Florida

Deciding to get your GEDⓇ credential in Florida is a huge step in the right direction. It means you’ll be able to attend certain colleges and more easily apply for better jobs. All of which leads to a better future. If you’re living in Florida, please consider how best to do it. You can create a free account, find in-person testing centers and classes, and take advantage of many online resources.

FAQs for Earning a GED in Florida

Testing Policies
Testing Policies

Testing Policies

You must be 18 years old to test in Florida.

In the State of Florida GED candidates must be at least 18 years of age or older to take the GED® test.

Florida statute allows underage GED testing for 16 and 17 year olds under extraordinary circumstances based on rules set by the school district in which an individual lives or goes to school. Each school district has different requirements individuals must meet to qualify for an age waiver. To find out the requirements for your school district and request an underage waiver, you will need to contact the school district representative: https://web02.fldoe.org/EducationContacts/DisplayList.aspx?list=65

Once you meet the school district requirements, the school district staff member will be responsible for sending the age waiver to the Florida GED testing office for processing. If you have any questions about the underage testing process, please contact the Florida GED testing office at 850-245-0449 or via email at GEDagewaiver@fldoe.org.

 

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. 

There is no residency requirement if you are 18 years or older.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must obtain an Underage Waiver from the school district in which you live. You must contact a representative from the district in which you live or go to school for information on the specific requirements for testing. A list of district representatives is found here.

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.

If you are 18 years or older, you don’t need to take a GED® class before taking the GED® test.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may have to take classes. You must contact a
representative from the district in which you live or go to school for information on the
specific requirements for testing. A list of district representatives is found here.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

  • If you are 18 years or older, you don’t need to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the GED® test.If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may have to take and achieve a specific score on the
    GED Ready® practice test. You must contact a representative from the district in which
    you live or go to school for information on the specific requirements for testing. A list of
    district representatives is found here.

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

  • Yes, regardless of age, you are required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online. GED Ready “Green” (145) or above required on GED Ready within 60 days of scheduling the online-proctored test.

Price & Payment

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

  • Florida charges $32 per module for the GED® test.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Florida charges $38 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 Florida there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. After taking a test subject 3 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 will receive two discounted retakes for every GED® test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use these retakes. After receiving two retakes at the reduced price, the price of the test subject returns to the regular price. If you do not pass that subject again, you will receive two more retakes at the reduced rate. GED Testing Service waives its $20 testing fee, however additional testing fees may still apply in your state.

In Florida, there is a $12 test center fee for test retakes.

 

For those testing on the Online Exam:

The Online Proctored Exam costs $38 for a retake in Florida. There are no discounted pricing rates for retakes on the online exam.

Transcripts & Diploma

The Florida State GED® Program 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 Florida the credential is called the State of Florida High School Diploma.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Florida 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 Florida you can test in English or Spanish and you can combine tests from different 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. In Florida, you do not have to be a resident to take the test.

Ashley Olevitch
GED Administrator™
High School Equivalency Diploma Program
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street - Suite 634
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Phone: (850) 245-0449
Fax: (850) 245-0990
flgedhelp@fldoe.org

How to Get a GED in Florida

To get your Florida GED, you cannot already have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also be unenrolled in any accredited high school. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years of age or, if younger, have a waiver from your local school board. You don’t have to be a resident of Florida to earn your GED here. You simply need to prepare for the test. If you want to take the test at one of Florida’s in-person testing centers, you do not need to take a GED prep course or the GED Ready practice test, though we strongly recommend both. If you want to take the GED test online, you first need a passing score of at least 145 on each subject practice test. To fully prepare and take the Florida GED practice tests, sign up for a free account and get started. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to do that. If you already have an account, log into that account now. It usually takes GED students, on average, between 2-3 months to fully prepare. After successful completion and a passing score, the State of Florida will award you a certificate that shows you’ve acquired the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.

Find a Class or Testing Center Near You

Do you want to participate in classes with other GED students near you? Some people find it helpful to attend programs in person. Find in-person GED classes if this is how you can learn. The benefits of in-person classes include:
  • Knowledgeable teachers
  • Supportive learning
  • Group activities with peers
  • Flexible dates and times for busy students
  • Step-by-step assistance
  • Thorough preparation
  • Career counselors
  • College planning advisors
  • Effective practice tests and reviews
You can also find testing centers throughout Florida. If you need accommodations, request them before scheduling your test. Click here to find nearby in-person testing centers.

Get Your GED Online in Florida

In Florida, GED students can prepare for and take the exam online. Our online program provides you with classes, quizzes, and practice tests. You’ll also learn essential test-taking strategies and helpful hints. You should have access to the internet, along with a computer, webcam, and private workspace. Many students handle job and family responsibilities while studying for their GED. Taking the classes online allows you to prepare at your own pace. Then when you’re ready, you can get your GED from the comfort of your own home or office. An online proctor securely monitors the exam, and you’ll have access to an online calculator during the test. Get more information about how to get your GED online and begin that better future today.