Pennsylvania

If you want to earn the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD), you may do so by passing the Pennsylvania GED® examinations. The CSSD is the state’s high school equivalency credential for residents without a high school diploma. Adults and younger students can use it to improve their job opportunities and pursue a college education.

Here’s how you can take GED® classes and tests in Pennsylvania.

FAQs for Earning a GED in Pennsylvania

Top Policies

You must be 18 years old to test in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, the minimum age required to take the GED® Test is 18 years old. If a candidate is 16 or 17,  they must have an approved age waiver from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Candidates must submit both of the following to PDE for approval:
 
  1. Age Waiver Form 
  2. Written request from either an employer, college admissions office, military recruiting office, or director of a state institution indicating a GED is required.

 

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • Minimum age for testing Online in Pennsylvania is 18. 
  • 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, in Pennsylvania you’re required to be a resident. You can prove your residency at the testing center with a valid driver’s license or other proof of residency. If you have more questions, please contact the state office at (717) 787-5532.

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, Pennsylvania 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. 

Setting up Your GED® Account

Everyone who wants to earn their GED® credential in Pennsylvania must first create an accountat GED.com. The registration process only takes a few minutes and requires you to submit details, including the following:

  • Your mailing address
  • Contact information
  • Employment and education status
  • Documented disabilities

After inputting the requested information, the website will direct you to your dashboard. Here you can start searching for GED® classes or testing centers.

Where to Take GED® Classes

Enrolling in GED® classes isn’t mandatory for taking the Pennsylvania GED® test. However, we recommend taking them so you can better prepare for the exams.

You have two options for taking GED® classes:

Go to Our Prep Centers

Through the dashboard, you can enroll in one of our test prep centers closest to your location here in Pennsylvania. This option is preferable if you learn better through in-person lessons. You can also meet other students for group study opportunities.

Enroll Online

We also have flexible online classes for students who can’t attend in-person classes due to scheduling conflicts. You may take classes using digital devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Recorded materials are available to catch up if you miss a class. Use the free study resources on your GED® account to help prepare for the exam.

Finding a Pennsylvania GED® Testing Center

Once you’re ready to take your GED® exam, schedule it through your dashboard. While scheduling, you must:

  • Choose a testing site (preferably at a convenient location).
  • Pick the day and time.
  • Select the test types you’ll take.

If you stated during the signup process that you have a disability, apply for accommodations before scheduling the test. Your chosen Pennsylvania GED® testing center will help provide the assistance you need, like braille tests or wheelchair access.

Online Examinations Are Also Available

You can take the exam online if you can’t reach a nearby GED® testing center. To take the test, you must:

  • Have a computer, webcam, and internet connection meeting the minimum requirements.
  • Score green on your subject’s GED Ready® practice exam within the last 60 days before your scheduled test date.
  • Have a valid government-issued ID.
  • Have a quiet, private workspace.

A proctor will monitor you throughout the online test.

Take the Step to Earn Your Pennsylvania GED® Credential

GED® exams are challenging, but you can prepare yourself thoroughly through the GED® prep classes and materials available online and offline.

Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or concerns regarding the tests, or schedule your exam now.