Understanding Your GED® Test Scores

How are GED scores reported?

Scores for each of the five 2002 Series GED Tests are reported separately on a standard score scale ranging from 200 (the lowest) to 800 (the highest). Your scores on the GED Tests are not the number of correct answers or the percentage of correct answers. The Language Arts, Writing Test score is a statistical combination of scores from Part I (multiple-choice format) and Part II (the essay format).

What scores do I need to pass the GED Tests?

Passing scores for the GED Tests are set by the state, province, or territory where you live. Although the requirements may vary slightly from one jurisdiction to the next, score requirements are typically reported as a minimum standard score for each test and a minimum average standard score across all five tests.

Beginning with the 2002 Series GED Tests, the minimum passing standard set by the GED Testing Service is an average of the five individual subject area test scores of 450 or greater (a total standard score of 2250 or greater) and, in addition, each individual subject area test score must be 410 or greater. Most U.S. jurisdictions use this passing score requirement.

This passing score requirement allow test takers to "compensate" for performance in one subject area by stronger performance in another; i.e., a lower score on one test can be compensated by a higher score on another test and result in passing the GED Tests Battery. Many skills make important contributions to achievement and it is possible for most test takers to compensate for weaknesses in one area using strengths in other areas.

Your local official GED Testing Center can tell you what requirements you must meet to earn a GED credential.

How should I interpret my scores?

Your GED test scores provide an estimate of your academic knowledge and skills in each subject area as compared to that of recent high school graduates. As with any test, the scores are not intended to be a complete measure of all you can do.

If you take the GED Tests and don’t meet the score requirement needed to earn a GED credential in your jurisdiction, you should contact your local adult education resource center or look into preparation classes or materials to help you brush up on your skills.

If you are taking the GED Tests for college or university admission, check first with the institution to find out the minimum scores required for admission as well as other criteria you might need to meet for admission.

If you’ve already taken the GED Tests and want to find out how to get a transcript of your scores, please contact your jurisdiction's GED Testing Program.

© 2007  American Council on Education