Colorado

It isn’t easy to make changes and commit to a better life, but doing so can benefit you in many ways. Furthering your education is one step, which may begin with getting your GEDⓇ credential in Colorado. You can recognize both career and educational goals with this important step forward. Living in Colorado provides access to helpful options that can help you earn a high school equivalency diploma. Let us help you through this exciting new chapter while accommodating your busy schedule and lifestyle.

How to Get a GED in Colorado

Living in the Centennial State allows you to earn your Colorado GED even if you aren’t an official resident. You qualify as long as you are at least 17 years old and not currently enrolled in an accredited high school or possess a high school diploma. If you’re 16 years old, you can still get your GED with approval from the Colorado HSE Office for your High School Equivalency Age Waiver.

How to Sign Up

Sign up for a free account to learn which option is best for you. Start by entering the email address and password you’d like to use to log in. From there, input your details, including your name, as it appears on your government-issued ID. After you accept the terms, provide your phone number and other requested details. If you have any documented disabilities, you can provide information about accommodation requests. Upon completing your account setup, you can look at the test scheduling module and view other resources on the home page. Review these step-by-step instructions if you have any questions while creating your account. If you already made an account, log in to see what you need to do next before earning your GED.

Prepare for the Exam

Students usually spend around two or three months studying and preparing for the GED exam. After you pass, the state of Colorado will issue a certificate showing your achievement in attaining equivalent knowledge as high school graduates. Those who pass the GED exams will receive this certificate.

Finding Classes and Testing Centers Near You

Some students prefer the camaraderie and guidance from in-person classes. Colorado has dozens of locations that provide a traditional classroom environment with courses led by experienced staff members who provide motivation and support. Find in-person GED classes that fit your learning style. These popular programs include:
  • Flexible times and schedules
  • Experienced teachers
  • Compelling and engaging lesson plans
  • Empathetic staff members
  • Inclusive study groups
  • Career counselors
  • Thorough preparation
  • College counselors
  • Effective reviews, tests, and practice quizzes
Our state-of-the-art testing centers are secure and private places to take the GED online. Find a testing center near you.

GED Tests Online in Colorado

In Colorado, you can prepare for the GED online. Take classes from your home, office, or workplace, depending on what works for you. You can also take the test online from these places. Before you start the online GED exam, test your computer, webcam, and internet connection. Also, ensure your workspace is quiet and private when studying for and taking the test. One benefit of preparing and testing online is the variety of times and schedules, which benefit GED students with busy lives. You can take online classes ‌that work for you and go at your own pace. You’ll also learn test-taking strategies and tips that will help you pass the exam and go on to success, whether you pursue additional educational opportunities or a better job. A successful “green” score on the GED Ready practice test indicates you’re “likely to pass” the real thing. That means you’re ready to go! Learn more about GED classes and where to take the GED test in Colorado.

Top Policies

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

You must be 17 years old to test in Colorado.

This rule changes based on which state you test in. In Colorado, you can be 16 and take the GED® test if you apply for a GED® Age Waiver and are approved by GED Testing Service.

 

For those testing on the Online Exam 

  • A parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in 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. 

No, in Colorado you’re not required to be a resident.

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, you are not required to take GED® classes before taking the GED® test.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

  • No, you are 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. 

Price & Payment

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

  • Colorado currently charges $37.50 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.
  • Starting July 1, 2023: Colorado charges $43.50 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Colorado charges $43.50 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.

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.

Test Retake Policies

For those testing in-person at a testing center 

  • In Colorado, 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.
    *In Colorado, there is a $17.50 test center fee for GED® test retakes.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • The Online Proctored Exam costs $43.50 for a retake in Colorado. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

Transcripts & Diploma

There may be additional requirements that you need to meet. We recommend contacting your local test center or your office at (303) 866-6613 to find out more about your credential.

Anyone seeking a duplicate transcript or diploma must do so using the state’s GED® document fulfillment service: Diploma Sender. You will need a credit or debit card to complete your online order.

In Colorado the credential is called the High School Equivalency Diploma.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Colorado 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 Colorado, you can take the GED® Test in English or Spanish and you can combine the two languages 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. You’re not required to be a resident of Colorado to take the test there.

Alena​ Barczak

Barczak_a@cde.state.co.us
Phone: 303-548-8427
201 E. Colfax - 316,
Denver, CO 80203