The GED exam is a fully compter-formatted assessment, and there are three GED pass score ranges. Paper-based testing is only still available for applicants with an accommodation that prevents them from taking the exam on a computer.
The most recent GED® scoring method dates back to 2016 when the passing score was adjusted from 150 to 145 points. The tests are calibrated on a 100 to 200 scale. Reaching the passing score (145 points) is required on each of the four GED sub-exams; no exceptions.
Four GED Scoring Ranges
There are four scoring ranges on the GED exam:
- 100 to 144: Below Passing GED Score
- 145 to 164: High School Equivalent GED Score
- 165 to 174: College-Ready GED Score
- 175 to 200: College-Ready Plus College Credit GED Score
The GED College Ready + Credit Score (reaching a 175-200 score) not only certifies that the student is ready to successfully attend college-level coursework but also results in up to 10 credit hours, depending on the subject and the school.
Usually, GED results are available on the student’s account within 24 hours after test day, and the results will also be emailed. Students can find their scores on the website GED.com/MyGED. Check also this post about what to expect on GED test day to avoid any disappointments.
Which GED Score Is Good For College?
Your GED degree has exactly the same value as a regular high school degree. So it allows for a college education, a rewarding professional career, or job advancement.
If you are looking to continue your education and go to college, you better make sure your GED scores are in the 165-174 (College-Ready) or 175-200 (College-Ready + Credit) range.
If you hold scores in these ranges, at more and more colleges and universities, you are no longer required to attend remedial classes or pre-college coursework before they let you attend college-level programs
If you have GED scores in the 165-174 range, you have demonstrated to command knowledge and skills at a level of high distinction and that you are ready for college-level coursework.
Sure, you can go to college with a 145-164 GED score, but then you’ll most probably have to complete remedial classes and other pre-college coursework before they’ll let you attend credit-bearing courses.
GED College-Ready Plus Credit Scores
The highest possible GED score range is the College-Ready + Credit range (175-200 per subject test). If you score in this “elite” range, you have shown to master the skills and knowledge required to successfully follow college-level classes.
Additionally, schools will award up to ten credit hours, but this depends on the subject fields you reached these scores for and the specific college or university.
So at more and more colleges and universities, having “College-Ready” scores means you can skip remedial classes, saving lots of money and time. and money. If you need to improve on your math scores, take a closer look at this post about Onsego’s GED calculator course, a sure way to boost your GED Math results!
Your “GED College-Ready” scores show universities and colleges that you are college-ready and that you don’t require remedial coursework to successfully attend degree-bearing college-level academic programs.
What Happens When You Pass The GED Exam?
If you passed all four GED subtests, congrats! You are now officially a proud GED graduate. Your state will send your diploma digitally by email, and you can also request a physical copy of your diploma with a transcript.
So your physical diploma will be sent only on request and is entirely free to you. The advantage of a digital diploma is that you can email it to a college or a workplace if you choose to do so. If you want to read more about what the GED test is all about, check out the linked page.
What If You Fail A GED Subtest?
If you failed one or more of the GED sub-exams, there are still plenty of options. You may retake the subtests as often as you want or need. Just make sure you prepare more and better, and success will be yours!
There are, however, a few stipulations. The first two retakes don’t have a time limit regarding when you can take them, and they come at a reduced fee. After two retakes, however, you must wait at least 60 days before you are allowed another attempt, and the original price applies again.