How Long Does It Take to Get a GED?

One of the most common questions about the GED is how long the process takes from start to finish. The answer varies depending on your prior knowledge, study habits, and schedule. This guide breaks down the typical timeline and factors that affect how quickly you can earn your GED credential.

Average Timeline Overview

Most people complete their GED in 3 to 6 months, but the actual time can range from a few weeks to over a year. Here's what influences your personal timeline:

Key Factors That Affect Your GED Timeline:

  • Previous Knowledge: How much you remember from high school
  • Study Time: Hours you can dedicate each week
  • Learning Speed: How quickly you grasp new concepts
  • Testing Availability: Scheduling options in your area
  • Preparation Method: Self-study vs. formal classes

Breaking Down the GED Process

1. Assessment Phase (1-2 Weeks)

Before you begin studying, it's crucial to assess your current knowledge level.

What to Do:

  • Take practice tests for all four subjects
  • Identify your strong and weak areas
  • Set realistic score goals

Time Commitment:

  • Practice Tests: 6-8 hours total
  • Score Analysis: 1-2 hours

2. Study and Preparation Phase (1-6 Months)

This is the most variable part of the process and depends on your starting point.

Study Time Based on Starting Level:

  • Strong Foundation: 1-2 months (if you recently left high school)
  • Moderate Knowledge: 3-4 months (if you remember some basics)
  • Beginning Level: 5-6+ months (if you need to learn most content)

Recommended Weekly Study Schedule:

  • Full-time Students: 15-20 hours per week (complete in 1-3 months)
  • Part-time Students: 8-12 hours per week (complete in 3-6 months)
  • Busy Adults: 4-6 hours per week (complete in 6-12 months)

3. Testing Phase (2-8 Weeks)

The actual testing process can take several weeks depending on scheduling and retakes.

Subject-Specific Study Time Estimates

Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)

  • Quick Review: 15-20 hours (if strong in reading/writing)
  • Average Preparation: 30-40 hours
  • Comprehensive Study: 50-60+ hours (if weak in English skills)
  • Test Length: 150 minutes (including essay)

Mathematical Reasoning

  • Quick Review: 20-25 hours (if comfortable with algebra)
  • Average Preparation: 40-50 hours
  • Comprehensive Study: 60-80+ hours (if math is challenging)
  • Test Length: 115 minutes

Science

  • Quick Review: 15-20 hours
  • Average Preparation: 25-35 hours
  • Comprehensive Study: 40-50+ hours
  • Test Length: 90 minutes

Social Studies

  • Quick Review: 15-20 hours
  • Average Preparation: 25-35 hours
  • Comprehensive Study: 40-50+ hours
  • Test Length: 70 minutes

Accelerated Timeline (4-8 Weeks)

If you need to complete your GED quickly, an accelerated approach is possible with dedicated effort.

Sample 6-Week Study Plan:

  • Week 1-2: Focus on your weakest subject (15-20 hours)
  • Week 3-4: Study your second-weakest subject (15-20 hours)
  • Week 5: Review stronger subjects (10-15 hours)
  • Week 6: Final review and practice tests (10-15 hours)

Tips for Faster Completion:

  • Study 2-3 hours daily, 5-6 days per week
  • Take subject tests as soon as you're ready
  • Use multiple study methods (videos, practice tests, flashcards)
  • Focus on high-yield topics that appear most frequently on tests

Extended Timeline (6-12 Months)

For those with busy schedules or significant knowledge gaps, a longer timeline may be more realistic.

Sample 9-Month Study Plan:

  • Months 1-3: Math foundation (6-8 hours weekly)
  • Months 4-6: Language Arts skills (6-8 hours weekly)
  • Months 7-8: Science and Social Studies (4-6 hours weekly)
  • Month 9: Comprehensive review and testing

Testing Logistics and Scheduling

Test Scheduling Considerations:

  • Availability: Testing centers may have limited slots
  • Retake Policies: Most states require waiting periods between retakes
  • Online Testing: Some states offer online proctoring with more flexibility

Typical Testing Schedule:

  • Fastest Possible: All subjects in 1-2 days (if testing center allows)
  • Realistic Pace: 1-2 subjects per week over 2-4 weeks
  • Spaced Out: 1 subject per month over 3-4 months

Factors That Can Delay Your GED Completion

Common Delays and Solutions:

  • Unexpected Life Events: Build buffer time into your schedule
  • Failed Test Attempts: Allow extra time for retakes and additional study
  • Limited Study Time: Be consistent with shorter, more frequent study sessions
  • Testing Center Availability: Schedule tests well in advance

Study Methods and Their Impact on Timeline

Formal GED Classes

  • Timeline: Typically 2-4 months
  • Advantages: Structured schedule, teacher support
  • Considerations: Fixed pace, may be slower than self-study for some

Self-Study Programs

  • Timeline: 1-6 months (highly variable)
  • Advantages: Flexible pace, personalized focus
  • Considerations: Requires strong self-discipline

Online Preparation Courses

  • Timeline: 1-4 months
  • Advantages: Interactive, often self-paced
  • Considerations: Quality varies, requires internet access

Creating Your Personal GED Timeline

Step 1: Assess Your Current Level

Take our free practice tests to gauge your starting point in each subject.

Step 2: Set Realistic Goals

Based on your assessment, determine how much study time each subject needs.

Step 3: Create a Study Schedule

Block out specific times for studying each week and stick to them.

Step 4: Schedule Your Tests

Book your tests in advance to create deadlines and maintain motivation.

Step 5: Build in Buffer Time

Allow extra weeks for unexpected delays or needed retakes.

Success Stories: Realistic Timelines

Case Study 1: Recent High School Leaver

  • Background: Left school during junior year
  • Study Time: 6 weeks, 15 hours per week
  • Total Time: 2 months from start to credential

Case Study 2: Adult Returning to Education

  • Background: 10+ years out of school, working full-time
  • Study Time: 5 months, 8 hours per week
  • Total Time: 6 months including testing

Case Study 3: Comprehensive Preparation Needed

  • Background: Limited formal education, weak in all subjects
  • Study Time: 9 months, 10 hours per week
  • Total Time: 11 months with retakes

Conclusion

The time it takes to earn your GED depends on your individual circumstances, but most people can complete the process within 3-6 months with consistent effort. Remember that the goal is not just to pass the tests, but to genuinely master the material that will serve you in future education and career pursuits.

Whether you choose an accelerated timeline or a more gradual approach, what matters most is maintaining consistency and commitment to your study plan. Use the free resources on this website to assess your starting point and begin creating your personalized GED timeline today.