Each state sets its own GED rules. Official test fees run from $0 to $50 per subject, and the most common price is $36. Online testing is open in 43 states. Some states let 16- or 17-year-olds test with approval. Pick your state for its exact rules.
Summary
51 jurisdictions checked (50 states and DC) on October 26, 2026. State counts below include DC.
Online testing: available in 33 states, limited in 10, not available in 6.
Free or subsidized testing for some residents: 25 states.
Test-center fee per subject: $0 to $50; most common $36 (20 states).
Standard age 19: Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, New York, South Carolina, Washington and West Virginia.
GED not offered (HiSET used): Iowa and Maine.
How much does the GED cost?
Fees vary by state. In our data the most common test-center price is $36 per subject, used in 20 states. That is $144 for all four subjects.
The lowest listed price is $0 (Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia), where the state pays for eligible residents. The highest is $50 per subject (South Dakota). In Montana, test-center fees vary by center.
You pay per subject, so you can spread the cost out. You can schedule one subject at a time.
At US test centers, GED Testing Service waives its fee on retakes of a failed subject (up to two discounted retakes, used within 12 months). State and test-center fees may still apply. Online retakes are not discounted.
These are official test fees only, as listed by GED.com and state agencies. Confirm the price on GED.com before you book.
Can a 16-year-old take the GED?
Nationally, GED Testing Service says test takers must be at least 16 and not enrolled in an accredited high school. Each state adds its own rules.
In our data, 42 states allow some 16-year-olds to test, usually with approval, and 6 more start at 17. Approval usually means a waiver, proof that you left school and a parent or guardian's consent. Some states also ask for an adult education class or a GED Ready score.
The standard age is 19 in 9 states. Younger people there need approval.
Possible at 16, usually with approval: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Possible from 17 with approval: California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Standard age of 19: Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, New York, South Carolina, Washington and West Virginia.
Can I take the GED online at home?
Online testing is available in 33 states and limited in 10. It is not available in 6 states.
Online, you cannot use your own calculator or scratch paper. You get an on-screen calculator, scratch pad and whiteboard instead. Before you can book online, GED.com requires:
A computer with a webcam and reliable internet.
A "green" GED Ready score (Likely to Pass) within the last 60 days, for each subject you want to test online.
A private room with a closed door, and a government-issued photo ID.
You must be in the United States while you test.
Online testing limited: Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah.
No online testing: Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, New York, West Virginia and Wyoming.
How can I get my GED for free?
25 states list free or subsidized testing for at least some residents.
Most programs have conditions. Common ones are living in the state, joining a local adult education program, or scoring green on GED Ready first. Funding can run out, so ask before you book.
Free prep is easier to find. Many adult education programs offer free classes, and GEDPilot has a free diagnostic, sample lesson, flashcards and videos.
Free or subsidized testing for some residents: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
GED vs other tests: which states also offer HiSET?
Iowa and Maine do not offer the GED and use the HiSET instead. 22 states offer both the GED and the HiSET.
GEDPilot covers the GED test only. If your state offers both, ask your adult education program which test fits you.
GED not offered (HiSET used): Iowa and Maine.
Offer both the GED and the HiSET: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wyoming.
How to read your state rules
Check the standard age and, if you are younger, the approval steps.
Check whether you must live in the state to test there.
Note the test-center and online prices per subject, and any free program.
Check if online testing is open, and what you need before you book.
Read the retake rules, so a near miss is not a surprise.
Confirm everything on GED.com and with the state agency before you pay.
All states
Alabama: test center $36 per subject; online limited ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Alaska: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Arizona: test center $41 per subject; online available ($41 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Arkansas: test center $4 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
California: test center $41 per subject; online available ($41 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 17 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Colorado: test center $43.50 per subject; online available ($43.50 per subject); standard age 17; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Connecticut: test center $0 per subject for eligible residents; online not available; standard age 19; youngest age 17 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Delaware: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
District of Columbia: test center $3.75 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Florida: test center $38 per subject; online not available; standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Georgia: test center $46 per subject; online available ($46 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Hawaii: test center $43.50 per subject; online not available; standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Idaho: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Illinois: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Indiana: test center $45 per subject; online limited ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Iowa: the GED is not offered; the state uses HiSET.
