According to the American Council on Education, only about 60% of those individuals who graduated from high school would be able to pass the GED on their first try. Thus, the test is challenging and requires preparation. The GED test is divided into five sections, including reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. GED preparation courses are usually offered at community colleges and universities. Practice tests may be obtained through your public library.
The GED test can only be taken at testing centers and is not available online. Testing centers are located in every state at various locations. Testing sites can be located by entering your zip code into a search form on the American Council on Education website. The cost of the GED test varies by location and in some places may be offered for free. If you need accommodations, please contact your testing center well in advance and get required documentation from a physician stating the need for accommodations.
If you do not pass one or more than one section of the GED, you can retake those sections up to three times within a year. The passing scores are then combined with the passing scores received on earlier tests to complete the GED. Once passing scores have been obtained, a GED transcript can be requested.