Time Management for the GED Test

Proper time management is one of the most important skills for succeeding on the GED test. With four subject areas and a limited amount of time for each, knowing how to pace yourself is essential. This guide will show you how to plan your time wisely, reduce stress, and increase your chances of earning a high score.

1. GED Test Timing Overview

The GED test is divided into four separate subjects, each with its own time limit. You can take them on different days, or all in one sitting, depending on your preference and testing center availability.

Time Limits Per Subject:

  • Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes
  • Reasoning Through Language Arts: 150 minutes (includes 45-minute essay and a 10-minute break)
  • Science: 90 minutes
  • Social Studies: 70 minutes

Each section includes a mix of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and extended response (essay) questions.

2. Why Time Management Matters

  • Prevents rushing through important questions
  • Helps reduce test anxiety
  • Improves accuracy and attention to detail
  • Allows time to review answers if needed

Many test-takers underperform not because they lack knowledge, but because they run out of time or mismanage their pacing.

3. Recommended Pacing by Subject

Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes):

  • Aim for 2–3 minutes per question
  • Spend no more than 5 minutes on complex word problems
  • Use the first few minutes to review formulas if needed

Language Arts (150 minutes):

  • Reading and grammar: ~75–80 minutes
  • Essay (Extended Response): 45 minutes
  • Leave final 10–15 minutes to review answers

Science (90 minutes):

  • Aim for about 2 minutes per question
  • Use 10 minutes at the end to revisit graphs and tables

Social Studies (70 minutes):

  • Average time per question: ~2 minutes
  • Spend more time on visual sources like maps and charts

4. Time Management Techniques

  • Use a timer when practicing: Simulate real test conditions
  • Flag tough questions: Skip and return if you’re stuck
  • Don’t overthink easy questions: Trust your instincts
  • Scan all options: But don’t dwell too long
  • Build a rhythm: Practice pacing during study sessions

5. Essay Time Strategy

The essay in the Language Arts section is time-sensitive. Use the following breakdown to manage your 45 minutes effectively:

  • Reading the source texts: 10 minutes
  • Planning/Outlining: 5–7 minutes
  • Writing: 25–27 minutes
  • Reviewing and editing: 3–5 minutes

Stick to your outline. Don’t get stuck perfecting the introduction—use your time for content and structure.

6. Practice with Timed Mock Tests

Nothing improves time management like doing full-length, timed GED practice tests. These help you:

  • Learn where you waste time
  • Build stamina for long sections
  • Identify question types that slow you down
  • Practice guessing when unsure (no penalty for wrong answers)

Use a stopwatch or online GED timer tool. Evaluate your performance and aim to improve efficiency with each attempt.

7. Know When to Move On

It’s easy to get stuck on one hard question. Set a rule: if you’ve spent more than 2–3 minutes and still don’t have a confident answer, flag it and move on. Come back later if time allows.

Trust your preparation and avoid second-guessing yourself unless you find strong evidence to change an answer.

8. Day of the Test: Time-Saving Tips

  • Arrive early and bring proper ID
  • Use all your allowed breaks to rest and refocus
  • Watch the on-screen timer to stay on track
  • Don’t panic if you fall behind—focus and recover

9. Common Time Traps to Avoid

  • Reading questions too quickly and misinterpreting them
  • Spending too long perfecting one answer
  • Not budgeting time for the essay response
  • Not leaving time to check your work

10. Final Advice

Time management is just as important as content knowledge on the GED test. The more you practice working under timed conditions, the better you’ll perform on test day. Learn to trust your preparation, keep a steady pace, and stay focused. With strong time control, you’ll boost both your confidence and your score.