GED cost: what you’ll pay by state, plus practice tests and retakes
Last checked October 15, 2026 · Sources: GED Testing Service on GED costs, Arizona Department of Education, Maryland Department of Labor and South Texas College testing center
GED cost depends on your state, because each state sets its own test fees. GED Testing Service says most states charge about $30 to $40 per subject, or roughly $120 to $160 for all four if you pass each the first time; official examples include $36 per subject online in Maryland and $41 in Arizona. The optional GED Ready practice test adds $7.99 per subject. You pay one subject at a time when you schedule at GED.com.
GED cost by state: official examples
| Where | Per subject | All four subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $41 | $164 | Same price in person and online (Arizona Department of Education) |
| Maryland (online) | $36 | $144 | One online retake allowed before a 60-day wait; no discounted online retakes |
| Maryland (test center) | Set by test center | Varies | First retest discounted to $10; later retests alternate between full price and $10 |
| South Texas College (Texas) | $36.25 | $145 | Test center price, paid when you register for each test |
Fees as listed on each official page, checked October 15, 2026. All four subjects is our multiplication. Your GED.com account shows your state’s current price.
GED Testing Service says the test itself is the only cost you have to pay and that, in most states, the price is the same at a test center and online. Some states subsidize the test for residents, so always check your state’s page on GED.com before paying.
GED Ready practice test cost
GED Ready, the official practice test, costs $7.99 per subject or $25.99 for all four subjects on GED.com; Arizona’s Department of Education notes the per-subject price rose to $7.99 on August 1, 2025. GED.com says purchases expire 12 months after you buy them. It’s optional for in-person testing in most states but required for online testing, where you need a Green score within the past 60 days for each subject. Our GED Ready guide explains the score zones.
Retake costs
Retake prices are set by states too. Maryland is a clear example: at test centers the first retest drops to $10, the second is full price, and later retests alternate between full price and $10. Online, Maryland allows one retake before a 60-day waiting period and offers no discount. Check your state’s retake rules on GED.com before you schedule a retest.
What to budget for
- Test fees: four subjects at your state’s price, paid at GED.com when you schedule each one.
- GED Ready: $7.99 per subject; required for online testing, optional but useful otherwise.
- Retakes: only if needed, at your state’s retake price.
- Prep: optional. Free state-funded adult education classes and library books cost nothing; a study guide such as Kaplan’s GED book lists at $24.99.
- Transcripts and diplomas: states may charge for later copies; Maryland notes future requests require a fee.
How to pay less for the GED
Some states subsidize the GED for residents, and GED.com shows any assistance during sign-up.
Take GED Ready before each subject so you only pay for tests you're likely to pass.
State-funded adult education programs offer free or low-cost classes, and libraries carry study books.
Ask whether your employer covers the GED; GED.com also lets you check for employer programs when you register.
Common questions about GED cost
How much does the GED cost in total?
GED Testing Service says most states charge about $30 to $40 per subject, or roughly $120 to $160 for all four if you pass each the first time. Official state examples include $36 per subject online in Maryland and $41 in Arizona.
Can I pay for one subject at a time?
Yes. You pay for each subject when you schedule it, and you can test one subject at a time.
Is the online GED more expensive?
GED Testing Service says the price is the same in most states, but check your state; online retakes may be priced differently.
Can I take the GED for free?
Some states subsidize the test for residents. Check your state’s information in your GED.com account.
How old do I need to be?
States set their own minimum age, generally 16 to 18, and 16- and 17-year-olds usually need extra permission. Vermont, for example, allows 16- and 17-year-old test takers with parental permission. See our sign-up guide for details.
We first checked these costs on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 15, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with GED Testing Service or any state agency.