how much is ged test

How Much Is GED Test From State By State? [2024 Updated]

How much is GED test? Find out the cost and what the rules are in your state as well as other related information about the GED test in this article.

April 13, 2022

The GED certifies that a student has reached a level of knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma. The GED exam is made up of four individually priced tests that cover the following subjects: mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies, and science.

But how much is GED test? How much is a GED test online and at a center? Find the answers in this article.

Let’s get started with our free GED practice test to pass your exam with a high score on the first attempt.

Overview Of The GED Test

The General Educational Development (GED) examination is a series of exams that test takers must complete in order to get a GED diploma (also known as a GED certificate). This certificate is equivalent to a standard high school diploma.

Individuals may be interested in obtaining a GED certificate since most employers need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Adults who did not complete high school can fulfill this criterion by completing the GED exam.

Although the minimal criterion varies by state, the GED Testing Service claims that in order to pass, an individual must score at least 410 on each exam and have an average of 450.

The American Council on Education created and administers the GED test at places around the country. Prospective exam takers should register on the ACE website.

Language Arts (Reading); Language Arts (Writing); Social Studies; Science; and Mathematics are the five areas of the GED test.

Online vs At A Test Center: How Much Is GED Test?

how much is ged test

The cost of the GED Online Test has changed. In almost every state, taking the GED test at a remote location now costs more than taking the GED test at a GED test center.

As a result, the cost of the GED test has grown a little more complex. If a student takes the GED test at a GED test center, most states charge $30 per subject and $36 if the student takes the GED test online. In some states, however, an in-person test at a test center costs only $20, while online testing only $36. To see how it works in your state, scroll down.

You must also take the GED Ready® practice test for each of the four modules if you choose online testing. Before you may take the GED exam online, you need to score in the “green” (“likely to pass”) zone on this practice test, which costs $6.99 per subject.

As a result, the cost of taking the GED exam will increase by $6.99 per subject. It’s also possible that you will have to take the GED Ready test again, so keep that in mind.

It’s also important to note that you are not required to take all four subject tests at the same time. In most states, your GED test score will not expire until a new version of the GED test is released, allowing you to take one test each month or even per year.

In New York State, South Carolina, and Vermont, online GED testing is not available!

Here’s a breakdown of what states use and how much the full exam costs. There are separate fees for computer-based and paper-based HiSET exams.

How much is GED testing online vs in a Test Center in each state? The following prices are for a single-subject test:

State

GED Test Cost at a Test Center

Cost of the GED Online Test

Alabama

$30.00

$36.00

Alaska

$30.00

$36.00

Arizona

$35.00

$42.00

Arkansas

$4.00

$36.00

California

$35.00

$41.00

Colorado

$37.50

$43.50

Connecticut

$13.00

$13.00

Delaware

$30.00

$36.00

District of Columbia

$3.75

$3.75

Florida

$32.00

$36.00

Georgia

$40.00

$46.00

Hawaii

$37.50

$43.50

Idaho

$30.00

$36.00

Illinois

$30.00

$36.00

Indiana

No GED-HiSET instead

Iowa

No GED-HiSET instead

Kansas

$29.00

$39.00

Kentucky

$30.00

$36.00

Louisiana

No GED-HiSET instead

Maine

No GED-HiSET instead

Maryland

$11.25

$11.25

Massachusetts

$31.75

$37.50

Michigan

$37.50

$43.50

Minnesota

$30.00

$36.00

Mississippi

$30.00

$36.00

Missouri

No GED-HiSET instead

Montana

No GED-HiSET instead

Nebraska

$30.00

$36.00

Nevada

$23.75

$36.00

New Hampshire

No GED-HiSET instead

New Jersey

$30.00

$36.00

New Mexico

$20.00

$36.00

New York

Free

N/A

North Carolina

$20.00

$36.00

North Dakota

$30.00

$36.00

Ohio

$30.00

$36.00

Oklahoma

$34.00

$40.00

Oregon

$38.00

$44.00

Pennsylvania

$30.00

$36.00

Rhode Island

$30.00

$36.00

South Carolina

$37.50

N/A

South Dakota

$37.50

$37.50

Tennessee

No GED-HiSET instead

Texas

$36.50

$42.50

Utah

$30.00

$36.00

Vermont

$30.00

N/A

Virginia

$30.00

$36.00

Washington

$30.00

$36.00

West Virginia

No GED-HiSET instead

Wisconsin

$29.00

$39.00

Wyoming

$20.00

$36.00

As you can see, the answer to “How much does it cost to get your GED?”  depends on the state you live in and how you want to/need to take the exam.

Obviously, students who take the online test need to figure in additional fees (online GED test Plus GED Ready test), but when compared to the costs of traveling to a traditional testing center, it may be worthwhile.

