Kentucky

• Has officially withdrawn from school for at least 90 days as certified by the local school district. The local school superintendent may choose to waive this 90 day school wait period; or
• Is committed or placed in an adult correctional facility; or
• Is enrolled in the Jobs Corps Program of Instruction; or
• Is enrolled in a National Guard Youth “ChalleNGe” program.

• State Agency Child as defined by KRS 158.135(1)(a); or
• Is enrolled in a district-operated alternative program, is not on track to graduate ( as defined by the local board of education), and has passed at least one (1) section of the GED® Ready test.

• 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, you’re required to be a resident of the state with a Kentucky mailing address. If you have more questions about proof of residency, please contact the state office at 502-573-5114.

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, Kentucky doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED^® test in an adult education classroom.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

• Yes, you’re required to take and pass the GED Ready® practice test before scheduling your test. You may take the GED Ready® practice test for free through a local adult education center. A list of nearest centers can be found here. 

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

• Yes, you’re required to take and pass the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online. You may take the GED Ready® practice test for free through a local adult education center. A list of nearest centers can be found here. 

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

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

What is my cost if I test Online?

• Kentucky 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.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

• In Kentucky, 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 for a fourth and any subsequent times. 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

There may be additional requirements that you need to meet. We recommend contacting your state’s office at 502-573-5114 to find out more about your credential.

When you pass the GED^® test in Kentucky you are automatically mailed a free diploma, transcript and information about accessing your electronic transcript. If you need to order additional transcripts, a replacement diploma or need an electronic transcript sent to a school or employer, please go to www.GED.KY.gov. A transcript is $10. A replacement diploma is $25.

In Kentucky the credential is called the Commonwealth of Kentucky High School Equivalency Diploma.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

• Yes, in Kentucky 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 Kentucky you can take the test in English or Spanish, however, you cannot combine two 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.

John C. Gregory, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Office of Adult Education
Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet
500 Mero St #566 SC
Frankfort, KY 40601-1987
502-892-3060