GED Preparation & Adult Literacy Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for taking the GED test?

GED examines must be:

• 18 years of age
• not enrolled in school
• not a graduate of any accredited high school
• a resident of Alabama

Are there any provisions for 16 and 17 year olds to take the test?

Yes. A 16 and 17 year old may test. However, students from this group are required to submit documentation from a public or private school, as appropriate, verifying that the applicant has withdrawn. In addition, the student should submit a notarized letter of permission from parent or legal guardian. The required format for this letter may be obtained from a GED examiner.

If you are enrolled in a GED preparation program, your teacher will assist you. If not, ask the GED test administrator for guidance through this process.

What does it cost to take the GED test?

The cost is $50 to take the entire test for the first time. It will cost $10 per subject to repeat any individual subject test.

What subjects are tested on the GED exam and what are the time limits?

• Language Arts - Writing 1 hour,  15 minutes
  Tests sentence structure, usage, mechanics and organization.
• Language Arts - Essay 45 minutes
  Requires an original essay that adequately develops the topic provided.
• Language Arts - Reading 1 hour, 5 minutes
  Requires comprehension and analysis of selections from popular and classical literature, business documents, etc.
• Science - 1 hour, 20 minutes
  Life science, earth and space science, physical science.
• Social Studies 1 hour, 10 minutes
  History, geography, civics, government and economics. Includes maps, charts, tables, cartoons and photographs.
• Mathematics - 1 hour,  30 minutes
  Covers number sense, geometry/measurement, data analysis/statistics and algebra/functions. Some use of calculator required. Includes graphs, charts, tables and diagrams.

Do I have to take the entire test in one day?

Candidates taking the GED for the first time are expected to complete the test in a one day sitting. However, there are two exceptions. First is the candidate who applies to the GED testing service and is approved for special testing accommodations. Second is the candidate who can sufficiently demonstrate to the Chief GED Examiner an inability to do this due to transportation, child care, work or family responsibilities. In any case, the entire test must be completed within a ninety day period.

Some centers test on weekdays, some in the evenings, and some on weekends. When you call the test centers, inquire about all the options they provide.

Are there special test accommodations for those with disabilities?

Yes. Test candidates may not have the ability or test-taking skills required to complete the test under standard conditions because of physical, psychological, or learning disabilities. In these cases, the student can be tested under special conditions and/or with special editions of the test (Braille, large print, etc) at no additional cost. However, you must inquire about this option in advance at your test center, fill out special forms and receive certain approvals. If you are enrolled in an adult education class, your instructor will assist you with this.

What score is required to pass the GED test?

In Alabama, your total score on all five tests must add up to 2250 points (the essay is not included in this scoring system). The required minimum score on each individual test is 410. Remember, this is the minimum. To achieve the total, you must have an average score of 450 per test.

Is this score based on a 0 to 100 point scale?

No. The scores used on the GED have a different range. The lowest score you can earn on each test is 200, the highest is 800.

How long will it take me to receive my test scores and find out if I passed?

It is usually four to six weeks before you receive your official test results in the mail.

After the GED Test - What happens if I do not receive passing scores on the GED test?

You must retake all test subjects with scores less than 410. If all scores are at least 410, but your total is less than the required 2250, a retest is also required. However, you may choose which test(s) you will take to increase your overall score.

Is there a waiting period before I can retest?

Yes. You may retest after six weeks. However, you may retest only three times in one year.

Do employers and colleges consider the GED to be as goods as the high school diploma?

The level of difficulty of the GED test has been set purposefully high. Of graduating high school seniors who participated in the norm study, 42% failed the GED. Therefore, a GED diploma truly documents that you have high school-level skills. About 95% of employers and colleges accept the GED as a credential equal to the traditional high school diploma.

Will I be able to enter college with a GED?

Absolutely! About 95% of colleges and universities in the U.S. accept GED graduates in the same manner as high school graduates.

In Alabama, all two-year and four-year colleges and universities accept GED graduates into their programs if they have completed the other requirements for acceptance. Some Alabama 4-year colleges may require higher than minimum scores on the GED test and/or additional tests for acceptance and/or placement. Each college has its own application process and requirements. You should contact the admissions office of the school to obtain this information. If you meet entrance requirements, you should also be eligible for financial aid and all other services available to traditional high school graduates.

What if I lose my GED certificate, or what if a college requests an official transcript or GED scores. Where can I obtain additional copies of my record?

If you have passed the GED test within the previous year, you can send a written request to the GED test center where you took the test. They will mail it directly to the college(s) to which you are applying. There is usually a $5 charge for each official transcript request.

The Department of Postsecondary Education permanently maintains the records of all those who passed the GED test. The GED Office is in charge of these records. If you passed your GED years ago and need official documentation, you may call the department's toll-free number to obtain copies of these documents: 1-800-392-8080.