How Long Does It Take to Get a GED? Getting your General Educational Development (GED) certification can be a major step toward new opportunities. Whether it s a better job, higher education, or simply a sense of personal accomplishment, earning your GED is a significant achievement. But one question many aspiring candidates have is how long does it take to get a GED.
Understanding the GED Test Timeline
How long does it take to Get A GED?
The answer depends on several factors, including your current educational level, study habits, and
the time you can dedicate to preparation. Typically, the time to complete your GED process ranges
from a few weeks to a few months.
For those who have a strong foundation in basic subjects like math, science, and language arts, it
may only take a few weeks of study to get ready for the exam. On the other hand, if you are starting
from a less confident academic base or need to balance studies with a busy schedule, it might take
longer. Many people take around 3 to 6 months to study and feel confident enough to pass all the
tests.
The GED Test Breakdown: How Long is the GED Test?
Another key part of understanding the time commitment involves knowing how long is the GED test. The
GED test is split into four subject areas:
Mathematical Reasoning: (about 115 minutes)
Reasoning Through Language Arts : (about 150 minutes, including a 10-minute break)
Science: (about 90 minutes)
Social Studies: (about 70 minutes)
In total, how long is the GED? The entire GED exam takes roughly 7.5 hours to complete. However, you
don t need to take all the tests on the same day. You can schedule each subject individually, making
the process more manageable for those with time constraints.
Factors That Influence How Long It Takes to Get Your GED
Several factors impact how long it takes to get your GED, including:
Your Starting Point: If you ve been out of school for a while, you may need more time to get
comfortable with academic subjects again.
Study Time: How much time can you dedicate each day or week to studying? The more consistent you
are, the quicker youll be ready.
Learning Resources: Utilizing GED prep classes, online study resources, and practice tests can
accelerate your learning process.
Test Scheduling: The availability of testing dates in your area can also play a role in how
quickly you get through each exam section.
Detailed Breakdown of GED Preparation Time
The time it takes to prepare for the GED can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Let’s
break it down further:
If You Have Limited Time: If you can only study for an hour or two per week, it could take you up
to 8-12 months to prepare adequately. With a slower pace, you will need more time to understand and
retain the material. This approach is suitable for those with full-time jobs or other major
responsibilities that prevent them from dedicating a lot of time to studying.
If You Can Dedicate More Time: If you can set aside 10-15 hours per week, you could be ready in
3-4 months. This kind of dedicated approach allows you to cover more material quickly and stay fresh
on all subjects.
Accelerated Study: Some individuals prefer an intensive study schedule, where they dedicate
several hours each day. In such cases, it’s possible to prepare for the GED in as little as 1-2
months. This approach works best for those who have strong foundational skills and can focus on
studying full-time.
GED Subject Areas and Study Requirements
Each subject area of the GED test online or in person requires different preparation techniques
and times:
Mathematical Reasoning: For many test-takers, math is one of the most challenging subjects. If
math is not your strong suit, you might need to spend 6-8 weeks focusing specifically on this
area. Using online resources, practice questions, and even a tutor can make a significant
difference.
Reasoning Through Language Arts: This part checks your language, reading comprehension, and
writing skills. If you are comfortable with reading and writing, you may need only 3-4 weeks to
prepare. However, if you struggle with writing essays, consider spending more time practicing.
Science: The science section requires an understanding of basic scientific principles, data
interpretation, and analytical skills. Many students can prepare for this section in 4-6 weeks,
especially if they use online practice tests to get familiar with the question formats.
Social Studies: This section involves understanding historical events, civics, and geography.It generally takes 3-5 weeks to prepare, depending on your background knowledge.
The Role of Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to shorten your GED preparation time.
Practice tests help you:
Identify Weaknesses: Find out which subjects need more focus.
Build Confidence: Familiarize yourself with the question format and reduce test anxiety.
Track Progress: Measure your improvements over time and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Practice tests can also help you determine when you are ready to take the actual exam. Many students
find that taking a practice test once a week helps them stay on track and feel more prepared.
GED Prep Classes and Online Resources
If youre looking for additional support, GED prep classes are available both online and in
person. These classes can be especially helpful if you struggle with self-study or need a
structured learning environment. Classes typically run for 6-12 weeks, depending on how
intensive they are.
There are also many online resources available, such as video lessons, practice questions, and
study guides. Websites like GED.com and OnlineCertificationHelp.com provide valuable materials
that can help you prepare efficiently. Using these resources can make a big difference in how
quickly you feel ready to take the test.
Creating a Study Plan
A well-organized study plan is crucial for staying on track and minimizing the time needed to
get your GED. Here’s how to create an effective study plan:
Set a Target Date: Decide when you want to take the test. This will give you a goal to work
toward and help you create a study timeline.
Break Down Subjects: Allocate specific days to focus on each subject area. For example,
dedicate Mondays and Wednesdays to math, Tuesdays and Thursdays to language arts, and weekends
to science and social studies.
Daily Study Goals: Each time you study, set small goals that you can reach. This could mean
doing a lot of practice questions or reviewing a subject in great detail.
Adjust and Review: Check in on your work often and change your study plan as needed. Invest
more time in a subject that youre having trouble with if you notice that.
Staying Motivated Throughout the Process
Staying motivated is key to reducing the time it takes to get your GED. Here are some tips to
keep you going:
Join a Study Group: Studying with others can provide motivation and accountability. If you
know someone else who is also preparing for the GED, consider studying together.
Reward Yourself: Set rewards for achieving milestones. For example, treat yourself to
something special after completing a subject or passing a practice test.
Visualize Success: Keep your end goal in mind. Whether it’s getting a better job, going to
college, or simply proving to yourself that you can do it, visualizing success can keep you
focused and motivated.
How Long Does It Really Take?
Ultimately, the answer to how long does it take to get a GED varies depending on individual circumstances. For some, it might take just a few weeks, while others may need several months. The key is consistent effort and proper planning. Whether you’re ready to take the test in a month or in six months, the most important part is to stay committed to your goal. So, if youre wondering how long is the GED, know that it’s a journey that requires time and dedication but one that can lead to many rewarding opportunities in the future. Start today, and soon enough, you’ll be celebrating the accomplishment of earning your GED.
