Virginia
Top Policies
You must be 18 years old to test in Virginia.
In Virginia, you can take the GED® test if you are
- Homeschooled, at least 16 years of age, and provide the Specialist for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy VDOE with documentation signed by the superintendent/designee certifying that the applicant has completed a home instruction program.
- Released from Compulsory Attendance, at least 16 years of age, and provide the Specialist for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy VDOE with documentation signed by the division superintendent/designee certifying that the applicant has been released from compulsory attendance by the local school board.Emancipated and adjudicated minors are subject to the compulsory attendance law, unless released by the local school board.
- In alternative education and granted an ISAEP. You can take the GED® Tests when the division superintendent/designee provides the Adult Secondary and ISAEP Programs for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy VDOE with the completed GED® Options GED Testing Eligibility Form. ISAEP students must achieve a minimum score of 145 on each of the subtests of the GED Ready® before this form may be submitted.
- In a correctional facility, at least 16 years of age, and provide the Specialist for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy VDOE with documentation signed by the Department of Correctional Education that the individual is actively pursuing a GED® certificate.
- Expelled from school, at least sixteen years of age, and provide the Specialist for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy VDOE with documentation signed by the division superintendent/designee certifying that the applicant has been expelled from school.
- Court ordered, at least sixteen years of age, and provide the Specialist for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy VDOE with documentation signed by the judge ordering the applicant to participate in the GED® testing program.
- Excused from school attendance based on religious reasons or chronic health issues.
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 Virginia.
Some states allow individuals who are not residents to take the GED® test and others do not. Check the residency requirement for the state in which you are interested in testing.
No, Virginia 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, while you are strongly encouraged, 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.
*All students who are enrolled in an Options Program (ISAEP) are required to take the GED Ready® practice tests as eligibility for taking the official GED® test.
Price & Payment
What is my cost if I test at a Test Center?
- Virginia charges $30 per module for the GED® test.
What is my cost if I test Online?
- Virginia 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.
Transcripts & Diploma
Virginia 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 Virginia the credential is called the GED® Certificate.
Other
For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:
- Yes, in Virginia 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 Virginia, 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.
Dr. Beverly Godwin
Virginia State HSE Specialist
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia GED Transcripts
101 North 14th Street
James Monroe Building, 21st Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-7644
Email: GEDinfo@doe.virginia.gov