Idaho

Way to go! Now that you’ve decided to earn your GED® in Idaho, you can explore more opportunities in your professional life. Taking this big step isn’t easy, and you probably have questions. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We are the official site of the GED® and will walk with you through every step. Making this decision starts your journey toward a better future. Once you’ve achieved this goal, you’ll be a role model for countless others who want to make their dreams come true. You can also work toward your own goals, whether pursuing higher education or seeking a new job.

FAQs for Earning a GED in Idaho

Top Policies

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

You must be 18 years old to test in Idaho.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must submit Idaho’s Youth Waiver Form. Once the test center has received and approved the Youth Waiver, you will be able to schedule your test.

Questions? Feel free to call Idaho’s state office at (208) 334-2365.

 

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 In Idaho.

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, Idaho 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. 

Price & Payment

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

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

 

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Idaho 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 Idaho, there is no waiting period if you do not pass a subject area test the first time. After taking a test subject 3 times, you'll have to wait 60 days before retesting. A 60 day wait period will go into affect after each additional non-passing subject exam attempt.

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 Idaho, 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 Idaho. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

Transcripts & Diploma

The State of Idaho has partnered with GED Testing Service for fulfillment of requests for GED® transcripts and diplomas through Parchment.

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.

If you passed before year 2014 and are looking to request your High School Equivalency Certificate (HSEC), you will need to complete the HSEC Application here.

You can request your transcript and diploma here.

In Idaho the credential is called the GED® Transcript and the High School Equivalency Certificate (HSEC).

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Idaho 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 Idaho 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.

Korey Mereness
State Coordinator for Adult Education
GED® Administration
650 West State Street/Suite 324
Boise, ID 83720-0095
(208) 429-5541

Steps to Earn a GED® in Idaho

Let’s get started! Begin the process of earning your GED® by following these steps.

Create a Free Account

If you don’t already have an account with us, you must sign up here. These easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions will guide you through it. Do you have an account? Great! Log in now to pick up where you left off.

Review the Qualifications

Make sure you meet the qualifications for the GED. These include:
  • Being unenrolled or withdrawn from high school
  • Not holding a high school diploma
  • Being 18 years or older
If you’re 16 or 17, you may still qualify, but you’ll need to submit a youth waiver form to your local test center. After receiving approval on the form, you can schedule and take your GED® test in Idaho.

Prepare for the GED® Exam

Set aside at least two to three months to study and prepare for this important exam. It’s also worthwhile to enroll in prep classes. Even though they’re not required, prep classes help students learn the subjects included in the exam.

Plan for the Expense

The cost to take the computer-based test at a local testing center is $120. If you choose to take it online from the location of your choice, it will cost $144.

Find In-Person Classes near You

When you’re ready to take the next step and begin classes, you can choose from online or in-person options. Many students prefer to get out of their home environments and into classrooms. Not everyone can self-direct and learn remotely on their own. We offer in-person classes to help local students prepare for the GED® test. Some of the advantages of these courses include the following:
  • One-on-one instruction
  • Experienced teachers
  • Supportive staff
  • Diverse curriculum
  • Inclusive study groups
  • Flexible schedules
  • Solid preparations
  • Encouragement
  • College counselors
  • Job prep
  • Reviews
  • Practice tests and quizzes
The course locations also provide a quiet space to take the GED® test. We’ve got you covered from start to finish!

Take the GED® Exam Online in Idaho

Do you juggle obligations at home or work? Does a busy schedule limit the time you can devote to your GED® study and exam? If so, consider a more flexible option to earn your GED® in Idaho. Prepare online by studying the materials and taking the Idaho GED Ready® practice test. After earning a passing score, you can take the official GED® exam online from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable WiFi connection, a computer with a webcam, and a quiet workspace. You can access our online learning programs without disrupting your full-time work schedule or family responsibilities. These programs include meetings with instructors, the option to study at your own pace, access to quizzes, and informative test-taking strategies.

Let’s Get Started

Don’t put off your future any longer. Find GED® classes near you and schedule your GED® test today.