Frequently Asked Questions about GED® Tests

Q: What are the GED tests?

A: A program of the American Council on Education, the General Educational Development (GED) tests provides adults who did not complete a formal high school program the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills.  The GED tests are given in English, Spanish and French formats.  The tests are comprised of five content areas:  Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; and Mathematics.  Candidates testing on the Spanish and French editions of the GED tests are also required to demonstrate fluency in English by passing the GED English Proficiency Test 6 with a minimum score of 410.  For more information, visit The GED Testing Service at http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=GED_TS.

Q: Who is eligible for the GED tests?

A: The GED tests are intended primarily for persons who, for any number of reasons, have missed their first opportunity to complete a high school program of instruction. The GED tests can be administered only to New Jersey residents who are at least 16 years old; have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma; and are not currently enrolled in a regular high school. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must complete a Certificate of Consent to Participate form at http://www.nj.gov/education/students/ged/forms/ConsentParticipate.pdf verifying that you are not enrolled in school. If you have a legal guardian, you must bring a copy of the court document awarding guardianship. Written confirmationof eligibility must be provided by all candidates. You must bring two pieces of identification: (1) The primary identification must be government-issued with a date of birth, photograph, address, and signature, such as a drivers license or valid passport. (2) The secondary identification must be a document that verifies the government identification, including your name and address, such as automotive registration or auto insurance ID.

Q: How do I sign up for the GED tests?

A: GED tests may be taken only at official New Jersey GED Testing Centers.  You can register online to take the tests at www.ged123.org.  You must also contact the testing center where you wish to take the GED tests to find out when the tests are scheduled and how to register for them.

To locate a testing center near you, click http://www.acenet.edu/resources/ged/_locator.cfm

Q:  How much does the testing fee cost?

A:  The complete test battery costs $50.00.  The retest fee for each content area is $10.00.

Q:  How often can I take the test in one year?

A:  You can take the complete battery of tests a total of three times (3x) in one calendar year starting on January 1st through December 31st.

Q: How do I request special accommodations for GED testing?

A: If you are a qualified candidate with a documented disability, please visit The GED Testing Service to review the guidelines and application procedures at http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/test/Take/Accommodations_Disab.htm.

Q: What are the GED test scores?

A: In order to qualify for a New Jersey state-issued high school diploma, candidates must meet the minimum test score requirements. For more information click on Passing Scores at http://www.state.nj.us/education/students/ged/cp/passing.htm.

Q:  How can I gain access to my Official Transcript of GED Test Results?

A: To obtain you GED Access Code to download your Official Transcript please email, fax or mail a signed request that must include your complete name, social security number, date of birth, your phone number, email address and you signature.  Your access code will be emailed to you as soon as possible after receiving your request, and a staff member will call you to inform you it was sent.