Maryland

If you’ve decided to get your GEDⓇ credential in Maryland, you’re taking a step toward a better future. A GED allows you to pursue a college education and qualify for better jobs. Both can increase your earning potential, allowing you to increase your chances for a more financially stable future.

FAQs for Earning a GED in Maryland

Top Policies

You must be 18 years old to test in Maryland without proof of withdrawal or verification of home instruction.

In Maryland, you may test if ages 16-17 if you:

  • Provide proof of legal withdraw from school and provide signed, embossed, or sealed documentation to the Maryland GED® office.

OR

  • Provide the Maryland verification form of enrollment in Home Instruction with signed, embossed, or sealed documentation to the Maryland GED® office.

You can continue with registration as soon as the MD Labor GED® office reviews and approves your withdrawal form.

Testers under the age of 18 are not eligible to take the Online GED® Exam in Maryland, regardless of withdrawal status.

Yes. You must present your Maryland-issued, (MVA), current driver’s license, permit or ID, active duty Military dependent ID card** or a current passport along with, proof of MD residency, at the testing center or for Online testing. You will be turned away from the test center or Online testing without adequate proof of identification or residency.

To learn more about ID requirements in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Labor’s webpage, GED® Testing in Maryland.

**Military ID cards are not accepted for Online Testing.

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.

No, Maryland doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED® test.

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 and achieve a GREEN ready score (145 or higher) within 60 days of testing. 

Yes.

We’re here to help you realize this dream. Explore the steps to earn a Maryland GED and get started right away.

We’re here to help you realize this dream. Explore the steps to earn a Maryland GED and get started right away.

How to Get a GED in Maryland

It’s helpful to know how to qualify for a Maryland GED. The steps below outline what you need to do to get started.

Understand the Age Requirements

Students must be at least 18 years old to take the exam on their own without exception. Those aged 16 or 17 are subject to the Maryland Compulsory Attendance Law. Candidates who are 16 or 17 years of age can qualify with proof of an official high school withdrawal documentation form that is signed, embossed, or sealed by a Maryland public or private school. Online schools and Maryland homeschool students can qualify to take the GED test with proof of official high school withdrawal or homeschool documentation as found on the Maryland Department of Labor’s website. Send this documentation to ged.dllr@maryland.gov.

Review the Restrictions

Certain restrictions apply to students considering GED testing or preparatory classes in Maryland. A student may not:

● Hold a high school diploma or attend a high school program and earn a GED at the same time
● Be a resident of any other state

Creating an Account

If you qualify for the GED exam, the next step is signing up for a free account. Click the “sign up” button at the top of the page and input your email address and desired password. You’ll use this information to log in every time you visit the site.

After you create your account, make sure to update it with the required information. Accept the terms of service and provide your contact information.

The next step in account setup is answering questions about previous employers and your current status. Your account may be on hold while the team reviews your answers or requests any necessary documentation.

You can also review our step-by-step instructions if you have questions about creating an account or providing the required information. If you’ve already signed up, log in to your account to determine your next step in the Maryland GED process.

Prepare for the Exam

Although preparatory classes aren’t required to take the exam, taking them can help you get the information needed to take the test confidently. You can take courses online or in person. Most GED students study and prepare for two to three months before scheduling their exams, but the study time varies for each individual.

Classes and Testing Centers Near You

If you want to get into a classroom with other students and prepare for the test, we offer excellent prep classes throughout the state of Maryland. Many students find they do better in person when studying and taking tests.

Our in-person classes provide you with all the support you need, including:

  • Flexible class schedules
  • Experienced instructors and teachers
  • Learning groups with peers
  • Inclusive and empathetic staff members
  • Ongoing assistance
  • Study materials
  • Tools for preparation
  • Career counseling
  • College planners
  • Practice tests and reviews

You can do this!

Online GED Classes and Tests in Maryland

In Maryland, you can conveniently prepare online for the GED exam.

Online classes often appeal to students who juggle full-time jobs and other responsibilities. More flexible scheduling options allow you to prepare at your own pace and avoid wasting time in traffic.

Our online program also provides:

  • Teacher-led classes
  • Helpful test-taking strategies
  • Quizzes to test your knowledge
  • Practice tests

Get started today. Find where you can take GED tests or GED classes in Maryland!

Online Proctored Testing

Before you can qualify for online GED testing in Maryland, you must reach “green” on the official GED Ready practice test. This status indicates you’re likely to pass.

The test is available online from any location. Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a functional computer with a webcam, and a place where you have some peace and quiet so you can focus. If you take the exam online, you’ll have access to an online calculator.