To take the GED in Michigan, you must be at least 18, or 16 with approval. It costs $43.50 per subject at a test center, and online testing costs $43.50 per subject. You do not have to live in Michigan to test. Free or subsidized testing is available for some residents. Confirm on GED.com before you book.
Key facts
Standard age (16 with approval): 18
Test center, per subject: $43.50
Online, per subject: $43.50
Residency required: No
How much does the GED cost in Michigan?
At a test center, the GED costs $43.50 per subject in Michigan, or $174 for all four subjects.
Online, it costs $43.50 per subject.
A discounted retake at a test center costs $10 per subject.
Free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents. Based on funding, the HSE-to-School Program pays for one attempt at each subject for eligible Michigan residents. For the GED voucher you need a GED Ready score of at least 150 within the last 90 days.
More detail: The $43.50 price includes test, state and test center fees; all four subjects total $174. A discounted in-person retake costs a $10 test center fee. Your first diploma and transcript are free if ordered within 12 months.
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.
How old do you have to be to take the GED in Michigan?
The standard minimum age to take the GED in Michigan is 18.
Younger people may be able to test from age 16 with approval.
Rules for younger test takers: At 16 or 17 you can ask for an age waiver if you live in Michigan and have withdrawn from school. The form needs your signed statement, a parent's signature, school details, ID and proof of residency.
The minimum age to test online is 16.
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.
If you are under 18 and test online, a parent or guardian must be with you at check-in (GED Testing Service policy).
Do you have to live in Michigan to take the GED?
No. You do not have to live in Michigan to take the GED there.
There is no residency rule if you are 18 or older. At 16 or 17 you must live in Michigan.
Can you take the GED online in Michigan?
Yes. Online testing from home is available in Michigan for $43.50 per subject.
Details: Online testing is open from age 16 at no extra cost. You need a green GED Ready score before you schedule. Online retakes cost $43.50.
Some students who test at home say working math on an on-screen whiteboard feels slow, so some choose a test center for Math. Practice your scratch work on screen if you plan to test online.
To test 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.
What are the GED retake rules in Michigan?
In Michigan: In person, no wait for your first two retakes; if you fail the second retake, wait 60 days. Online, you get one retake before a 60-day wait.
The national rule from GED Testing Service: at a test center, you can retake a subject you did not pass two times with no waiting period. After a third or later attempt, you wait 60 days. Online, you get one retake before a 60-day wait. State rules can be stricter, and they come first.
If you miss by a few points, you keep the subjects you passed and retake only the one you missed. Review the topics from your score report before you book again.
What else does Michigan require?
Michigan does not require GED Ready to book at a test center. You do need a green GED Ready score to test online. Taking it anyway is a good way to check that you are ready.
You can combine GED and HiSET subject passes toward the Michigan certificate.
Bring a non-expired, government-issued photo ID on test day (GED.com).
What is the GED credential called in Michigan?
When you pass, Michigan issues the High School Equivalency Certificate.
To pass, you need a score of 145 or higher on each of the four subjects: Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies (GED.com).
Where can you check the official Michigan rules?
Check two places before you book: the Michigan state agency and the Michigan page on GED.com. When they disagree, ask the state agency.
"You must be 18 years old to test in Michigan." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to take the GED® or HiSET® in Michigan." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Have withdrawn from high school or alternative high school." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"The parent or guardian's signature." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"There is not a residency requirement for individuals 18 years of age or older. Individuals that are 16 or 17 years of age must have established residency in Michigan." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Michigan charges $43.50 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Michigan charges $43.50 per subject for the GED® test via Online." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"*In Michigan, there is a $10 test center fee for GED® test retakes." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"The Online Proctored Exam costs $43.50 for a retake in Michigan." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Yes, you are required to take the GED Ready ® practice test before taking the official GED ® test online." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"In Michigan, the credential is called the High School Equivalency Certificate." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"The State of Michigan High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate is awarded to individuals who pass the GED®, the HiSET®, or a combination of test subjects from both" (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"Includes test, state administration, and test center fees" (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"Online proctored options (OP at Home): No extra cost, but eligibility requirements apply" (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"At a testing center: No waiting period for first two retakes. If you fail your second retake, a 60-day waiting period begins." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"Online at-home exam: One retake. If you fail that one, a 60-day waiting period begins." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"Based on available funding, the HSE-to-School Program covers the cost of one attempt on each subject area for the two high school equivalency testing options — GED® or HiSET® — for Michigan residents who meet eligibility requirements." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"New requirement: Achieve a minimum score of 150 on the official GED® Ready Practice Test within the last 90 days" (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"First time test takers receive their initial diploma and transcript FREE if ordered within the first 12 months of the date completed." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"Duplicate diploma requests are $22." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"A written and signed statement by the minor explaining why HSE testing is in their best interest." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"The name and contact information of the school last attended." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"The signature of the school administrator or designee from the school last attended (when applicable)." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"A copy of a government-issued identification (ID) to verify the minor's date of birth" (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Documentation to verify Michigan residency." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"Have established Michigan residency; and" (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"A parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in to give consent and authorize the underage tester to be recorded during testing." (https://www.ged.com/policies/michigan-2.html)
"The first retake is discounted. There is no limit to how many times you may test in a year." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
"Duplicate transcript requests are $22." (https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/education-training/hse)
Questions and answers
How much does the GED cost in Michigan? It costs $43.50 per subject at a test center ($174 for all four). Online it costs $43.50 per subject. These are official fees checked October 26, 2026. Confirm on GED.com before you book.
How old do you have to be to take the GED in Michigan? The standard minimum age is 18. People as young as 16 may test with approval, such as a waiver and parent consent.
Can I take the GED online in Michigan? Yes. 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.
Do I have to live in Michigan to take the GED? No. Michigan does not require residency to take the GED. Check the residency section for any conditions on the credential.
Can I take the GED for free in Michigan? Yes, for some residents. Based on funding, the HSE-to-School Program pays for one attempt at each subject for eligible Michigan residents. For the GED voucher you need a GED Ready score of at least 150 within the last 90 days. Programs have conditions and funding can run out, so confirm before you book.
What happens if I fail a GED subject in Michigan? You only retake the subject you did not pass. In person, no wait for your first two retakes; if you fail the second retake, wait 60 days. Online, you get one retake before a 60-day wait.
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.
Next steps
Find your starting point with the free 32-question GEDPilot diagnostic.
Build a week-by-week plan around your job, family and test date.
Try the free sample lesson on number sense, the base for GED Math.
Take GED Ready, the official practice test, and aim for green (145 or higher) before you book.
Plan test day: your ID, arrival time, and test center or online.
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.