Taking your GED
The GED Test measures your "General Educational Development". This test covers five separate subjects, including reading, writing, science, social studies, and math.
It is a measurement of your problem solving and critical thinking skills.
When you pass all five tests, you receive a credential certifying that your educational undertanding
is the same or better than a high school graduate.
Cost of the GED Test: $58
The total cost to take the "Full Battery" of tests, meaning all five subjects is $58 ($10 per test plus an $8 first time test fee).
Retests are $10 per subject. Scholarships are available for students who participate in our classes.
How to Register for a Test
You can register for a test by contacting any of our local testing centers.
To register you will need to fill out an application, a code of conduct form, pay your fee,
provide a copy of government-issued Photo I.D. and verify your social security number.
If you are enrolled in one of our classes, your instructor will walk you through this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old do I have to be to take the tests?
In general, you must be 18 years old and out of school to take the GED Tests.
In some cases, exceptions are made for people aged 16-17. A Virginia GED Helpline counselor can help you determine if you can take the test.
Call 276-739-2547 or 1-800-322-7748 for assistance.
2. Do I need to live in Virginia?
No, you do NOT have to be a Virginia resident to take the GED test here. You only need a valid government-issued photo I.D. when registering.
3. What subjects are covered on the GED Test?
The GED Tests are a series of five tests with questions covering reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.
4. What do I need to score to pass the GED Test?
To pass the complete GED Test Battery you must obtain a minimum score of 2250. Testers need a minimum score of 410 on each of the individual tests
but must have an average score of 450.
To receive a 410 standard score on an individual GED test, candidates generally need to answer 60 to 65 percent of the questions correctly.
5. How do I access my scores?
Test scores may be obtained online at www.GED123.org by using your Testing Access Code.
6. I lost my transcripts/certificate. What should I do?
You can fill out this GED Transcript/Certificate request form (.doc or .pdf) and
return it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order.
If you have questions, call the Department of Education's GED Database Administrator at 804-786-4642.
7. When and where do I take my test?
There are three testing sites in the Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program (MRRAEP).
The main test site is located in Abingdon, Virginia on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC).
We test most Fridays beginning at 9 a.m.
One evening per month, we test at the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) in Bristol, Virginia.
Other test centers are located in Wythe County (call 276-228-5481) and Galax (276-768-8984 or 276-236-9221).
For more information contact on test in these areas contact them by phone.
GED Note: GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE). They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.
Southwest Virginia Test Centers
If you are interested in taking your GED Exam, please contact the test center nearest you.
(Abingdon, VA)
276-739-2547 or
1-800-322-7748
276-236-2911
276-236-2911 or 276-236-9221
