4Tests Blog

If you come from the classroom, then thinking about scores outside the 100% system is a little mind boggling. It can be especially confusing when you try to wrap your mind around the scoring of standardized tests. But don’t let it overwhelm you. All you can control is your knowledge of the material and your ability to answer the questions of each testing battery as accurately as possible. From there, here is what you can expect from your test results.

Passing a Section

Passing a section of the GED, or a “testing battery” is simple on the surface. You must score at a 410 or above. It doesn’t matter if it’s reading, writing, math, science or social studies, 410 or higher will typically get the job done. The lowest score on the GED is a 200. The highest is 800. “So,” you may be thinking, “all I have to get is a 410 on each section and I’m good to go.” Well, not exactly. Your average score has to come out to 450. So if you score a 410 on each section, you technically still have some room for growth.

Averaging up

To actually pass the GED as a whole and earn your certificate, you will need a cumulative score of 2250. Again, that’s 450 on each section. Say you score a 410 on the reading, a 620 on the writing, a 600 on the math, a 520 on the science, and a 500 on the social studies. Your overall score would be 2650. In that case, your 410 on reading would be enough to earn average up and earn out. But if your reading score was a 380, then you would not pass that section, even with a cumulative of 2620.

The Overall Score

The overall score is very important to determining whether you pass or fail. But at the same time, it’s not an all-or-nothing kind of thing. If you find yourself with that pesky 380 on the reading exam, then you will not have to retake all five batteries. Instead you will need to simply retake the reading part and score 410 or better as long as the other four sections – with that 410 – make up 2250 or better on the overall score.

How You Compare to High School Graduates

At this time, the GED test is structured in a way that accumulates the knowledge and skill levels of 60% of high school graduates. As such, approximately 40% of students, who collect a diploma through the traditional path, would not be able to do what you have just done if you pass all five sections. That’s an accomplishment you can be proud of, and one that can open doors to universities, trade schools and gainful employment. Don’t take it lightly, and if you achieve it, be proud of yourself!