Kansas: test center $39 per subject; online limited ($39 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Kentucky: test center $36 per subject; online limited ($36 per subject); standard age 19; youngest age 17 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Louisiana: test center $38.50 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 19; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Maine: the GED is not offered; the state uses HiSET.
Maryland: test center $14.25 per subject; online available ($14.25 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Massachusetts: test center $36 per subject; online limited (see GED.com); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Michigan: test center $43.50 per subject; online available ($43.50 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Minnesota: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 19; youngest age 17 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Mississippi: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Missouri: test center $33 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 17; youngest age see state rules; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Montana: test center varies by test center; online limited ($36 per subject); standard age 19; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Nebraska: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Nevada: test center $31 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
New Hampshire: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
New Jersey: test center $36 per subject; online limited ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
New Mexico: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
New York: test center $0 per subject for eligible residents; online not available; standard age 19; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
North Carolina: test center $26 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
North Dakota: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 16; youngest age no younger option; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Ohio: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Oklahoma: test center $41 per subject; online available ($41 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Oregon: test center $44 per subject; online available ($44 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Pennsylvania: test center $0 per subject for eligible residents; online limited ($0 per subject for eligible residents); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Rhode Island: test center $30 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
South Carolina: test center $37.50 per subject; online limited ($43.50 per subject); standard age 19; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
South Dakota: test center $50 per subject; online available ($50 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Tennessee: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 17 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Texas: test center $36.25 per subject; online available ($42.25 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Utah: test center $36 per subject; online limited ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Vermont: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 16; youngest age no younger option; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Virginia: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Washington: test center $36 per subject; online available ($36 per subject); standard age 19; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
West Virginia: test center $0 per subject for eligible residents; online not available; standard age 19; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents.
Wisconsin: test center $41 per subject; online available ($41 per subject); standard age 18½; youngest age 17 with approval; residency required: yes; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Wyoming: test center $26 per subject; online not available; standard age 18; youngest age 16 with approval; residency required: no; free or subsidized testing: none listed.
Questions and answers
How much does the GED cost? It depends on your state. On October 26, 2026, official test-center fees ran from $0 to $50 per subject. The most common price was $36 per subject (20 states), or $144 for all four subjects. Some states pay part or all of the fee for residents. Confirm the price on GED.com before you book.
Can a 16-year-old take the GED? Sometimes. Nationally you must be at least 16 and not enrolled in high school, but each state adds rules. In our data, 42 states allow some 16-year-olds to test, usually with a waiver, school withdrawal papers and parent consent. Check your state's page for the exact steps.
Can I take my GED online at home? In many states, yes. 33 states list online testing as available and 10 list it as limited. You need a computer with a webcam, reliable internet, a private room and a green GED Ready score within the last 60 days for each subject.
How can I get my GED for free? 25 states list free or subsidized GED testing for at least some residents. Most programs have conditions, such as living in the state, joining an adult education class or passing GED Ready first. Your local adult education program can tell you what you qualify for.
Which states do not offer the GED? Iowa and Maine do not offer the GED. They use the HiSET test instead. Contact the state agency for its high school equivalency options.
Do I have to take all four GED tests at once? No. You can schedule one subject at a time or take up to all four at once. Many adults book one subject, pass it, and then book the next.
What happens if I fail a GED subject? You only retake the subject you did not pass. At a test center you can retake it twice with no waiting period, and retakes are often discounted. After a third attempt you wait 60 days. Some states add their own rules.
Data notes
Rules and fees change. Always confirm on GED.com and with your state agency before you book. We checked this data on October 26, 2026.
How we collected it: Each state's GED Testing Service policy page and GED.com's online-testing table, cross-checked against the state education or adult-education agency. Every value is backed by a quote saved from an official page. Where sources disagree, the conflict is listed in plain words with the value we show. Official test fees only; confirm on GED.com before you book.
Independent preparation materials. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ACE or GED Testing Service. GED is a registered trademark owned by ACE. Practice results do not predict an official GED score, and GEDPilot does not guarantee a passing score.