How Can I Get My GED for Free?

You must take the final GED tests at a GED testing center.

To earn your GED, start with a pre-test to predict your score and to give you confidence on the final test. Free online courses can give you the one-on-one help you need. You can also buy GED practice tests at a book store or read them at a public library. The fee for the final test varies by state and by region within states. The average is $80. There are certain steps you can take, however, to get a fee waiver for the test.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation

Instructions

1. 

   Taking practice tests online offers more flexibility.

   Participate in an "adult education class" for a minimum of 12 hours. You can choose an online class or a class in your community. Community classes are free. Libraries, high schools, college extensions or other designated places offer them. This is the first step in taking your GED final test for free.

2. Contact an official GED practice center or test center to schedule a GED practice test. You need a pre-test score on the registration form of the adult education class. If the pre-test, scaled score is less than 600, your instructor will work with you until your score is 600 or better.

3. Pass all five GED Official Practice Tests in writing, math, reading, science and social studies with at least 410 in each sub-test and a 450 average for all five tests. Attach the fee waiver to the paper application or apply for the waiver online. The waiver will allow you to take the test for free.

4. Submit the fee waiver for the test with your application. Your instructor must sign and date the official fee waiver and submit the waiver with the test registration. The instructor will notify you about the test date and time.

5. Arrive early for the test to be in the best frame of mind. Relax and get comfortable before the test. Bring some identification and your Social Security number to the testing center. The GED center checks identification to prevent fraud, i.e., someone taking the test for someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• You must use a Casio FX260 solar scientific calculator for the math test.

• Visit getged.org for a list of all websites for the GED, including the national website from the American Council on Education and official websites for each state.

• Visit gcesc.K12.oh.US/forms for a sample application.

• Fee waivers expire on Dec. 31 of the year of issue.

• An application is valid for 120 days from the date of approval.

• New test series begin in 2012. No scores on individual sub-test will carry over. You will have to take the test again.

• Even if you take the practice tests online, you must take the final test at a certified testing facility.

References

• practice test
• adult education class
• test score
• math test

Resources

• List of official websites for the GED