Wisconsin

You must be 18.5 years old to test in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, you can be 17 and take the GED^® test if you have a s.118.15 contract from your local high school, a juvenile correctional facility, or the Challenge Academy.

Learn more about this at your state’s website.

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, in Wisconsin you’re required to be a resident for 10 days or more. You can prove your residency at the testing center with a valid driver’s license or other proof of residency.

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.

Yes, in Wisconsin you are required to pass a 100 question civics test. To learn more about that requirement, please check with your test center or find additional information here.

No, Wisconsin doesn’t require you to prepare for the GED^® test in an adult education classroom. However, prior to testing, you are required to complete a counseling session or sessions provided by a high school, TCS district, community-based organization, college, university, psychologist licensed by the department or the department of safety and professional services, or a school counselor licensed by the department. The sessions shall include all of the following:

(a) Assessment of the person’s reading level and career interests and aptitudes.

(b) Discussion of the options available to the individual regarding completion of high school, the high school equivalency diploma, and the certificate of general educational development, and the requirements, expectations, benefits and limitations of each option.

(c) Development of a plan for completion of one of the options discussed, and subsequent activities necessary to work toward an identified goal, career or occupation.

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. 

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

• Starting July 1, 2023: Wisconsin charges $39.75 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center

What is my cost if I test Online?

• Wisconsin charges $39.75 per subject for the GED® test taken online
  

You will pay for the test online with a debit or credit card when you schedule your test.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

• In Wisconsin, you’re required to wait 10 days before taking the test again after failing 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.
• If you do not pass the Civics exam, you are required to wait 30 days before retesting.

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: 

• 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 Wisconsin, 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 $39.75 for a retake in Wisconsin. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

There may be additional requirements that you need to meet. We recommend contacting your state’s office.

You can request a copy of your Wisconsin transcript or diploma here.

In Wisconsin the credential is called the Certificate of GED^® or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

• Yes, in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, 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.

Sherry Holly
GED Administrator^™
Department of Public Instruction
125 S. Webster Street
P.O. Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 267-1062
Fax: (608) 267-9275