Alabama

Alabama requires specific requirements from 16 & 17 year old testers. See https://www.accs.edu/adult-education/ged/

All examinees 18 and older do not have to meet the requirements.

In Alabama, you can be under the age of 18 and take the GED^® test if you meet the following exception(s):

17 years of age:

• Resident of Alabama and exited an Alabama public school.
• Present to the GED Examiner™ a notarized Student Exit Interview form from the school system
• A Notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian giving permission to administer the GED^® test

16 years of age:

• Resident of Alabama and exited an Alabama public school.
• Present to the GED Examiner™ a notarized Certificate of Exemption issued by his/her local superintendent
• Notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian giving permission to administer the GED^® test to the applicant
• Receive a minimum score of ASE low on the TABE Test or “Likely to Pass” score on the GED Ready^® Mathematical Reasoning and Reasoning Through Language Arts tests

16 or 17 years of age:

• Resident of Alabama
• Exited a private school, a church school, or a private tutor program
• Present to the GED Examiner™ a notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian that the applicant has permission to be administered the GED® test and evidence of withdrawal on school/program letterhead
• Receive a minimum score of ASE low on the TABE Test or “Likely to Pass” score on the GED Ready^® Mathematical Reasoning and Reasoning Through Language Arts tests

For those testing on the Online Exam:

• A parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in order to give consent and authorize the underage tester to be recorded during testing. If the parent or guardian is not present, the exam session will be revoked.

All 16 and 17 year olds are required to be a resident of Alabama. All examinees 18 and older do not have to meet the residency requirement.

Some states allow people who don’t live there to take the GED^® test and others don’t. You’ll need to check the residency requirement for the state that you’re interested to test in.

No, Alabama doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED^® test in an adult education classroom.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

• No, you’re not required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

• Yes, you are required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online.

David Walters
State Director, Alabama Adult Education
Alabama Community College System
135 South Union Street, 1st floor
Post Office Box 302130
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2130

(334) 293-4567 Office
(334)293-4559 Fax
[email protected]

For questions regarding transcripts or diplomas contact:
Danielle Smith, Administrative Assistant
(334) 293-4567
[email protected]

What is my cost if I test at a Test Center?

• Starting July 1, 2023: Alabama charges $36 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.

What is my cost if I test Online? 

• Alabama charges $36 per subject for the GED® test via Online.

You will pay for the test online with a debit or credit card when you schedule your test.

Don’t have a credit or debit card? Some students use American Express Bluebird. Register for a free Bluebird card online and add funds with cash at a Walmart location. Learn more about Bluebird.

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For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

• In Alabama, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

• The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60 day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

• Starting July 1, 2023: You will receive one discounted* retake for every GED® test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use this retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test. GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee, however additional testing fees may still apply in your state.  

In Alabama, there is a $10 test center fee for GED® test retakes. 

Note: We have extended the limited-time offer of up to 2 discounted retakes for exams taken in test centers, as long as both retakes are completed by June 30, 2024.  

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

• The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Alabama. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.  

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Alabama State GED^® Program Testing of the Alabama Community College System has partnered with GED Testing Service for fulfillment of requests for GED^® transcripts and diplomas.

After passing the GED^® test, you will automatically receive one free electronic diploma, one free electronic transcript. You must take action to receive one free printed diploma.

Electronic Diploma and Transcript

The electronic diploma and transcript download links will be e-mailed to the e-mail address associated with your GED^® account once you have passed all GED^® test subjects and earned your diploma.

• Links are only available for a limited time, so be sure to download your electronic documents right away.
• Follow the instructions provided in the e-mail. These PDF documents are very valuable since they can be forwarded to employers and colleges that accept electronic credentials.
• The PDF documents are verified by GED Testing Service/Parchment each time they are opened using Blue Ribbon Security. The blue ribbon symbol displayed in the PDF is assurance that the digital credential is valid, the document is authentic, and the contents of the credential have not been altered.

Printed Diploma

The printed diploma can be ordered in your GED^® account at GED.com. After logging in, go to My Scores and select Order Duplicates. Select Diploma option and then select the Printed Diploma – Free option.

• You will then be asked who and what address you want the diploma to be mailed to.
• The free diploma link will only be available until it has been used and can only be used one time.
• Carefully follow the instructions presented during the ordering process.

You can request your transcript and diploma here.

In Alabama the credential is called the State of Alabama High School Equivalency Diploma.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

• Yes, in Alabama you can take all test subjects in the same day if you can find a test center with hours that accommodate it.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

• No, you must schedule your test appointments separately, one at a time. After you complete one online exam you may schedule another, based on appointment availability.

Yes, in Alabama you can test in English or Spanish and you can combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

Yes, you can combine different language versions of the GED^® test to earn your credential.

It depends on whether or not that state has a residency requirement. Check the residency requirements in that state and don’t hesitate to contact the GED Administrator™ in that state with questions.

David Walters

Vice Chancellor of Adult Education, Special Projects, & System Initiatives

Alabama Community College System

135 South Union Street, 5th floor

Post Office Box 302130

Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2130

(334) 293-4567

[email protected]