GED retake rules: waiting periods, discounted retakes and costs
Last checked October 16, 2026 · Sources: GED.com test retakes FAQ and state policy pages; Nebraska Department of Education retake policy (example of a state rule)
GED retake rules are generous: if you fail a GED subject at a test center, you can retake it twice with no waiting period, and GED Testing Service waives its own fee on discounted retakes taken within 12 months. After a third failed attempt you wait 60 days. States can set their own rules and fees, so check your state’s policy page.
How GED retakes work
GED.com says that if you don’t pass a GED subject at a test center, you can take two more retests with no restrictions between them. If you fail the third or any later attempt, you must wait 60 days before trying again. You only retake the subject you didn’t pass; your passing scores in the other subjects stand. GED.com adds that state requirements may also apply.
Discounted GED retakes
GED Testing Service waives its own fee for retests of failed subjects, and states and test centers can choose to do the same. GED.com says the discount applies to two retests taken within 12 months of your original full-price subject test. After those, the subject goes back to the regular price. Because states set their own fees, what you actually pay for a retake depends on where you test; log in to GED.com to see your price.
State rules can differ
Some states add their own waiting periods or fees. Nebraska, for example, says its rule is a 30-day wait between retakes, but its Department of Education grants waivers that remove the wait for the first two retakes; Nebraska lists the first exam at $36 and the first two in-person retakes at $10 each. Always check your own state’s policy page on GED.com before booking.
| General GED.com rule (in-person) | Nebraska example | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st and 2nd retake | No waiting period | 30-day wait unless a waiver is granted |
| After 3rd attempt | 60-day wait | 60-day wait |
| Retake price | GED Testing Service fee waived on discounted retakes | $10 each for the first two in-person retakes |
General rule from GED.com; Nebraska shown as an example of a state policy. Checked October 16, 2026.
Retaking the online GED test
The online proctored GED test has its own retake rules, which can differ from test-center rules. GED.com tells online testers to check their state’s policy page, under the test retake policies tab, for the rules that apply. See our online GED test guide.
Before you retake
Your score report shows which skills you need to work on in that subject.
GED Ready ($7.99 per subject) shows whether you're likely to pass before you pay for the real test again.
Use your two no-wait, discounted retakes wisely: retest when you're ready, not immediately.
Common questions about GED retakes
How soon can I retake the GED?
At a test center, you can retake a failed subject twice with no waiting period, according to GED.com. After a third failed attempt, you wait 60 days. State rules may add restrictions.
How much does a GED retake cost?
It depends on your state. GED Testing Service waives its fee on two discounted retakes within 12 months, but state and test center fees may still apply.
Do I have to retake all four subjects?
No. You only retake the subject you failed; your other passing scores stand.
Is there a limit on GED retakes?
There’s no stated limit on attempts, but after the third failed attempt you wait 60 days between each try.
See also our GED cost, GED Ready and GED format and scoring guides. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with GED Testing Service.