Pennsylvania

Top Policies
Top Policies

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. 

Price & Payment

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

  • Pennsylvania charges $30 per module for the GED® test.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Pennsylvania charges $36 per subject for the GED® test taken online (As of 9/1/21) 

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 Pennsylvania, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. 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 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 these retakes. After receiving two retakes at the reduced price, the price of the test subject returns to the regular price. If you do not pass that subject again, you will receive two more retakes at the reduced rate. GED Testing Service waives its $20 testing fee, however additional testing fees may still apply in your state. 
  • In Pennsylvania, there is a $10 test center fee for test retakes. 

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

  • The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Pennsylvania. 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 (717) 787-5532 to find out more about your credential.

In Pennsylvania, the best way to order your first and/or duplicate Diploma or Transcript is to go to DiplomaSender.com. Set up an account and place your document order. Documents can be mailed, emailed, or faxed. Call 855-313-5799 if you prefer to order by phone - Additional fees may apply. Additional questions? Contact: Support@DiplomaSender.com.

In Pennsylvania the credential is called the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma.

Other Policies

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania you can take the test in English or Spanish, however, you cannot 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.

Amanda Harrison
Whitney Newhouse
GED Administrator™
State Department of Education
333 Market Street, 12th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
(717) 787-5532