Maryland

If you’ve decided to get your GEDⓇ credenetial 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. 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 19 years old to take the exam on their own. Those between the ages of 17 and 18 can qualify with proof of an official high school withdrawal documentation form that is signed, embossed, or sealed. Contact the Maryland GED office for instructions on where to send this form. While 16-year-olds can qualify, other eligibility requirements apply. Contact the Maryland GED office for additional information about taking the exam at 16.

Review the Restrictions

Certain restrictions apply to students considering online GED 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

Create 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 into 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.

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 for the GED exam online. The test is also 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 prefer to use a professional testing center to take your online GED test, various locations can provide quiet settings and reliable equipment. Request any necessary accommodations ahead of time. 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
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. If you take the exam in one of our locations, you’ll have access to an online calculator and complete your test in a safe and secure environment. Get started today. Find where you can take GED tests or GED classes in Maryland!
Top Policies
Top Policies

Top Policies

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

You must be 19 years old to test in Maryland without proof of withdrawal or verification of home instruction.

In Maryland, you may test if ages 16-18 if you:

  • Provide proof of legal withdraw from school and provide signed, embossed, or sealed documentation to the Maryland GED® office. OR
  • Provide verification 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 GED®  office reviews and approves your withdrawal form.

Testers under the age of 18 are not eligible to take the Online 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 passport and proof of MD residency to 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.

**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 in.

No, Maryland 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 and achieve a GREEN ready score (145 or higher) within 60 days of testing. 

Yes.

Price & Payment

  • Maryland subsidizes $18.75 for the first attempt of each module at either at a test center or Online; the voucher code may be used a total of four times. Maryland does not subsidize any retests.
  • Maryland charges $11.25 for the first attempt of each GED® test taken at a test center

NOTE: You must apply the Discount Code MDGED1875 at checkout in order to pay $11.25 for the first attempt.

 

(As of 9/1/2021)

  • Maryland subsidizes $18.75 for the first attempt of each module at either at a test center or Online. Maryland does not subsidize any retests.
  • Maryland charges $17.25 for the first attempt of each 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 Maryland, there is no waiting period if you do not pass a subject area test the first time; however, since you are restricted to three (3) tests per module per calendar year (the first attempt and two retests) it is advisable to pace retesting. Retake rules are enforced for those retesting in either language, but Reasoning through Language Arts must be taken in English.

Questions? Feel free to contact Maryland's state office via email at ged.dllr@maryland.gov. 

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 at the discounted retake rate of $10.00 per module.
  • After receiving two retakes at the reduced price, the price of the test subject returns to the regular price, $30.00, not subsidized. If you do not pass that subject again, you will receive two more retakes at the reduced rate of $10.00. GED Testing Service waives its $20 testing fee
  • In Maryland, you are restricted to a total of three tests per module per calendar year and are limited to the number of forms available per module from GED Testing Service. There are currently three forms of each test in English and three forms of each test in Spanish. If you retest, you may take two retests per calendar year of either language test. Remember, the RLA test in Maryland must always be taken in English. GED Testing Service issues new forms of each test on January first every year. 
  • Maryland subsidizes the cost for the first attempt of each subject so that the $30.00 per subject fee is reduced to $11.25 per subject. The voucher code: MDGED1875 must be applied at checkout to obtain the subsidy.
  • Maryland does not subsidize retests. 

 

For those testing on the Online Exam: (As of 9/1/21) 

  • The Online Proctored Exam first attempt costs $17.25 for a retake in Maryland. The voucher code MDGED1875 must be applied at checkout to obtain the subsidy.
  • Subsequent online testing costs $36.00. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam

 

Transcripts & Diploma

The Maryland 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 your transcript or 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 Maryland, the credential is called the Maryland High School Diploma.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Although not recommended, in Maryland 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 Maryland you can test in English and Spanish, and you can combine different language versions of the GED® test to earn your credential, however, the Reasoning Through Language Arts test must be taken in English.

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.

Molly Dugan
GED Administrator™
Maryland Department of Labor
1100 North Eutaw St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-0069 Email: molly.dugan@maryland.gov
Fax: (410) 225-7207