GED passing score: what do you need to pass?
You need at least 145 on each of the four GED subjects to pass. Every subject is scored from 100 to 200, and the scores are not averaged, so a 170 in one subject cannot make up for a 140 in another. A score of 165 to 174 counts as GED College Ready, and 175 to 200 as GED College Ready + Credit.
The four subjects are Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Each one is passed on its own. If you score below 145 in a subject, you retake only that subject and keep the passing scores you already have. Retake rules and prices depend on where you test, so check the policy for your state on GED.com.
A GED score is a scaled score, not a percentage, so there is no fixed number of correct answers that equals 145. That is why a practice test that reports a GED-style score tells you more than counting how many questions you got right.
Higher scores bring extra benefits. GED College Ready shows you are ready for college-level courses and may let you skip placement tests or remedial classes. College Ready + Credit may be worth up to 10 college credit hours, but each college decides what it accepts.
| Score | Band | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 144 | Below passing | Retake this subject |
| 145 to 164 | Passing | Counts toward your high school equivalency |
| 165 to 174 | GED College Ready | May skip placement tests or remedial classes |
| 175 to 200 | GED College Ready + Credit | May earn up to 10 college credit hours |
- 1Take a practice test in each subject to see how far you are from 145.
- 2Start with the subject furthest from 145, which is often math.
- 3Study one subject at a time and book that test when your practice scores sit steadily above 145.
- 4Book the next subject while your study habit is fresh, since you can take the subjects one at a time.
- 5If you plan to go to college, set your practice target at 165 instead.