Congratulations! You’re making a smart move in taking the first step to earning your GED® in Virginia. Even though change is scary, you’re working toward a more successful future. After achieving this goal, you can continue your education or pursue new professional opportunities.
Whether you live in Virginia as a resident or non-resident, it’s helpful to find out how to prepare for your GED® exam and earn your diploma. As the official site for the GED®, we’ll give you everything you need. Welcome!
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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 Virginia, 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 Virginia. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.
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.
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.
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
How to Get a GED® in Virginia
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to earn your GED® .
The next step is making sure you qualify for the GED. The following requirements apply:
You’re unenrolled in or withdrawn from high school.
You have not graduated or earned a high school diploma.
You are 18 years of age or older.
If you’re 16 or 17 years of age, some additional requirements will apply. You need parental consent and approval from your local school board. Get in touch with your school district administrators for more specific information.
Prepare for the Test
Plan to prepare for the GED® exam for at least 2–3 months. You can take practice tests and enroll in prep classes. If you score high enough, you may be able to waive college admission prerequisites like SAT or ACT scores.
The cost to take the GED® exam at a local testing center is $36 per subject. If you choose to take it online, the cost is $36 per subject.
Find GED® Classes in Virginia Near You
Do you learn better in a traditional classroom? You’re not alone! Many students do better when leaving their home environment to attend classes in person.
Our goal is to accommodate various learning styles and needs. Explore the available in-person GED® prep classes in Virginia.
These dynamic courses provide students with the following:
Supportive teachers
Experienced staff
Inclusive learning environments
Study groups for different learning levels
Flexible schedules
Encouragement
Diversity
Solid preparation
Job and college counseling
Quizzes and reviews
Practice tests
Our centers also provide a secure space to take the online GED® test. We’ve got you covered!
GED® Online in Virginia
You can also prepare online to earn your GED® in Virginia and take this important exam from a chosen location. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a quiet and private workspace, and a computer with a functioning webcam. You’re all set!
Prepare for the GED® with online learning programs accessible from anywhere in the world. Online courses are a great option if you’re busy with full-time work, child care, travel needs, or other responsibilities.
You’ll meet remotely with instructors, study when it works for you, take practice quizzes, and learn effective test-taking strategies. No need for long commutes, babysitters, or getting stuck in traffic jams!
Before you can take the GED® exam online, you need to earn a passing score on the Virginia GED Ready® practice test.
