Michigan

Prepare yourself for a future with more opportunities. Learning how to get your GEDⓇ credential in Michigan is a step toward making this significant change in your personal, professional, and educational realms. Get that degree or promotion—the possibilities are endless! Michigan doesn’t require you to be an official resident to take the GED here. You can get your high school equivalency diploma if you live in the state and meet specific requirements. Ours is the official site of the GED test, so let us explain your options and answer all your questions to determine your best path forward.

How to Get a GED in Michigan

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that this process is straightforward, as Michigan authorities want to encourage people to get this done.

Am I Eligible?

If you left high school without a degree, you can take the GED test in Michigan. If you’re 18 years or older, you can take the computer-based test whenever you like. If you’re between the ages of 16 and 17, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Permission from your local school board and parent or guardian
  • Formal withdrawal from high school
The test in Michigan is computer-based only. You can take the GED online from your home or office or take it at an official GED test center.

Create a Free Account

First, sign up for your free account and provide the necessary information. Ensure your name and contact information match your state-issued ID. If you need help, follow these set-up instructions. Have you already set up an account? Log in now to check your GED status and continue the steps to study and take the exam.

Options for Preparation

This crucial exam covers multiple subjects, and preparatory classes are recommended. Many programs offer these classes free of charge. If you take the test online, you must score high enough on the GED ReadyⓇ test. Your high score shows you’re ready for the actual exam. After two to three months of solid preparation, you should be ready to pass the exam. When you do so, the State of Michigan will send you a GED certificate. The certificate shows you’ve achieved the same level of knowledge as a public high school graduate in the state.

GED Online in Michigan

Prepare for the GED through convenient online courses. Work at your own pace when you have time. You don’t have to miss work, fight traffic, sacrifice child care, or even leave the house to prepare for this critical exam. If you take classes and the actual exam from your personal computer or work laptop, make sure ahead of time that your computer, internet connection, and webcam are reliable. You also want a quiet space to focus and give this vital test your full attention.

In-Person Options

Do you find concentrating easier when taking classes in person with other students? No worries! Michigan has centers that provide a traditional learning environment where you and your fellow test-takers can learn together. Find informative and engaging GED courses that provide the following:
  • Qualified instructors
  • Flexible schedules
  • Accommodations for different learners
  • Study groups
  • Self-pacing curriculum
  • An inclusive atmosphere
  • Employment counseling
  • Thorough preparation
  • Information about higher education
  • Review quizzes
  • Practice tests
  • Supportive staff
When you’re ready to take the exam but don’t have a quiet space or reliable equipment, take the test at one of Michigan’s many testing centers throughout the state. Get the information you need to find test centers or attend in-person classes near you.
Top Policies
Top Policies

Top Policies

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

You must be 18 years old to test in Michigan.

Individuals who are at least 16 years of age and have been out of a regular school program for one calendar year may be tested.  The calendar year waiting requirement may be waived if it is in the best interest of the individual as determined by a student, and a school district’s superintendent or designee and parent/guardian or is court ordered, and is in accordance with State-approved HSE testing center guidelines.  The Michigan Talent Investment Agency will retain documentation of this waiver requirement signed by the student, parent/guardian and school district’s superintendent or designee.  This documentation shall include language that HSE testing is in the best interest of the examinee and has been approved by the above-mentioned signatories. The Michigan National Guard Youth Challenge Program graduates who are at least 16 years of age and no longer enrolled in high school are eligible for testing upon completion of the program.

Applicants for induction into the U.S. Armed Forces who are age 17 may be admitted to testing, provided a written request is made by the recruiting office of any branch of the Armed Forces stating that the applicant has met all military requirements for induction except for HSE test scores, and provided request is accompanied by letter or written statement signed by the local school official stating that the individual has left school and that it would probably be in the best interest of the person to be admitted to testing and, also, a letter of permission for induction from the applicant’s parent or guardian is furnished.

 

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.

No, there is no residency requirement to take the test in Michigan.

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, Michigan 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. 

No.

Price & Payment

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

  • Michigan currently charges $37.50 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.
  • Starting July 1, 2023: Michigan charges $43.50 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Michigan charges $43.50 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.

Test Retake Policies

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

  • In Michigan, 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. 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 currently receive 2 discounted retakes for every GED® test subject purchased but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use these retakes.
  • 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 Michigan, there is a $10 test center fee for GED® test retakes.  

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • The Online Proctored Exam costs $43.50 for a retake in Michigan. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

Transcripts & Diploma

The State of Michigan uses DiplomaSender, an external internet-based service to help students order their GED® transcripts. DiplomaSender can fax, email, or mail your GED® transcript to you, an employer, school, or other organization.

To begin your request, or for more information about obtaining your GED® transcript, please visit: www.DiplomaSender.com

You can request your official transcript on Diploma Sender.

In Michigan, the credential is called the High School Equivalency Certificate.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Michigan 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 Michigan, you can take the GED® Test in English or Spanish and you can combine the two 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.

Erica Luce
GED Administrator™
Workforce Development  - Adult Education
201 N. Washington Square
Victor Building, 5th Floor
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 930-9108