The time required to earn the General Educational Development (GED) credential, which serves as a high school equivalency certificate, is highly individualized. The total timeline depends on a combination of preparation time and the fixed duration of the examination itself. Understanding these components is the first step in establishing a realistic personal goal.
How Long is the GED Test?
The actual GED examination has a fixed duration, totaling approximately seven and a half hours of testing time. The test is divided into four separate subject-area exams: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Social Studies, and Science. Candidates can choose to take these exams individually or all at once.
The RLA test is the longest section at 150 minutes, including a 10-minute break. Mathematical Reasoning is allotted 115 minutes, Science takes 90 minutes, and Social Studies is the shortest at 70 minutes.
The total time commitment is 450 minutes, not including check-in or administrative procedures. Most candidates spread these four subtests out over several days or weeks to manage mental fatigue and focus their energy on one subject at a time.
The Variable: Study and Preparation Time
The amount of time dedicated to study and preparation is the most significant variable in the total timeline, ranging from a few weeks to over a year. A student’s prior educational background primarily influences this duration. For example, someone who recently completed the 11th grade may only need one to two months for a quick refresher. Conversely, an individual who left school decades ago may require six months or more to relearn foundational concepts.
The subject matter also dictates necessary study time, as Mathematical Reasoning is often cited as the most challenging area. Students should allocate more time to their weakest subject, which can be identified by taking an official practice test.
The chosen study method and weekly commitment directly impact the preparation timeline. A student who commits to studying 90 minutes per day, four to five times a week, can often be ready to test in three to six months. Formal preparation classes offer a structured path, sometimes preparing a student in about three months through consistent attendance. Self-study can be faster for disciplined individuals, but it requires active learning techniques like consistently working through practice problems.
From Start to Finish: The Total Timeline
The total timeline combines the study period, testing time, and necessary administrative steps. Once prepared, students must register and schedule their tests online, often booking one subject at a time. Scheduling lead time is generally short, allowing appointments to be booked as soon as the student is ready.
Scores are typically available within a few hours, or at most 24 hours, providing quick feedback. A potential delay is the re-testing policy for failed subjects. Candidates are allowed two immediate retests with no mandatory waiting period. However, a third failure triggers a mandatory 60-day waiting period before the next attempt.
The final administrative step is receiving the official credential after passing all four subject tests. The official transcript and diploma are often available digitally within 24 hours. Physical copies may take two to three weeks to arrive by mail, depending on the state’s processing system. Considering all factors, the entire process typically falls within a realistic range of three to twelve months.