remediation courses in college, and even earn college credit hours. Applying for, scheduling, and taking the GED test can be done online all through the screen.

The test is scored based on the number of points the candidate earns. The qualifying scores for each subject range from 100 to 200.

You will need to meet these minimum score standards as follows:

• 145 points score to pass the exam
• 165 points of the score on any subject to earn the GED College Ready
• 175 points score to earn GED College Ready and Credit in that subject

In order to get your equivalency diploma, you MUST achieve 60% or higher than the scores of graduating high schoolers.

It should be noted that The GED test provides detailed score reporting available right on the testing day. You can receive your results within hours rather than weeks.

What Kind Of Job Can a GED Holder Get?

Obtaining a GED certificate helps open many doors of financial and academic opportunities that are apparently shut without it. There is a fact that many jobs only hire those with a GED certificate or high school diploma, and it has a minimum requirement for admission at most colleges and universities. It has been shown that GED holders have better future earning potential, greater financial stability, and are more likely to own their homes.

GED Study Guide – How To Prepare For The GED Test?

We believe as long as you prepare and study hard, you can pass every exam. We have provided a list of the best study guides and comprehensive practice tests. We have even included detailed explanations after each question. 

Obtaining your GED is totally possible—more than 20 million people have received theirs and you can earn it too! The doors and opportunities are opening for you. Let’s pass a life-changing exam!

Practice now to determine your readiness to take the GED test. The results of these practice tests will also identify areas in which you need to work to improve before taking the final test.

FAQs

How to register for a GED exam?

You have to register and schedule the test on the official GED website. During the registration process, you will be asked when and where you want to take the test, and what subject(s) areas you want to take. During this time you will also be required to pay the required amount. Remember to prepare for it!

Where to take the GED test?

There are more than 3,000 testing centers throughout the United States that administer the test. You can register, find and choose the nearest or most convenient testing center by going to the official GED website. This also applies to those living outside the U.S.

Does Harvard accept GED?

The answer is Yes. Harvard does accept GED graduates. The fact is that Harvard does not require any high school or GED diploma for admittance. So apparently, Harvard may accept you with a GED or even no high school diploma at all.

Do you have scholarships for the GED test?

No, we do not have any scholarships for GED tests.

That’s all about the GED study guide! Good luck with your upcoming exam!

Final Words

In conclusion, utilizing a GED study guide is an essential tool for achieving success on the GED test. This comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the different sections of the GED test, along with effective study materials, test-taking strategies, and time-management tips. By dedicating time and effort to studying with a GED study guide, individuals can enhance their understanding of the test content and gain the confidence needed to excel in each section. Remember to utilize practice tests, review your results, and implement the tips and tricks provided to optimize your performance. With the right preparation and a reliable GED study guide, you can approach the GED test with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve your academic goals.