FAQs
GED® test information
What tests are in the GED®?
The GED® test is composed of five tests:
• Language Arts: Writing
• Language Arts: Reading
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science
Are there requirements needed to write the test?
You may take the GED® test if:
- You are at least 18 years old*
- You have not graduated from high school
- You have been out of the school system for at least one full year
- You are a resident of Ontario
* Candidates who are 18 years old must provide a date of leaving letter from the last high school they attended. Home-schooled candidates must provide written proof that they have been home-schooled.
How can I prepare to write the tests?
• Visit our link to Test Preparation: https://ged.ilc.org/en-ca/GED/prepare/study-and-test-tips
• Take a GED® preparation course (see our website for Preparation programs in your
region: https://ged.ilc.org/en-ca/GED/prepare/how-prepare
What mark do I need to pass?
A passing score of 450 out of 800 on each of the five tests is required to receive an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.
What if I fail one of the five tests? Do I have to rewrite all the tests?
You are only required to re-write those tests that you have failed. You are not required to re-write tests you have passed.
If I fail one or two of the tests how long do I have to wait before I can rewrite them?
If your score is between 400 – 440 you can apply to re-write the test immediately. If you achieve a score of less than 400 you must wait 3 months before writing the test again. During this time we encourage you to engage in extra study and preparation. If it is essential that you write the test again, prior to the 3 month waiting period, an appeal can be made to the GED® Administrator.
How long are the tests?
GED® testing is divided into two days, usually Friday evening and all day Saturday. Individual test times are broken down as follows:
• Language Arts: Writing 120 minutes
• Language Arts: Reading 65 minutes
• Mathematics 90 minutes
• Social Studies 70 minutes
• Science 80 minutes
Short breaks are provided between each test.
What do I need to bring to the test?
When you come to write your tests, you must bring an original photo identification with your signature, for example, a driver’s licence, photo health card, or passport.
All supplies, such as paper, pencils, pens, and calculator (Casio fx–260) will be provided at the testing session. You will NOT be permitted to use any other materials such as reference books, dictionaries, a slide rule, or your own personal calculator when writing the tests.
In what order are the tests given?
Day One
• Language Arts: Writing
• Language Arts: Reading
Day Two
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science
Are all the tests multiple-choice?
All tests are multiple-choice but both the Language Arts Writing and Mathematics have additional features. The Language Arts Writing test also includes an essay. The Mathematics Test includes the use of standard and coordinate plane grids and a calculator. Candidates are allowed the use of a supplied calculator for Part 1 of the Mathematics test only. All relevant Mathematical formulas are included in the Mathematics test booklet
Applications and registration
How do I apply?
Online registration is required. Please register here.
What is the cost?
Test registration costs $100.00. We accept VISA and MasterCard. We do not accept Debit Mastercard.
If I fail a test or tests and need to re-write is there a charge?
If you need to re-write any or all of your tests, you are required to submit a new application form along with a $100.00 registration fee.
What if I am scheduled for a test and need to reschedule or postpone my test date?
Rescheduling Policy: If this is your first reschedule, we encourage that test rescheduling occurs 5 days prior to the testing date. If you are unable to provide a 5-day notice, a $25 rescheduling fee will apply. If this is your second reschedule, a $25 rescheduling fee will apply. Any additional rescheduling will require a new $100 registration fee.
No Show Policy - Cancellations made on the day of or after the test date are considered “no show” and a new $100 registration fee is applicable.
Where and when can I write the tests?
Please consult our schedule finder page for the location and dates of tests.
How long may it take for my registration to be processed?
It can take up to two weeks to process registrations.
What is a Date of Leaving Letter?
A Date of Leaving Letter can be requested by the last Secondary School you attended. The letter must be on school letterhead, with a recent date and signature. The letter must state: the date you officially left, that no further timetable was created for you, that you are not attending any secondary school at the time of the course request, and that you have not arranged to return to school for the next semester or term.
Who needs to include a Date of Leaving Letter?
If you are 18 years of age you require a letter from your last school indicating your final date(s) of study. To write the GED® you must have be out of school for one year. If you are 19 years of age or older you do not need a School Leaving Letter.
Is a letter required for home schooled candidates?
Home-schooled students 18 years of age must provide a letter from their local Board of Education indicating they were home-schooled.
Group/off-site testing
What is group/off-site testing?
Group/off-site testing allows your organization to offer the GED® tests to a number of candidates at the same time at a convenient location.
How many candidates are required to host an off-site testing session?
20 candidates are recommended.
How much notice is necessary to request an off-site testing session?
A minimum of eight weeks prior to the planned dates for your GED® testing session is required to determine whether the dates of interest are available.
How do I request an off-site testing session?
Complete the “Request for an Off-site Testing” form and email it to us at ged@tvo.org
What costs are associated with hosting an off-site testing session?
Travelling costs, accommodations, and meals for the examiner and proctor are the responsibility of the organization hosting the testing session. The rates for meals and travelling costs are established by TVO. Proctors and examiners will be travelling from the nearest GED® testing site.
Accommodations
I have heard that you can get accommodations like extra time or a large print test. How do I get accommodations for my test?
If you have specific learning and/or physical disabilities, you may be granted special accommodation to write the GED® tests. Accommodations can include: extra time to write the tests, frequent breaks during testing, a separate testing area, a scribe, a special edition of the tests, etc. To request special accommodations, you must submit a completed copy of the appropriate form with documentation along with your application form and fee.
Where can I get the Accommodation forms?
Please visit: https://ged.ilc.org/en-ca/GED/register/special-accommodations
Select the appropriate accommodation form. Upon document completion and advocate or diagnostician approval, you will need to complete your registration.
How long will it take to assess Accommodations requests?
Due to the time required to review these cases, you must register and submit your documentation at least TWO MONTHS prior to the preferred writing date.
Results, transcripts and certificates
How long does it take for my tests to be scored and results sent to me?
It usually takes 4 – 6 weeks for results to be sent to candidates.
I have passed all the tests and now need an additional transcript and/or certificate. How do I order a transcript and/or certificate?
If you'd like to place an order for a GED® transcript or certificate, please log in to your TVO GED account and click on the “Request Documents” tab in your portal. Transcripts can be sent to universities or colleges upon request.
If you don’t have an active TVO GED account, please email ged@tvo.org to request your login information with the subject line: ACCOUNT LOGIN FOR ORDERING GED DOCUMENTS.
Didn't find your answer here?
Please visit the Contact us page to get in touch with us by email or phone.