About the GED Test

Subjects: The GED has four content areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts; Mathematical Reasoning; Science; and Social Studies. Click here for more details.

Scoring: A minimum score of 145 out of a possible 200 on each test is necessary to pass and receive a high school equivalency credential. Two additional performance levels are also possible. Scores between 165-174 indicate GED College Ready (used to signify readiness to enter credit-bearing, college-level courses). Scores between 175-200 indicate GED College Ready + Credit (which may qualify students for up to ten hours of college credit). Click here for more information.

Scheduling:  There are two main options for scheduling Official GED tests. 

• In-person testing is available at the GED Testing Center located at Ridgewater College. The center is open for GED testing on Wednesday mornings. This is a private testing center, so students who wish to test at this location will need to schedule through Shari Brunes. Other public GED test sites that are open to the public are located in Mankato, Monticello, Willmar, and the metro area. Check your GED.com account for locations near you. In-person tests cost $36 per subject. 

• Online proctored testing, also known as OP Testing, is an option for Official GED testing that was launched in 2020. Students who do OP testing are able to schedule their tests for just about any time of the day or night, seven days a week and take their official tests at home (or anywhere that meets the testing requirements). To be eligible for OP testing, a student must be 18+ and have a score in the green zone (145+) on a GED Ready practice test taken within the previous 60 days. OP tests cost $36 per subject. 

Use the code MNHSEFREE  to get the entire first full battery of tests free. Testers must have a Minnesota address and be testing either via online proctor or in a testing center located in Minnesota or in an approved testing center near Minnesota. This code can only be used a maximum of 4 times for GED and a maximum of 5 times for HiSET. Retakes are not eligible for the code discount. 

If the funding runs out for the MNSHEFREE code, students enrolled in Hutchinson Adult Education are eligible for free GED testing once they attend for 12+ hours in the current program year (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). 

Payment: All candidates must create a GED profile at ged.com. Students who do not qualify for free GED testing will need to pay for the test in advance with a credit, debit, gift card or voucher. The cost for in-person testing is $36 per subject area test, or $144 for all four tests. The cost for online proctored testing is $36 per subject area test, or $144 for all four tests. 

If a student does not pass or does not show up for testing, they will NOT receive the subsidy for the retake tests; they will have to pay the standard retake test price.

Agencies that wish to help individuals pay for the test must purchase vouchers through Pearson VUE. Click here for more info. Vouchers are available for the full battery or for individual tests.

Age Waivers: GED Candidates must be at least 17 years of age and not currently enrolled in high school. Individuals who are 17 or 18 must receive an age waiver from the State of Minnesota before testing. Hutchinson Adult Education staff will help students complete the age waiver process and send it to the State of Minnesota. Individuals under the age of 17 are not eligible to take the GED. Visit www.education.state.mn.us for more information.

Accommodations: Accommodations must be requested and approved through GED Testing Service. Hutchinson Adult Education staff can help you apply for accommodations. Click here for more information.

Identification: A current government-issued photo ID is required in order to test (e.g., MN ID card, driver's license, passport, government ID). There are no exceptions.

Test Results: Test results are available 24-48 hours after testing. Individuals can access their own scores by logging in to their GED profile at ged.com. Official transcripts issued by the Minnesota Department of Education will be mailed to individuals at the address listed in the student's ged.com account after passing all four tests. 

Retesting: 

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

• In Minnesota, there is no waiting period if you do not pass a subject area test the first time (this may vary based on testing center). After taking a test subject 3 times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

• The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60 day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.  

As of July 1, 2024, GED Testing Service updated its retest policy to allow only one discounted retake per subject test rather than two discounted retakes per subject test.

Overview of cost per attempt (for each subject):

First attempt: $36.00 (using subsidy code MNHSEFREE covers the cost)

Second attempt: $10.00 (discounted price)

Third attempt: $36.00 (full price)

Note: Only tests taken in-person at a testing center are eligible for the discounted price; retests taken as Online Proctored are full price.

Computer Skills: The GED must be taken on computer at an Official Pearson VUE Test Center or a location that meets the criteria for online proctored testing. Candidates will need basic computer skills in order to pass the test. Click here for a free online tutorial.

Practice Tests: Click here to learn more about GED practice tests. Official practice tests can be accessed at ged.com for $6.99 per test. Hutchinson Adult Education issues free GED Ready testing vouchers to qualified students. 

Transcripts: Official GED Transcripts/Diplomas are mailed to students at the address listed in their account at GED.com after passing the final GED subject area test. If you need additional copies of your GED records, you will need to request them from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Visit the MDE website and scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the GED Records Request form. You will need to print out the form, complete the information, and submit it to MDE to receive a copy of your GED transcript/diploma. Please note that for official employment, college, other post-secondary or similar verification purposes, they typically need just the “Official Transcript.” All records are sent via U.S. Mail or email. 

Questions: Visit the GED Testing Service FAQ page and the Minnesota Testing Policy page for more information.