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For personal help in Virginia, call 1-877-37-MY-GED. Trained counselors are available to answer any questions you have about the GED Tests.

How can we help you?

• Study for the GED Tests

• Register for the tests

• Transcript/Certificate Request Form: .doc or .pdf

• Questions?

• Contact us

For additional information about GED testing in the Commonwealth, please contact Virginia's GED Administrator, Debbie Bergtholdt - debbie.bergtholdt@doe.virginia.gov.
Phone: (804) 371-2333

1. How old do I have to be to take the tests?

In general, you must be 18 years old and out of school to take the GED Tests. In some cases, exceptions are made for people aged 16-17. A Virginia GED Helpline counselor can help you determine if you can take the test. Call 1-877-37-MY-GED (1-877-376-9433) for toll-free assistance. Back to top

2. Do I have to live in Virginia?

No, you do NOT have to be a Virginia resident to take the GED test here. You only need a valid government issued photo ID when registering.

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3. How can I practice and study for the tests?

There are many study and practice options available, including classes in your area, online classes, and even television programs. Back to top

4. There are no classes near me. What can I do?

There are other ways to prepare to take the GED Tests. Call the Virginia GED Helpline at 1-877-37-MY-GED (1-877-376-9433) for more information about online and televised studying through classes. Back to top

5. What are some test-taking tips?

There are some things you can do to improve your test-taking skills. PBS Literacy Link has some great test-taking tips to improve your chances. Back to top

6. What subjects do the GED Tests cover?

The GED Tests are a series of five tests with questions covering reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. Back to top

7. What must I score to pass the tests?

Candidates need a standard score of 410 in order to pass each of the individual GED tests and an overall average score of 450 for the five-test battery. To receive a 410 standard score on an individual GED test, candidates generally need to answer 60 to 65 percent of the questions correctly. For more details, see this sample score report. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Back to top

8. Where can I go to take the GED Tests?

To find a testing center near you, click on the Register tab on this site. You will also find information about GED testing at Virginia's Department of Education's website. Back to top

9. I have some disabilities. Can I get help taking the tests?

Yes. Accommodations can be made for those people needing assistance taking the test. A counselor at the Virginia GED Helpline can give you more specific information. Call 1-877-37-MY-GED (1-877-376-9433) for toll-free assistance. Back to top

10. What do my test scores mean?

A counselor at the Virginia GED Helpline can discuss your scores with you and help you understand what your test results mean. Call 1-877-37-MY-GED (1-877-376-9433) for toll-free assistance. Back to top

11. I didn't pass the tests. Now what?

You can have other chances to pass the tests. A counselor at the Virginia GED Helpline can help you decide how to best prepare for and retake the tests. Call 1-877-37-MY-GED (1-877-376-9433) for toll-free assistance. Back to top

12. I lost my transcripts/certificate. What should I do?

You can fill out this GED Transcript/Certificate request form (.doc or .pdf) and return it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order. If you have questions, call the Department of Education's GED Database Administrator at 804-786-4642. Back to top

13. What is the Race to GED?

Race to GED is a workforce initiative of the Office of Adult Education and Literacy, Virginia Department of Education, which supports economic growth and development in Virginia by increasing the number of GED credentials issued each year.

Adult Education programs in Virginia are actively engaged in the Race to GED initiative that incorporates an innovative approach to adult education based on two instructional programs: GED Fast Track and GED Prep. These two instructional programs test what a person already knows and provide tailored instruction to prepare adults for success on the GED Tests. The time it takes to earn a GED credential is dramatically shortened, from one year required in traditional adult education, to three months or less with GED Fast Track and only 180 days with GED Prep.

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14. I have more questions. What now?

Call a counselor at the Virginia GED Helpline at 1-877-37-MY GED (1-877-376-9433) for answers to your questions or find answers to other frequently asked questions from the GED Testing Service. Back to top