Nebraska

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 Nebraska.

You can be 16 or 17 years old and take the GED® test if you submit the following information to the GED Administrator™, Nebraska Department of Education:

  • A completed NDE Form # 12-003, available from the Nebraska Department of Education or official GED® testing centers;
  • A letter in your own handwriting stating the circumstances of withdrawal from the regular school program and the reason(s) for wanting to take the test;
  • A copy of your transcript from the last high school you attended, indicating the official date of withdrawal and graduation date of class from which withdrawal took place. Transcripts with the birth date will be acceptable verification of birth date. Yourage may also be verified by a copy of your birth certificate, baptismal certificate, draft card, high school transcript, DD214 (discharge) form, Military Identification Card or a valid official state driver’s license, photo bearing identification card or passport.
  • Evidence that 30 days have passed since withdrawal from a secondary school or a request by an official from the school last attended to waive the 30-day waiting period has been received.

Upon submission and approval of the above items, you will be referred to an adult education program for study and can test upon approval of instructor.

Virtual testing for both 16 & 17 year old test takers in Nebraska is approved.  Any test taker in these age groups should not be allowed to sit for the exam without being released by the State Office as before.

We also require that students enroll in adult education classes under the State, prior to being released to sit for the exam.  Our stature allows 16 & 17 year olds to withdraw from mandatory attendance for only one of two reasons.  This determination is made at the school district by the superintendent.

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.

Nebraska doesn't have residency requirements, but in order to credential in Nebraska,  you must reside in state for a minimum of 30 days.

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.

Nebraska requires students under the age of 18 to receive instruction before taking the GED® test. Questions? Call Nebraska’s state office at (402) 471-4807.

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're 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?

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Nebraska 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.

Test Retake Policies

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

  • In Nebraska, you’re required to wait 30 days before taking the test again after failing 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: 

  • In Nebraska, you’re required to wait 30 days before taking the test again after failing a subject area test the first or second 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 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 Nebraska, 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 Nebraska. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

Transcripts & Diploma

There may be additional requirements that you need to meet. We recommend contacting your state’s office at (402) 471-4807 to find out more about your credential.

All requests for duplicate diplomas, transcripts and verifications of GED® completions must be in writing.

In Nebraska the credential is called the State of Nebraska Department of Education High School Diploma.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Nebraska 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 Nebraska you can take the test in English or Spanish and you can 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.

Tate Lauer
Director, Adult Education
Nebraska Department of Education
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94987
Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
(402) 471-4807
Fax: (402) 471-0117