Connecticut, for example, provides free GED testing to applicants under the age of 21 and veterans. The entire GED battery costs $13 for everyone else. Students must show documentation of Connecticut residency for at least 30 days to be eligible for free testing. Residents of New York could take the GED exam for free.

Proof of residency is an official document that shows the student’s address such as a utility bill (water, phone, gas), a bank statement, voter registration card, etc.

States Not Providing The GED Test

how much is ged test

Instead of the GED test, several states provide a different exam. The HiSET exam is the one you are looking for. You will obtain a High School Equivalency Diploma if you pass the GED or HiSET exam. This diploma is equivalent to a regular high school diploma, so you can use it to apply to universities or trade schools.

These states can not provide the GED test; instead, they provide the HiSET test:

  • Indiana – HiSET (no GED)
  • Iowa – HiSET (no GED)
  • Louisiana – HiSET (no GED)
  • Maine – HiSET (no GED)
  • Missouri – HiSET (no GED)
  • Montana – HiSET (no GED)
  • New Hampshire – HiSET (no GED)
  • Tennessee – HISET (no GED)
  • West Virginia – HiSET (no GED)

How Much Is The GED Test In A Different State?

Many students inquire if they can take the online GED test in a state other than their own. The answer is that it is dependent on your region. Some states require GED candidates to provide proof of residency, while others do not. Keep in mind that ID requirements can differ from state to state, so be sure you’re up-to-date!

In Maryland, for example, GED candidates must show proof of residency, whereas, in Idaho, this is not necessary. Both states provide online testing options, but the GED test in Maryland is subsidized by the state and costs only $11.25 for each subject, whereas students in Idaho must pay $30 per subject.

Almost every state that requires residency has the same requirements. It must be a document that contains a student’s name and address in the state in question. Bank statements and phone bills are the most commonly presented documents as proof of residency.

Read more about GED Scores to be best prepared for your upcoming test.

GED Retests And Costs

how much is ged test

Students can retake a GED subtest if they do not pass it the first time. Each GED module’s first two retakes are offered at a reduced rate. GED Testing Service will waive the fee ($20), but a testing facility fee (typically $10 per subtest) is required in most cases. So, students can receive 8 free (2 for each subject) or reduced-price retakes but they must attempt to take these retakes within a year of the first (failed) exam.

Please be aware that this retake policy does not apply to online tests! This only applies to exams administered at traditional testing centers.

To avoid retaking the test, you can read the GED study guide and learn how to set up your own study plan effectively. 

How to Take the GED Test for Free or Discounted?

GEDWorks offers a free GED program.

GEDWorks is a complete program that allows you to obtain your GED through your job for free. The GED program allows you to take free GED exams, making it simple to obtain your GED while working.

Employees or members can use GEDWorks for free, with fees paid by their company or healthcare provider. At no cost, you will have unlimited access to English and Spanish study resources, preparatory courses, tutoring, practice exams, a personal adviser, and other services. Advisors meet with each student on a weekly basis to coach, give study ideas, and provide study material help. Employers also encourage participating students since they can assess development and overall performance utilizing the program’s data and reporting tools.

Those who participate in GEDWorks are nearly twice as likely as those who prepare for the test on their own to obtain their GED. Top organizations like as Taco Bell, KFC, Sheetz, The Cheesecake Factory, Pizza Hut, and others are using GEDWorks to strengthen their workforces. There are other health insurance companies, such as Minnesota-based UCare, that provide qualifying members with access to GEDWorks. We’ve assisted over 4,200 students acquire their GED qualifications at no cost since the program’s inception. You may check GED.com to discover whether your firm already provides free GED exams. A complete list of participating companies may be seen here.

Other Options for Getting Your GED Test for Free or at a Discount

As part of a campaign, certain states around the country provide the option to take your exam for free or at a reduced cost. States such as Minnesota, Maryland, and DC provide subsidized testing, while others such as Connecticut, Kentucky, and Virginia provide free testing. The student must be a state resident, a first-time tester, enrolled in an approved adult education program, and take the GED Ready practice exam, depending on the state.

FAQs

Final Words

You now have an answer to the question, How much is GED test?” The cost of the GED exam varies by state. Some states cover the costs of the exam for their residents, while others require students to pay the full cost. It is critical to recognize that the GED exam is one of two HSE (High School Equivalency) exams available, with the HiSET exam available in some states.

Financial constraints are a significant factor in decision-making, and they undoubtedly influence many people’s thinking, particularly those without stable jobs. So, be informed and use our GED cost calculator to determine how much the GED test will cost you. One thing is certain: taking the GED test and earning your HSE diploma is worthwhile.