GED

Unsure what to do, how to earn your GED, and where to go? We can help with that, to an extent. But you yourself must earn the GED; we cannot earn it for you.

How to Register for the GED in Pennsylvania

Information for the GED process and more

Step 1: Confirm You Are Eligible

Before registering, make sure you meet Pennsylvania GED eligibility requirements:
- You are 18 years or older, OR
- You are 16–17 with an approved PA age waiver
- You are not currently enrolled in a public or private high school
- You are a Pennsylvania resident
Pennsylvania issues the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) once all GED requirements are met

Step 2: Create a GED.com Account (Required)

All GED registration is done through GED.com
Go to GED.com
Click “Sign Up” or “Create Account”
Create a MyGED account using:
- Legal name (must match your ID)
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Pennsylvania address
Confirm your email and log in
This account is required to:
- Schedule tests
- Access practice tests
- Receive scores
- Request transcripts

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Once logged in:
- Go to your MyGED Dashboard
Fill out your profile completely:
- Education history
- Employment status (optional)
- Residency information
Select Pennsylvania as your testing State
Your profile must be complete before scheduling exams

Step 4: (If Under 18) Apply for an Age Waiver

If you are 16 or 17, you must complete this step before scheduling tests:
- Download the PA GED Age Waiver Application
Provide required documentation (one or more):
- Letter from employer
- College or trade school admission letter
- Military recruiter letter
- Court or state agency documentation
Submit the waiver as instructed
Wait for approval confirmation
You cannot schedule exams until the waiver is approved

Step 5: Choose Which GED Test(s) to Take

The GED has four separate subject tests:
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Science
- Social Studies
You may:
- Take one subject at a time
- Or schedule multiple subjects on the same day
You do not need to take them in a specific order

Step 6: Decide How You Will Test

Option A: In-Person Testing
From your MyGED dashboard, click “Schedule Test”
Select Test Center
Choose a nearby Pennsylvania testing location
Pick a date and time
Option B: Online Testing (If Eligible)
Select Online Proctored Test
You may need to:
- Pass the GED Ready practice test
- Meet computer and internet requirements
Choose your testing date
Not all students qualify for online testing

Step 7: Apply Free PA GED Testing Code (If Available)

Pennsylvania frequently offers free GED testing through state funding

At checkout, enter the current PA promo code
Confirm that the balance shows $0
Complete registration

Availability depends on current state funding

Step 8: Pay and Confirm Your Test Appointment

If no free code is used:

Typical cost is per subject
Payment is made directly through GED.com

After payment:

You will receive a confirmation email
Your test will appear on your MyGED dashboard

Step 9: Prepare Required Identification

On test day, bring:

Valid photo ID (PA ID, driver’s license, passport)
Name must match exactly what is on your GED account

Some test centers may request proof of residency

Step 10: Take the Test

Arrive early (or log in early if testing online)
Follow all testing center or online proctor instructions
Scores are typically posted in your GED account within a few days

Step 11: Receive Your Diploma

After passing all four GED subjects:

Pennsylvania issues the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD)
Diplomas and transcripts are managed through DiplomaSender
You can order official copies for jobs, college, or trade schools

Summary Checklist

Create GED.com account
Complete profile
Apply for age waiver (if under 18)
Choose subject tests
Select test format (in-person or online)
Apply PA free testing code if available
Schedule exam
Bring valid ID
Take test
Receive diploma

1. Requirements

Age: You must be 18 or older; 16-17 can do so if approved with an age waiver from PA Department of Education, including supporting documentation (such as a letter from an employer, college, military recruiter, or state institution).
Residency: You must be a Pennsylvania resident to take the GED here. Proof of residency (such as a PA driver’s license or state ID) is typically required at the test center.
Diploma status: You may not be currently enrolled in an accredited secondary school.

2. Where to Start

Create Your GED.com Account.
Go to GED.com and create your account (called a MyGED account).
You’ll enter basic information: mailing address, contact info, and education status.
From this account, you can schedule tests, find prep resources, and track progress.

3. How to Prepare

Preparation isn’t mandatory in Pennsylvania, but it’s highly recommended.
Prep Options:
- Free and low-cost online study (e.g., Khan Academy, GED Ready practice tests).
- In-person GED prep classes at adult education centers or libraries.
- Online courses and self-study books.
Official GED study resources are available through your GED account and many adult education programs offer free or low-cost prep.

4. Tests you will need

The GED consists of four subject exams. You can take them separately or all at once:
- Mathematical Reasoning - algebra, geometry, and problem solving.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts - reading comprehension, writing, grammar.
- Science - interpreting data and scientific concepts.
- Social Studies - history, civics, economics, geography.
Each subject is scored individually, and you only need to pass all four to earn your diploma.

5. Scheduling and Location

In-Person Testing:
- Use your MyGED dashboard to find and schedule a GED test center near you.
- Official GED tests in PA are computer-based and administered at authorized centers (colleges, workforce centers, libraries).
Online Testing:
- In some cases, you may take the GED online under proctoring from home, but this usually requires first scoring “green” on the official practice test (GED Ready) within 60 days of your scheduled exam.
- You will also need technical requirements: a computer with a webcam, reliable internet, and a private workspace.
Scheduling Steps:
- Log in to your GED.com account.
- Choose your test center or online proctoring option.
- Select the subject(s) you want to take.
- Pick a day and time that works for you.
- Pay the fee (or use available promo/voucher codes).

6. Cost and Free Testing Options

Typical Costs:
- Pennsylvania GED exams usually cost around $36 per subject (so about $144 total if taking all four).
Free Testing Offer (PA Funding):
- In 2025 the Pennsylvania Department of Education made funding available for adults to take the GED or HiSET exams for free at public sites or online by using promo codes such as PAFreeGED when registering.
Other Fees:
- Practice tests, prep courses, and materials may cost extra, but plenty of no-cost resources exist.

7. Identification and What to Bring

On test day, you usually need:
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID).
- Proof of residence (may be required by some centers).
Specific identification requirements can vary by site, so check with your testing center or GED.com for confirmation.

8. Can You Take the Test If You’re Under 18?

Yes, with an approved age waiver from the Pennsylvania Department of Education plus supporting documentation showing the GED is required (for employment, college, military, etc.).

9. Scoring and Retakes

Each subject is scored separately; you must pass all four to earn your high school equivalency diploma.
You can take each subject independently, allowing you to focus on where you need the most preparation.
Pennsylvania also allows combining GED and HiSET scores to complete a full set for the diploma.

10. Receiving Your Diploma and Transcripts

After passing all required tests, you earn the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Be warned, the PA Department of Education does not send diplomas or transcripts! "The Department of Education does not provide copies of academic transcripts or diplomas. To request a copy of a transcript document, follow the instructions for the institution attended in the drop-downs below."

11. Tips Before You Start

Begin by creating your GED.com account; it’s the hub for everything (prep, scheduling, scores).
Take practice tests (GED Ready) to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Use free online resources and books to fill gaps before scheduling tests.