Should I Take the GED Online or In Person?

Taking the GED is an important step in furthering your educational, academic, and personal goals. You’ve likely spent hours preparing for the test, and now you’re wondering: should you take the GED online or in person? And can you even take the GED test online at home?

The answer to this question depends on your preferences and life circumstances. Check out our tips to help you determine the differences between online vs. in person GED testing.

Taking the GED Online vs. In Person

Thanks to today’s modern technology, it’s easy to prepare for and take the GED online or in person. There are four portions of the GED exam, and it is not advised to take them all in one day. Fortunately, both the online and in-person options make it easy to schedule the test over the course of a few weeks or months.

Here’s what you should know about each testing option.

Online

Like the in-person exam, the online exam is proctored, meaning an instructor supervises you while you take the test to ensure that all the exam rules are followed. You’ll also need to provide a government-issued photo ID to verify your name, birthday, residence, and signature.

Then, once you’re done, you’ll be able to see the final exam scores on GED.com.

In-Person

If you decide to take the GED in person, you can search online to find an official testing center near you. Most in-person exams are offered on weekdays, with the exclusion of holidays. Because seating is limited, you’ll need to check test availability before signing up.

The testing center will provide you with all the materials you need for the exam (such as pencils, paper, and equation charts) and will not allow you to use your own. You’ll be required to place personal items like purses and backpacks in a secure locker before entering the testing center.

Can I Take My GED Test Online At Home?

Though there seems to be conflicting information circulating around the internet, it’s important to know that you can take the GED test online at home. However, this depends on the state you live in. You can use this resource to see if your state qualifies. Wherever you take the test, it must be given by an official GED testing service and supervised by an online proctor to be considered valid.

Circumstances that May Affect Where You Should Take the Test

The testing experience will be different for everyone who takes it. Considering these factors may help you make a decision on where you take the test.

Distance From a Testing Center

When looking at different testing centers, find one that’s in a convenient location. Consider parking options, traffic conditions, and safety when considering which center works best for you. The last thing you want is to be stressed out before or after such a big test.

Access to Secure and Reliable Internet

Ensure the location where you will be testing will have a secure and steady internet connection. If your internet is consistently unreliable or sometimes has poor connection issues, perhaps you can get a technician out for repairs before testing. Otherwise, it might be a good idea to seek out alternative locations that have reliable internet such as a public library before your testing day.

What Time You Schedule Your Test

Whether you schedule your testing in the morning or evening, be aware of factors that may change. Traffic jams can cause people to be late or miss their test. So can a lunch rush. Therefore, try to pick a time in the late morning or early afternoon. Either that or plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Home Environment

It is recommended to have a clean and quiet area when taking the GED test. Distractions due to clutter, barking dogs, or noisy kids can make it hard to concentrate. Don’t let a disruptive environment ruin your big day. Also, be sure to pick a spot in your house with good lighting and plenty of room to work.

Earn Your GED Today

Now that you know more about taking the GED online and in person, it’s time to start your path toward earning your GED. Head to GED Testing Services to schedule your GED exam, then start preparing by checking out practice tests, flashcards, and more.