To take the GED in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18, or 16 with approval. Test-center fees are $0 per subject for eligible residents, and online testing is limited. You must live in Pennsylvania to test there. 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, eligible residents: $0
Online, per subject (limited): $0
Residency required: Yes
How much does the GED cost in Pennsylvania?
GED.com lists the GED at $0 per subject at a Pennsylvania test center for eligible residents.
Online, the fee is also $0 per subject for eligible residents.
A discounted retake at a test center costs $10 per subject.
Free or subsidized testing: yes, for some residents. Pennsylvania covers your first attempt at each subject, in person or online. Enter promo code PAFreeGED at checkout. The code does not cover retakes.
More detail: With the state code, your first attempt at each subject is free. A discounted in-person retake costs a $10 test center fee; online retakes cost $36.
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 Pennsylvania?
The standard minimum age to take the GED in Pennsylvania is 18.
Younger people may be able to test from age 16 with approval.
Rules for younger test takers: At 16 or 17 you need an age waiver approved by the state education department. Send the Age Waiver Form plus a court order or a letter saying you need the test. If you pass before 18, your diploma arrives on your 18th birthday.
The minimum age to test online is 18.
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.
Do you have to live in Pennsylvania to take the GED?
Yes. You need to live in Pennsylvania to take the GED there.
You must be a Pennsylvania resident, for example with a valid driver's license. Non-residents cannot take the GED test in Pennsylvania.
Where a state requires residency, GED Testing Service asks you to self-certify that you live there before you schedule. The state may check further.
Can you take the GED online in Pennsylvania?
Online testing in Pennsylvania is limited. GED.com says restrictions may apply, so check your GED.com account before you plan on it.
Details: Online testing is limited and starts at 18. You need a green GED Ready score within the last 60 days.
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 Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania: In person, no wait for your first two retakes; after three attempts, wait 60 days. Online, you get one retake before a 60-day wait. The free code does not cover retakes.
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 Pennsylvania require?
Pennsylvania 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 must not be enrolled in high school or hold a diploma. GED and HiSET subject tests can be combined toward the diploma. A 30 College Credit Option also exists.
Bring a non-expired, government-issued photo ID on test day (GED.com).
What is the GED credential called in Pennsylvania?
When you pass, Pennsylvania issues the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma.
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 Pennsylvania rules?
Check two places before you book: the Pennsylvania state agency and the Pennsylvania page on GED.com. When they disagree, ask the state agency.
"You must be 18 years old to test in Pennsylvania." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"If a candidate is 16 or 17, they must have an approved age waiver from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"Minimum age for testing Online in Pennsylvania is 18." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"Yes, in Pennsylvania you’re required to be a resident." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will cover the cost of up to four (4) subtests/subjects of the GED ® test for Pennsylvania residents. The discount is available for people who take the tests at an official public GED ® testing center or through online proctoring." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"(Test takers who are not Pennsylvania residents are not eligible to take the GED ® test in Pennsylvania and are not eligible for the discount.)" (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"You cannot use the promo code for retakes." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"*In Pennsylvania, there is a $10 test center fee for GED® test retakes" (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Pennsylvania." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"In Pennsylvania, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"Score green on your subject’s GED Ready ® practice exam within the last 60 days before your scheduled test date." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"In Pennsylvania the credential is called the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be achieved by passing the GED® test or the HiSET® exam or by completing the 30 College Credit Option." (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"Individuals who are 18 year of age or older and Pennsylvania residents are eligible for high school equivalency testing." (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"Candidates who pass a high school equivalency test prior to turning 18 will be issued a transcript. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma will be issued on their 18th birthday." (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"No persons under the age of 16 are eligible to take a test of high school equivalency." (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"A letter from an employer, on company letterhead, stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test" (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"enter the promo code PAFreeGED" (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.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/pennsylvania.html)
"The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60 day waiting period." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"the best way to order your first and/or duplicate Diploma or Transcript is to go to DiplomaSender.com" (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
"Is not enrolled in a public, licensed private, registered accredited, or licensed nonpublic secondary school; and" (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"Completed Age Waiver form for the respective test (GED® or HiSET®) AND one of the following documents: A court order that you must take the high school equivalency test (GED® or HiSET®); OR" (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"A combination of subtests from the GED® test and HiSET® exam that covers all subject areas." (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/high-school-equivalency-and-commonwealth-secondary-school-diploma-cssd)
"You can prove your residency at the testing center with a valid driver’s license or other proof of residency." (https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html)
Questions and answers
How much does the GED cost in Pennsylvania? Test-center fees are $0 per subject for eligible residents. 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 Pennsylvania? 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 Pennsylvania? Online testing is limited in Pennsylvania, and restrictions may apply. Check your GED.com account. Where it is allowed, you need a webcam, reliable internet and a green GED Ready score within 60 days.
Do I have to live in Pennsylvania to take the GED? Yes. You must be a Pennsylvania resident to test there. Bring proof of where you live if your ID does not show it.
Can I take the GED for free in Pennsylvania? Yes, for some residents. Pennsylvania covers your first attempt at each subject, in person or online. Enter promo code PAFreeGED at checkout. The code does not cover retakes. Programs have conditions and funding can run out, so confirm before you book.
What happens if I fail a GED subject in Pennsylvania? You only retake the subject you did not pass. In person, no wait for your first two retakes; after three attempts, wait 60 days. Online, you get one retake before a 60-day wait. The free code does not cover retakes.
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.