GED Test Format
Like other states, the New Jersey GED has four separate tests: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. The seven-and-a-half hour test is taken on computer, and is offered in English and Spanish. You can take the following test sections all at once, or individually, in any order:
- The Reasoning through Language Arts test is 150 minutes and includes an essay which you will have 45 minutes to write. The test measures your ability to read, analyze and interpret literary and informational text and your writing and editing skills.
- The Mathematical Reasoning test evaluates your ability to solve quantitative problems and your algebraic problem-solving skills. The 115-minute test has two sections, and for most of the questions, you can use a calculator.
- The Science section tests your ability to read and understand science-related texts. The test is 90 minutes and questions cover information on life science, physical science and Earth and space science.
- The Social Studies test is also 90 minutes long. For this test, you will use charts, graphs, illustrations, tables and texts to answer questions on civics and government, U.S. history, economics and geography.
Scoring and Retesting
In order to pass, you must score at least 150 on each section of the test and have a total score of 600. If you earn 170-200 points on any of the tests, you'll receive an honors score. If you fall short of the minimum score on any of the test sections, you can retake that section without any waiting period. However, after taking a test section three times, you must wait 60 days before retesting. There is no limit to the number of time you can take the test in any one year.
Requirements and Eligibility
New Jersey requires all GED candidates to be residents of the state and at least 18. However, if you are 16-17, you can also take the tests if you have a Consent to Participate Form and if a parent or guardian accompanies you to the test center. You can download the necessary form from the New Jersey section on the GED Testing Service website at GED.com.
Registraion and Test Costs
To register to take the GED tests, you should contact a local testing center. You can find a list of GED testing centers on the New Jersey Dept. of Education website,(www.state.nj.us/education/). The cost of the GED tests varies at different testing centers, and many centers offer the tests for free.
Preparing for the Tests
You can study on your own for the GED tests. There are online resources and practice tests available on the GED Testing Service website. You can also prepare for the tests through New Jersey's Adult High School Program which offers day and evening supervised instruction. You can find a list of schools that offer an Adult High School Program on the New Jersey Dept. of Education website.
