What is the GED? GED (General Educational Development) Tests measure the outcome of a high school education. The GED Tests consist of five tests, one in each of these subjects: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Writing, and Reading.

Who can take the GED Test?

Eligibility for GED testing is established by the Texas Education Code, Section 7.111, which states that a resident of the state who has not graduated from high school is eligible to take the high school equivalency test in accordance with rules promulgated by the state Board of Education.

In order to take the GED Tests, an applicant must:

• be 18 years of age;
• be a resident of the state; and
• not be enrolled in school; and
• not be a high school graduate.

An applicant 17 years of age may test if:

• the applicant is a resident of the state;
• the applicant is not enrolled in school (exception is made if the applicant is enrolled in an approved in-school GED preparation program);
• is not a high school graduate; and
• the applicant has parental/guardian permission.

An applicant 16 years of age may test if:

• the applicant is a resident of the state;
• the applicant is not enrolled in school;
• is not a high school graduate; and
• a public agency providing supervision of the person or having custody of the person under a court order recommends that the person take the examination; or
• is in a Job Corps training program.

How can someone who has lost his/her GED certificate or test scores find the record?

Records of all certificates issued in Texas are on file at the GED Unit, Texas Education Agency. A candidate's complete name, date of birth, and Social Security Number are needed to locate a file. Requests from third parties, such as schools or employers, must bear a release signed by the record-holder.

If you wish to request a new or duplicate GED certificate, click here!