Free GED Practice Test: Complete Study Guide 2026

What is the GED Test?

The GED (General Educational Development) test is a group of four subject tests which, when passed, certify that the test taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. It is an alternative to a traditional high school diploma and is widely accepted by employers and colleges.

The GED test is administered by the GED Testing Service, a joint venture of the American Council on Education (ACE) and Pearson. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people earn their GED credential, opening doors to better career opportunities and higher education.

The Four GED Subjects

1. Mathematical Reasoning

The GED Math test covers two main areas:

Quantitative Problem Solving (45%)

• Number operations and number sense
• Ratios, proportions, and percentages
• Data analysis and statistics
• Probability

Algebraic Problem Solving (55%)

• Linear equations and inequalities
• Quadratic equations
• Functions and patterns
• Geometry (area, perimeter, volume)
• Coordinate plane graphing

Key Facts:

• 46 questions in 115 minutes
• Calculator allowed on most questions (TI-30XS on screen)
• Formula sheet provided
• Passing score: 145 out of 200

Study Tips for Math:

• Master the order of operations (PEMDAS)
• Practice converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Memorize key formulas (even though a formula sheet is provided, knowing them saves time) — see our GED math formulas cheat sheet for the essentials
• Practice word problems — most GED math questions are word problems, not pure equations
• Use the on-screen calculator efficiently

2. Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)

The RLA test assesses reading comprehension and writing skills:

Reading (65%)

• Close reading of literary and informational texts
• Determining central ideas and themes
• Analyzing word meanings in context
• Making inferences and drawing conclusions

Writing (35%)

• Extended response essay (45 minutes)
• Grammar, sentence structure, and usage
• Editing and revision skills
• Organizing ideas logically

Key Facts:

• 46 questions + 1 essay in 150 minutes
• Reading passages from workplace, academic, and literary contexts
• Extended response requires analyzing source texts and writing an evidence-based argument
• Passing score: 145 out of 200

Study Tips for RLA:

• Read regularly — news articles, editorials, and short fiction
• Practice identifying the main idea vs. supporting details
• Learn common grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, comma rules
• For the essay: practice the evidence-based argument format (claim → evidence → reasoning)
• Time management is critical — don’t spend too long on any single passage
• For a deeper dive into RLA preparation, check out our GED reading and writing tips guide

3. Science

The GED Science test covers three content areas:

Life Science (40%)

• Cell biology and genetics
• Evolution and natural selection
• Human body systems
• Ecology and ecosystems

Physical Science (40%)

• Chemical reactions and properties of matter
• Motion, forces, and energy
• Waves and electromagnetic radiation

Earth and Space Science (20%)

• Earth’s structure and geological processes
• Weather and climate
• The solar system and universe

Key Facts:

• 34 questions in 90 minutes
• Focus on scientific reasoning, not memorization
• Data interpretation (graphs, tables, charts) is heavily tested
• Two short-answer responses
• Passing score: 145 out of 200

Study Tips for Science:

• Focus on reading scientific passages and interpreting data — this is tested more than factual recall. Our GED science data interpretation guide covers this in detail
• Practice reading graphs, charts, and tables
• Understand the scientific method (hypothesis → experiment → conclusion)
• Learn basic science vocabulary (independent variable, control group, etc.)
• Don’t memorize the periodic table — focus on understanding trends

4. Social Studies

The GED Social Studies test covers four content areas:

Civics and Government (50%)

• U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
• Structure of government (executive, legislative, judicial)
• Elections and political parties
• Rights and responsibilities of citizens

U.S. History (20%)

• Key events from colonization to modern era
• American Revolution, Civil War, civil rights movement
• Major economic and social developments

Economics (15%)

• Supply and demand
• Types of economic systems
• Government role in the economy
• Personal finance basics

Geography (15%)

• Map reading and interpretation
• Human-environment interaction
• Population and migration patterns

Key Facts:

• 35 questions in 70 minutes
• Heavy emphasis on document analysis (primary sources, political cartoons, maps)
• One extended response
• Passing score: 145 out of 200

Study Tips for Social Studies:

• Read the U.S. Constitution — especially the Bill of Rights and Amendments 13-15, 19, and 26. Our GED social studies civics and history review breaks down the key topics
• Practice analyzing primary source documents
• Learn to read political cartoons and identify the artist’s message
• Focus on cause-and-effect relationships in history
• Understand basic economic concepts (supply/demand, GDP, inflation)

GED Scoring System

The GED uses a scaled scoring system for each subject:

• 145+: You pass the subject and earn your GED credential
• 165+: Demonstrates college readiness — some colleges may waive placement tests
• 175+: May earn college credit at participating institutions

You must pass all four subjects to earn your GED, but you can take them one at a time. Scores for passed subjects are kept for future retakes.

How to Prepare

Create a Study Schedule

1. Take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses
2. Focus on weak areas — don’t spend equal time on subjects you already know
3. Study consistently — 1-2 hours daily is more effective than cramming
4. Set a test date — having a deadline creates accountability
5. Review regularly — revisit material from previous weeks

Free Study Resources

• Official GED Practice Tests: The GED Testing Service offers free practice tests at ged.com
• Khan Academy: Free lessons covering all GED math and science topics
• Your local library: Many offer free GED prep classes and study materials
• Our practice tests: Free practice questions with instant scoring for all 4 subjects

Test Day Tips

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test
• Arrive early with valid photo ID
• Use the scratch paper provided — working through problems on paper helps accuracy
• Don’t leave questions blank — there’s no penalty for guessing
• Manage your time — flag difficult questions and come back to them
• For essays, spend 5 minutes planning before writing

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the GED cost? The cost varies by state, typically $30-$40 per subject ($120-$160 total). Some states offer reduced or waived fees.

How long does it take to prepare? Most people need 3-6 months of studying, depending on their starting level. Some may need less, others more.

Can I retake a subject if I fail? Yes. After your first two attempts, you must wait 60 days between retakes. There’s no limit on the number of retakes.

Is the GED accepted by colleges? Yes. Over 98% of U.S. colleges and universities accept the GED credential for admission.

Can I take the GED online? The GED can be taken online with remote proctoring in most states. Check ged.com for your state’s availability.

Start Practicing Now

The best way to prepare for the GED is to practice with realistic questions. Our free GED practice tests cover all four subjects with instant scoring and explanations. Start with the subject you find most challenging and work your way through all four.