The GED® Test

To ensure the GED® continues to measure the content and skills included in the current high school curriculum, the GED® test undergoes regular review and revision. The most recent version of the test was launched in January 2014 in America, and then in 2016 in South Africa, replacing the 2002 curriculum.

Examinations for the 2002 curriculum will no longer be available after 30 April 2017.

The 2014 GED® is made up of four subjects and examinations for the new GED® will be available from 1 May 2017.

What types of questions are on the test?

The GED® test is made up of the following types of questions:

  • Multiple choice
  • Drag and drop
  • Hot spot (select an area)
  • Fill in the blank
  • Short answer
  • Extended response

What is the breakdown of the four tests by time and content?

Reasoning Through Language Arts

Test Topics:

Reading for Meaning
Identifying and Creating Arguments
Grammar and Language

Time (to take test):

150 minutes
Includes 3 minutes of instructions and final review
Includes 10 minute break between parts 2 and 3
Includes 45 minutes for the written essay
 
Format:

3 sections
1 written essay (extended response)
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)

Mathematical Reasoning

Test Topics:

Basic Math
Geometry
Basic Algebra
Graphs and Functions
 

Time (to take test):

115 minutes
Includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review
Includes 3 minute break between parts
 

Format:

2 parts, calculator allowed on second part
Access to calculator reference sheet and math formula sheet
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)
 

Social Studies

Test Topics:

Reading for Meaning in Social Studies
Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies
Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies
 
Time (to take test):
70 minutes
Includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review
No break
 

Format:

Calculator allowed
Access to calculator reference sheet
Multiple choice and other question types (drag and drop, fill in the blank, select an area, and drop down)
 

Science

Test Topics:

Reading for Meaning in Science
Designing and Interpreting Science Experiments
Using Numbers and Graphics in Science
 

Time (to take test):

90 minutes
Includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review
No break
 

Format:

Calculator Allowed
Access to calculator reference sheet
Multiple choice and other question types (fill in the blank, drag and drop, select an area, and drop down)