Eligibility Requirements
| Test Name | General Educational Development (GED) |
| Test Subjects/Format | Four individual tests that must be taken on-site: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies |
| Time Allotted | 150 minutes for language arts; 90 minutes each for science and social studies; 115 minutes for math |
| Language Options | Can be taken in English or Spanish |
| Passing Score | 150 for each section; scores of 170-200 per test receive Honors |
| Residency | Texas resident |
| Minimum Age | 18 (16-17 year olds must meet additional requirements listed below) |
| Retakes | Tests can be retaken any time: after 3 attempts there is a 60 day waiting period before the next attempt |
| Credential Issued | State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency |
To be eligible to take the General Educational Development (GED) tests, you can't be a high school graduate. Applicants need to provide photo identification and reside within the state of Texas. The state accepts both national and foreign government issued identification, such as a driver's license, military ID, or passport. Although the age requirement is 18, residents may test at age 17 with parent or guardian permission if they're not currently enrolled in school. Students may also test at age 16 if they're in the care of a Texas state agency or under a court order.
Options Program
Texas also offers the Options Program, or the High School Equivalency Program, which allows students who are currently enrolled in high school to take the GED tests and earn a State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency instead of a high school diploma. The Options program is not available at every high school, and interested candidates should contact their local school district to see if the program is available.
GED Test Information
The GED exam is composed of four individual tests in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
The language arts test is 150 minutes long and includes an essay used to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
The GED Science test is 90 minutes long and includes questions that measure your knowledge on life science, physical science, and Earth and space science. The GED Social Studies test is also 90 minutes long and includes an essay which you have 25 minutes to write. Questions on the social studies test cover civics and government, U.S. history, economics, and geography.
The mathematics test is 115 minutes long, and measures your quantitative problem-solving skills and your algebraic problem-solving abilities. You will be able to use a calculator for most of the questions on the test.
The tests can be taken separately and are available in English and Spanish. However, they cannot be taken online. There are many official test centers located throughout the state at community colleges, state universities, secondary schools, and GED testing centers. To find a test center, visit the GED Testing Service website (ged.com) and click the 'Locate a Test Center' option at the bottom of the page.
GED Test Preparation
You can prepare for the GED tests at home or by taking a GED preparation class at different locations such as colleges, libraries, and adult education and workforce development centers. To find a GED prep class, visit the GED Testing service website and enter an address or zip code in the 'Find a Center' locator.
Test takers who want to prepare on their own for the GED test can find an official free GED practice test on the GED Testing Service website. There are also many preparation books available which can be purchased on the website. If you do choose to prepare with other online resources and texts, make sure you are using materials for the updated 2014 version on the GED.
Scoring Requirements
Scoring for the GED test is based upon an individual's knowledge and skills within the four content areas. The test questions are based on new college and career ready standards which are in place throughout most of the United States. Test scores on each of the four tests range from 100 - 200 points, and you must receive a score of at least 150 to pass. Candidates who receive scores that range from 170 -200 receive Honors scores.
Individuals who don't pass a test may retake the test at any time. However, if you do not pass a particular test after three attempts, there is a 60 day waiting period before you can retake that test.
Only people 18 years of age without a high school diploma can take the GED test, which is split into four parts that can be taken separately.
Need help preparing for the GED? Check out Study.com's GED Test Prep study guides, complete with bite-size video lessons, practice tests, informational resources, and more to make sure you ace the exam!