The GED (General Educational Development) Science test is a key component of the GED credential, designed to assess your ability to apply scientific reasoning, interpret data, and understand core concepts in life, physical, and Earth/space sciences. If you're preparing for this exam, knowing its structure and timing is essential for effective study planning and test-day success.
Test Duration
The GED Science test lasts 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes) with no scheduled breaks. This timeframe allows you to tackle approximately 34–40 questions, which may include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer formats. The exact number varies slightly by test version, but the focus is on quality over quantity emphasizing skills like analyzing graphs, evaluating experiments, and drawing evidence-based conclusions rather than rote memorization.
This duration is part of the overall GED exam, which totals about seven hours across four subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes), Social Studies (70 minutes), and Science (90 minutes). You can schedule tests separately or all at once, depending on your preference and state requirements.
Why Timing Matters
With 90 minutes, you'll have roughly 2–3 minutes per question, so time management is crucial. Practice pacing yourself during prep to avoid rushing through complex data interpretation tasks, which make up about 50% of the test. Unlike some exams, there's no penalty for guessing, so answer everything.
Preparation Tips
To make the most of your 90 minutes:
- Focus on Key Topics: Expect 40% life science (e.g., genetics, ecosystems), 40% physical science (e.g., energy, motion), and 20% Earth/space science (e.g., climate, solar system).
- Practice Actively: Use official GED practice tests to simulate the full 90 minutes. Resources like GED.com or Kaplan offer free samples.
- Build Skills: Hone reading scientific passages, interpreting visuals, and using the provided on-screen calculator for data analysis.
- Study Smart: Aim for a passing score of 145/200. With consistent review (2–3 hours daily for 1–3 months), most test-takers pass on their first try.
The GED Science test is straightforward if you prepare strategically it's more about critical thinking than advanced knowledge. Schedule your exam via GED.com, and remember, passing earns you a high school equivalency recognized nationwide. Good luck; you've got this!