Where to find a GED testing center near you

GED testing centers are run by local school districts, community colleges, adult education programs, and private testing vendors. The official GED Testing Service maintains a searchable directory on their website at ged.com where you enter your zip code and see all active centers within a set distance. Results show the center's address, phone number, hours, and whether they offer in-person or computer-based testing.

Your state's department of education also lists approved testing centers. Many states post these on their adult education or workforce development pages. If you're already enrolled in a GED prep program through a local school or community college, that institution often has a testing center on-site or can direct you to the nearest one.

Community colleges typically offer testing year-round and may have multiple test dates per month. Public school adult education programs often test less frequently — sometimes only a few dates per year — so call ahead to confirm their schedule before traveling.

Key Takeaways

  • The GED Testing Service website at ged.com has a searchable directory showing all testing centers, their hours, and available test dates in your area.
  • Testing centers are located at community colleges, public school adult education programs, workforce development agencies, and some private vendors, with varying test schedules.
  • You must register in advance — registration important date typically fall one to two weeks before the test date, and fees range from $30 to $150 depending on your state and testing format.
  • Most centers now offer computer-based testing, though some still offer paper tests; you choose your format when you register.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the test; without it, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.

How to register at a testing center

Registration happens through the GED Testing Service website, not directly at the center. You create an account on ged.com, select your state, choose a testing center from the list, pick your test date, and pay the registration fee. The system generates a confirmation email with your test date, time, center location, and what to bring.

Some states allow you to register by phone or in person at the testing center itself, but online registration is the standard method. If you register online, you typically receive your confirmation within minutes. If you register by phone, the center will confirm your spot and may ask you to pay the fee when you arrive on test day.

Registration important date vary by center and state. Most require you to register at least one to two weeks before your chosen test date. If you miss the important date, you can usually register for the next available date at that center or switch to a different center with an open slot.

Testing formats and what to expect on test day

The GED is offered in two formats: computer-based and paper-based. Computer-based testing is available at most centers and allows you to test on multiple dates throughout the month. Paper testing is less common and typically offered only on specific dates, usually once or twice per year at each center.

The computer-based test takes about seven and a half hours total, split across multiple sessions. You can complete all four subjects (Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning) in one day, or spread them across multiple days — your choice when you register. The paper test also covers the same four subjects but is administered on a single day.

On test day, arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation email and a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. You cannot bring phones, smartwatches, bags, or study materials into the testing room. The center provides scratch paper and a calculator for the math section.

Registration fees and payment options

GED testing fees are set by each state and range from $30 to $150 for all four subjects combined. Some states charge per subject instead of for the full test — typically $10 to $40 per subject. The fee structure and exact amount appear on the ged.com registration page for your state before you pay.

Most testing centers accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes cash or checks. Online registration through ged.com requires a credit or debit card. If you register by phone or in person, ask what payment methods the center accepts.

Some community colleges and adult education programs offer fee waivers or reduced fees for low-income students. Ask the testing center directly whether your state or center has a fee waiver program and what documentation you need to request one.

Retesting if you don't pass

If you don't pass one or more subjects, you can retake only the subjects you didn't pass — you don't have to retake the whole test. Most states allow you to retake a subject after a waiting period, which is typically 30 days from your test date. Some states have no waiting period and let you retake when ready.

Each retake costs the same registration fee as the original test, or the per-subject fee if your state charges that way. You register for your retake the same way you registered the first time, through ged.com or by contacting the testing center directly.

Your test scores are valid for a set period — usually one to three years depending on your state — so you have time to retake without losing your passing scores on subjects you completed successfully.

Testing accommodations for students with disabilities

If you have a documented disability, you can request testing accommodations such as extended time, large-print materials, a reader, a scribe, or a separate testing room. You request accommodations when you register on ged.com or by contacting the testing center directly.

The GED Testing Service requires documentation of your disability — usually a letter from a doctor, school psychologist, or disability services office stating your diagnosis and functional limitations. You submit this documentation along with your accommodation request. The testing center or GED Testing Service reviews it and approves or denies your request, usually within one to two weeks.

Common accommodations include time-and-a-half or double time, large-print test booklets, audio versions of test questions, or a separate quiet room. Not all centers offer all accommodations, so ask what is available at your chosen center when you request them.

What happens after you pass

Your test scores appear in your GED Testing Service account within one to three business days of testing. If you pass all four subjects, you are awarded a GED credential. Your state issues an official GED diploma or certificate, which is mailed to you or available for pickup at the testing center.

You can request official score transcripts to send to colleges, employers, or other institutions. The GED Testing Service charges a small fee per transcript request, and you order them through your ged.com account. Most colleges and employers accept the GED credential as equivalent to a high school diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test at a center different from where I registered?

No. You must test at the specific center you selected during registration. If you need to change centers, you typically must cancel your registration and register again at the new center. Some centers allow you to transfer your registration to another date at the same center without canceling, but switching centers usually requires a new registration and fee.

What if I'm sick or have an emergency on test day?

Contact the testing center as soon as possible before your test time. Most centers allow you to reschedule to a future date, though you may lose your registration fee or be charged a rescheduling fee depending on your state's policy. Check your confirmation email or call the center to learn their cancellation and rescheduling rules.

Do I have to take all four subjects on the same day?

No. If you're taking the computer-based test, you can spread your four subjects across multiple test dates. When you register, you choose which subjects to take on which dates. Paper-based testing requires all four subjects on one day.

Can I bring a calculator to the test?

The testing center provides a calculator for the math section of the computer-based test. You cannot bring your own. For the paper-based test, the center also provides a calculator. You are not allowed to use a calculator on the Reasoning Through Language Arts section.

How long are GED scores valid?

Your passing scores remain valid indefinitely — you own them once you pass. However, some states or institutions may have their own policies about how old a GED credential can be when you use it for college admission or employment. Check with the college or employer about their specific requirements.