Ohio

You must be commended if you’ve decided to get your GED to move ahead at school or work. It isn’t easy making a significant change, but you’ll be happy to know that getting your GED in Ohio isn’t all that difficult! If you live in Ohio and have withdrawn from high school, you can enjoy a more stable future with the GED. This site is the only official one for the test, so let’s go through the process and answer your questions.

How to Get a GED in Ohio

Attention Ohio residents ages 18 and older: you can get your GEDⓇ credential if you left high school without graduating. If you’re between 16 and 17 years of age, submit a copy of the current withdrawal form signed by your administrator and a consent form signed and notarized by your parent or guardian. Ohio requires the administration of a computer-based test format. You can take the test online at your convenience or at an official test center. If you take the test online, it costs $172; if you take it in person at a test center, it’s less expensive at $120. The good news is that the State of Ohio subsidizes the test, and first-time test-takers in Ohio get a voucher worth up to $80. Ohio officials avoid a prohibitive price, allowing more people to take this vital step. The state doesn’t require you to attend preparatory classes, but taking classes can help you prepare to pass the exam. If you choose to take the GED test online, you’ll need to score high enough on the GED Ready® official practice test beforehand. To get started, sign up for an account—it’s free! These step-by-step instructions help. If you’ve already set up an account, log in now to proceed. When you pass the test, you’ll get a high school equivalency certificate from the state of Ohio that shows you’ve gained the same degree of knowledge as any high school graduate.

Prep and Test for the GED Online in Ohio

For the GED test in Ohio, you can prepare online from home. The online option is beneficial for people without reliable transportation options. It can also help students who must study early in the morning or late at night due to a full-time job during the day. Online learning programs successfully prepare you for the exam with convenient times and schedules. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice work or child care while studying for the GED. Your participation in online classes, taking practice quizzes, and learning strategies will help you do better when taking the test. You can also take the test online from home, at work, or wherever is best for you. Review your system ahead of time to make sure it works. You’ll need a functioning computer, a webcam, and a reliable WiFi connection in a quiet, private area. When you achieve a successful “green” score on the GED Ready practice test, you can take the exam! Learn more about how to get your GED online to get ready for a better tomorrow today.

Classes and Testing Centers Near You

If you want the camaraderie and support of an in-person learning environment, check out these GED classes all over Ohio. You’ll enjoy the following:
  • Supportive teachers
  • Experienced staff members
  • A varied curriculum
  • Study groups
  • Convenient schedules
  • Employment and college counseling
  • Practice tests
  • Quiz reviews
These centers also provide places for you to privately and securely take the computer-based GED in Ohio. Find a testing center or 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 Ohio.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you need to submit a copy of the current withdrawal form signed by your administrator and a consent form signed and notarized by a parent, guardian, or court official. Copies of guardianship or court documents must be included. You can obtain your forms here.

If you are 18 years old, you are required to send a copy of the current year withdrawal form signed by your administrator.

Please send all forms to:

Ohio Department of Education

State Of Ohio GED Office

25 S. Front Street, MS 622

Columbus, OH 43215

 

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.

Yes, you are required to be a resident to take the test in Ohio.

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, Ohio 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'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?

  • Ohio currently charges $30 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.
  • Starting July 1, 2023: Ohio charges $36 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.
  • Ohio provides first time students a voucher worth up to $80. To be eligible to receive the voucher, you must contact a Career-Technical Planning District (CTPD) for career and educational guidance prior to scheduling and paying for the GED® test. The purpose of this career and educational guidance is to provide information about additional career and educational programming to help you transition into post-secondary education, training and employment. Learn more.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Ohio charges $36 per subject for the GED® test taken online
  • Ohio provides first time students a voucher worth up to $80. To be eligible to receive the voucher, you must contact a Career-Technical Planning District (CTPD) for career and educational guidance prior to scheduling and paying for the GED® test. The purpose of this career and educational guidance is to provide information about additional career and educational programming to help you transition into post-secondary education, training and employment. Learn more. 

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 Ohio, 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 Ohio, there is a $10 test center fee for GED® test retakes.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Ohio. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

Transcripts & Diploma

Ohio 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 one free printed 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 Ohio the credential is called the Ohio High School Equivalency Diploma.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Ohio 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 Ohio you can test in English or Spanish and you can combine tests from 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.

Sandra Phipps
GED Administrator™
State Department of Education
25 South Front Street
First Floor, Mailstop 106
Columbus, OH 43215-4183
(614) 466-1577
(614) 752-9445 fax