GED® Testing and Transcripts
If you have not earned a high school diploma, consider taking the GED® tests. After passing the four-part tests, you will receive a certificate showing that you have the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate. The tests can be taken at a test center or online.
Most colleges and employers accept the GED® credential as being equivalent to a high school diploma. Earning a GED® credential opens doors to college and better jobs.
The GED® exam consists of four separate tests that assess the knowledge and skills equivalent to high school graduates in the following areas:
- Reasoning through Language Arts (reading and writing)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
The tests are $30 each and you can take them separately.
You may take the GED® tests if:
- You are at least 19 years old and have not graduated from high school.
- You are not currently enrolled in high school.
- You are an active member of the military, national guard or reserves.
- You have current government-issued photo identification with your name, address, birth date and signature on it. (If your photo identification is not from Washington, you will need to have additional documentation showing you have a Washington address.)
- You are a current resident of Washington.
If you are 16, 17 or 18 years old, you must submit a Request for Approval to Test form OR a Notarized Statement/Letter for Home School Students to the test center:
- If you attended high school, the "Approval to Test" form must be completed by your last Washington high school or the school district office in which you now reside. This releases you from the district to take your GED® tests. Contact your high school or school district office to request a completed form. (Schools or school districts can get forms from GED@sbctc.edu.)
- Home schooled students need to complete and submit a notarized form called the "Notarized Statement/Letter for Home School Students." Contact your local test center to get a form.
- You will not be able to complete test registration until a form has been submitted and recorded by the test center.
Yes, the tests can be taken online using the Official Online GED Test. You must have the required technology and have scored "Likely to Pass" on a GED® Ready test (official practice test) in the subject area in the last 60 days.
Each test is $30 and you must pass all four tests to earn a GED® certificate. You can take them separately.
- To schedule a test at a testing center, you will need to first register at GED.com.
- Once registered you will be able to schedule and submit payment ($30 per test or $120 for all four tests).
- You will take your GED® tests on a computer at an official testing center. Remote testing may be available, under special circumstances.
- At the time of testing, you will need to provide current government-issued photo identification with your name, address, birth date and signature on it. (If your photo identification is not from Washington, you will need to bring additional documentation showing you have a Washington address.)
Community colleges, technical colleges, and several community-based organizations offer low-cost programs to help you prepare to take the GED® tests. Programs are listed on a directory of school and community programs with GED® preparation classes.
Several publishers offer online practice tests, preparations materials and online preparation courses. The GED® Testing Service also offers an online practice test called GED® Ready.
The GED® testing service will send you an email when your score report is ready. You will then be able to view the score on your GED® account at GED.com.
After you have completed and passed all four tests, you will be emailed the access code to download your certificate.
Request your transcripts at GED.com or through your GED® account.
Employers, colleges, agencies and others requesting verification can submit requests for GED® verification through the GED® Testing Service. You will be asked to create an account in order to verify the completion status of an examinee.
SBCTC Staff Contact
Troy Goracke
GED® Administrator
ged@sbctc.edu
GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education ("ACE"). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.
High School Diploma Options
Our colleges also make it possible for adults to earn actual high school diplomas.
Contact for General GED® Testing Questions
GED® Program Information Line for Washington state
360-704-4410 or email ged@sbctc.edu
Page Manager:
shagreen@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 4/20/23, 10:48 AM