The fastest legitimate way to earn your GED (General Educational Development) credential equivalent to a high school diploma depends on your starting knowledge, study habits, and prior education. With intensive effort, motivated adults can complete it in as little as 2-5 weeks, though most take 1-3 months. There's no fixed timeline, but rushing without preparation risks retakes (allowed after 60 days for the first two failures).
Key Requirements
- Age: 16+ (varies by state; under 18 may need parental consent or proof of withdrawal from school).
- Test Format: Four subjects Mathematical Reasoning (115 min), Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 min), Science (90 min), Social Studies (70 min) totaling ~7.5 hours. Take them separately or in one day at official centers or online (proctored, requires stable internet/webcam).
- Passing Score: 145/200 per subject.
- Cost: $30-40 per subject (online/in-person); prep materials free-$150.
Fastest Timeline: 2-5 Weeks
- Assess & Prep (Days 1-3): Create a free GED.com account. Take official GED Ready® practice tests (half-length, $7.99 each) to gauge readiness. If you score "likely to pass" (green), skip heavy study. Focus weak areas like math/algebra.
- Intensive Study (Weeks 1-3): Dedicate 2-3 hours daily. Use free resources: GED.com study guides, Khan Academy videos, or paid programs like Onsego/GED Academy (4-6 weeks, tutor support, $50-100/month). Prioritize spaced repetition: review notes daily, practice under timed conditions. Study one subject/week for focus.
- Schedule & Test (Week 4): Book via GED.com (availability 1-2 weeks out). Online proctoring allows home testing if you pass GED Ready® in the last 60 days. Results instant; diploma mails in 1-3 weeks post-all passes.
Tips for Speed
- Leverage Strengths: If you left school recently (e.g., 9th/10th grade), skip basics many pass with 2-4 weeks review.
- Avoid Pitfalls: Don't buy "no-test" scams; they're invalid/fraudulent. Build endurance for full-day testing.
- Motivation Boost: GED holders earn ~$15,000 more annually visualize your goal daily.
Real stories: Reddit users report 5-week successes via GED Academy; others passed 3/4 tests with minimal study. Track progress weekly; adjust if needed.