How to Pass the GED Test Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve decided to earn your GED. That single decision puts you on a path that nearly 20 million Americans have taken since the program began — people who walked into a testing center with nerves and walked out with the credential that unlocked college, better jobs, and a future that felt out of reach. You can do this.

The GED isn’t about being “smart enough.” It’s about preparation. The test measures high school equivalency across four subjects, and every one of them is coachable. Here’s exactly how to prepare, what to expect, and how to pass — all without stepping into a classroom.

What Is the GED Test?

The GED (General Educational Development) test is a four-subject exam that certifies you have high school-level academic skills. It’s recognized by 98% of U.S. colleges and employers. The four subjects are:

Mathematical Reasoning — 115 minutes. Algebra, quantitative problem-solving, and basic geometry. A calculator is provided for most of the test.
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) — 150 minutes. Reading comprehension, grammar, and an extended response essay.
Science — 90 minutes. Life science, physical science, and earth/space science. Focused on reading and interpreting scientific data.
Social Studies — 70 minutes. U.S. history, civics, economics, and geography. Reading-based with document analysis.

Each subject is scored from 100 to 200. You need at least 145 per subject to pass — that’s a total of 580 across all four. Scoring 165 or above earns you a “College Ready” designation; scoring 175 or above earns “College Ready + Credit,” which may qualify you for college course credits.

Step 1: Set Your Target Test Date

Deciding when you’ll test is the single most effective thing you can do to stay on track. Without a date, it’s too easy to let prep slide. Here’s a realistic timeline:

Your Situation	Recommended Prep Time
You’ve been out of school 1–2 years	4–6 weeks (8–10 hrs/week)
You’ve been out of school 3–5 years	6–8 weeks (10–12 hrs/week)
You’ve been out of school 6+ years	8–12 weeks (10–15 hrs/week)
You struggled with math in school	10–14 weeks (12–15 hrs/week)

Pick a target date that’s realistic for your life — not aspirational. If you have a job, kids, or both, be honest about how many hours you can carve out.

Step 2: Take a Practice Test for Every Subject — Today

Before you study anything, take a full practice test for each of the four subjects. This gives you a baseline. You’ll likely find one or two subjects where you’re already close to passing, and one or two where you have real ground to cover. That’s useful information — it tells you where to spend your time.

PrepNovat’s GED practice simulators give you a realistic, timed experience for each subject so you know exactly where you stand before you start studying.

Start PrepNovat’s GED Test Prep Course →

Step 3: Study by Subject, Not All at Once

Don’t bounce between subjects every day. Block your schedule so you focus on one or two subjects per week. A sample 8-week plan:

Weeks 1–2: Mathematical Reasoning (the subject most people need the most time for).
Weeks 3–4: Reasoning Through Language Arts.
Weeks 5–6: Science.
Weeks 7–8: Social Studies, plus retaking full-length practice tests in your weakest subjects.

Within each subject block, alternate between learning new material and drilling practice questions. After every study session, answer 10 to 15 practice questions on what you just covered. It locks in the learning.

Step 4: Prepare for the Online Testing Format

The GED is available both at testing centers and online. If you’re testing from home, you need to meet these requirements:

A quiet, private room with a door that closes.
A computer with a webcam and reliable internet.
A government-issued photo ID.
No notes, books, phones, or other materials on your desk.
A clear workspace — the proctor will ask you to scan the room with your webcam.

Online testing is convenient, but it’s also strict. The proctor can and will stop your test if they see you looking away from the screen repeatedly, if someone enters the room, or if they hear voices. Treat it like you’re in a testing center.

What Makes the GED Challenging (and How to Handle It)

Math Anxiety

Math is the most commonly failed GED subject. But here’s the thing: the GED math section provides a calculator for most questions, and the questions test reasoning more than computation. If word problems intimidate you, practice translating them into the question they’re actually asking. Prep courses that walk you through step-by-step solutions are invaluable here.

The Essay

The RLA extended response asks you to read two passages and write an argument citing evidence from both. You’re graded on how well you analyze the arguments and construct your own — not on whether your opinion is “correct.” Practice the structure: clear thesis, evidence from both passages, your analysis, and a strong conclusion. Timer yourself. You have 45 minutes.

Reading Stamina

Three of the four GED subjects are primarily reading-based. If you’re not used to focused reading for extended periods, build your stamina gradually. Start with 20-minute reading blocks and work up to 70-minute blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take the GED test online at home?

Yes. The GED offers an online-proctored option called GED Online Proctored (GED OTP). You need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a private room. A live proctor monitors you throughout.

How much does the GED test cost?

The GED costs vary by state, but typically range from $30 to $40 per subject, for a total of $120 to $160 for all four subjects. Some states subsidize the cost or offer it for free. Check your state’s GED testing website.

How long does it take to get GED results?

You usually receive your score within 24 hours for multiple-choice sections. The RLA essay may take a few extra days because it includes human scoring.

What happens if I fail one subject?

You can retake any subject individually. Most states allow two retakes per subject at a reduced fee. You don’t have to retake subjects you’ve already passed — each subject score stands on its own.

Is the GED harder than high school?

The GED is designed to be equivalent in difficulty to a high school education. Many test-takers find it manageable with proper preparation. The key difference is that the GED requires you to demonstrate your knowledge in a single testing session rather than across semesters of coursework.