Arkansas

It’s no secret that your future is more secure with a GED® credential. Once you take this positive step and earn your GED® in Arkansas, you can pursue more exciting education and career options. A GED® opens up opportunities for advancement both at school and work—congratulations on making this decision for a better life! It isn’t easy to make a change, even if it’s good. But with the right tools and support, you can break old patterns and chart new territory with a high school equivalency diploma in Arkansas. As the only official site for the GED® test, we can help you get started and prepare.

How to Get a GED® in Arkansas

If you’re an official resident of Arkansas, this test is open to you as long as you’re not currently enrolled in high school or a graduate. The GED® test is available in a computer-based format if you’re 18 or older. You can access it online for $144 or at an official GED® test center, where the subsidized exam cost is $16. If you’re under 18, check out further requirements before registering to take the test. Preparatory classes for the GED® aren’t required, but they will prepare you for this critical test. If you plan to take the exam online without going to a center, you must qualify by taking the GED® Ready test and scoring in the “green zone” (likely to pass.) Ready to get started? Use these easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to sign up for a free account. If you’re already signed up, just log in and pick up where you left off. When you’re done with the classes and have successfully passed the test, you’ll get a GED® certificate from Arkansas, which states you’ve achieved the same level of knowledge as all other state high school graduates.

Classes and Testing Centers near You

Most students take two to three months to prepare for the GED. If you learn more effectively when taking in-person classes, you can easily find an in-person GED® class near you. You’ll have access to a supportive community of instructors and learn alongside fellow students when taking in-person classes. These courses provide a top-notch education with the following:
  • Experienced instructors
  • Diverse curriculum guides
  • Inclusive study groups
  • Flexible schedules
  • Employment counselors
  • Test-taking tips
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • College prep counselors
  • Practice reviews
  • Quizzes
Testing centers often offer classes and facilities where students can take the computer-based test securely and privately.

GED® Tests Online in Arkansas

Do you have a busy schedule or other responsibilities? Study for the GED® and take the test online from home or work rather than in person. Make sure your Wi-Fi and computer work well ahead of time. You’ll also need a reliable webcam and a quiet workspace. Online programs provide access to qualified teachers, helpful test-taking strategies, and the convenience of remote learning. This option is beneficial if you live far away from a testing center and don’t want to commute. You might also choose the online option from home if you work full-time or manage a lot of responsibilities at home. After achieving a successful “green” score on the GED® Ready practice test, you can confidently take the exam and move on to your next challenge at work or school! Learn more about getting your GED® online to begin this life-changing transition today. Find a testing center or in-person classes near you and take the next step on your educational journey.
Top Policies
Top Policies

Top Policies

How old do I need to be to take the test?

You must be 18 years old to test in Arkansas without age restriction requirements.

In Arkansas, you can be 16 or 17 and take the GED® test if you have met the provisions specified in the approved Adult Education Attendance and Enrollment Policies. Any test taker ages 16, 17, or 18 must first pass the Civics Exam, which can be administered at any Adult Education Center. Please call the state GED Testing office at (501) 682-1980 for information or email GED@arkansas.gov.

 

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. 

Yes, in Arkansas you’re required to be a resident. You can prove your residency at the testing center with a valid driver’s license or other proof of residency.

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 in testing in.

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

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • In Arkansas, you’re required to take the GED Ready® practice test at an approved adult education center or GED® test center before scheduling your test. However, you may take one subject of the GED® Ready practice test at an approved adult education or GED® test center and then take that subject of the official GED® test upon approval.

 

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. 

Price & Payment

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

  • Arkansas charges $4 per subject for the GED® test.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Arkansas charges $36 per subject for the GED® test taken online

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

Test Retake Policies

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

  • In Arkansas, 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:  

  • You currently receive 2 discounted retakes for every GED® test subject purchased but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use these retakes.
  • 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.
    *Arkansas does not charge an additional fee.

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

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

Transcripts & Diploma

If you have taken the GED® test in Arkansas and wish to have an official copy of your scores mailed to a college/institution, employer, agency, or yourself, you must submit your request on the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services website.

In Arkansas the credential is called the Arkansas High School Diploma.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Arkansas you can take all test subjects in the same day if you can find a testing 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 Arkansas you can test in English and Spanish and you can combine test from 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.

Dianne Doyle
GED Administrator™
Arkansas Department of Commerce
Division of Workforce Services, Adult Education Section
1 Commerce Way, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR  72202
Phone:  501-682-1980