What's On the GED Test?
The GED is a seven-and-a-half hour test with four sections that cover language arts, math, science and social studies. The GED is taken on computer and for most of the test you will answer a variety of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, hot-spot and drop-and-drag questions. The test also includes several extended responses and essay questions.
The GED is available in English and Spanish, although Maryland requires all GED candidates to take the language arts section of the test in English. You can take the entire test in one day, or you can take the following four sections individually, in any order:
- Mathematical Reasoning - This 115-minute test section lets you demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Questions use real-life situations and cover a wide range of topics such as fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, algebraic expressions and equations and the area, perimeter and volume of geometric figures. You can use a calculator and a formula sheet for most of the questions on the test.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts - This section of the GED assesses your reading and writing skills. Reading-based questions measure your ability to read, interpret and analyze informational and literary texts. You might be asked to summarize ideas, draw conclusion, or evaluate points made in an argument. The writing questions may ask you to review a reading selection and correct sentence fragments, inaccurate verb tenses and errors in capitalization, punctuation and word usage. The 150-minute language arts test also requires an essay that you will have 45 minutes to write.
- Social Studies This 90-minute test section assesses your ability to interpret and analyze information on civics and government, national history, geography and economics. Questions are based on reading selections, maps, charts, illustrations and graphs. This test section also requires a short essay that you have 25 minutes to write.
- Science - The Science portion of the GED allows you to demonstrate your ability to interpret scientific information, and explain and apply scientific concepts and principles. Questions use reading selections, tables and graphs and cover content from life sciences, physical science and Earth and space science. The 90-minute test includes two extended-response questions that may ask you to summarize theories and evaluate data.
How is the GED Scored?
To pass the GED, you need to score 150 out of 200 possible points on each test section, and a total a total score of 600. If you score 170 points or higher, you'll receive an Honors score.
If you score below 150, you can retake that test section twice without any restrictions. If you need a third retest, you'll have to wait 60 days.
Who is Eligible?
Only state residents can take the GED Test in Maryland. The minimum age is 19, but exceptions are made for residents ages 16-19 who submit an official withdrawal from school form to the Maryland GED office.
You can register for the test at GED.com. The website also has a database of testing sites in Maryland. You can search for a test center near you, and schedule your tests online.
Maryland subsidizes its GED program, and the fee for each section is $11.25, or $45 for all four tests. Different test centers may also charge fees for retests.
How Do I Prepare?
You can study for the GED Test on your own with workbooks and online study resources. You can find sample questions, practice tests and a list of online courses and study guides at GED.com.
GED prep classes are also offered at Adult Education and Literary Services programs centers located throughout Maryland.
