GED TEST COMPONENTS

1. Reasoning through Language Arts (Time Limit – 150 minutes)
   1. Section 1 (35 minutes) tests all content
   2. Section 2 (45 minutes) is the Extended Response portion of the test
   3. Break (10 minutes)
   4. Section 3 (60 minutes) tests all content

Time allotted for sections 1 and 3 may vary slightly, but total test time will be 150 minutes.
The Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) test focuses on three essential skills: 1) the ability to read closely, 2) the ability to write clearly, and 3) the ability to edit and understand the use of standard written English in context. 75% of the texts in the exam are informational nonfiction. 25% are literature.

2. Mathematics (Time Limit – 115 minutes)
1. Part 1 (5 questions) – Calculator not allowed
2. Part 2 (41 questions) – Calculator allowed

Students must submit their answers to the first five questions before moving on to the rest of the test.  These parts are not timed separately.
The Mathematical Reasoning test focuses on the fundamentals of mathematics and the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in realistic situations. The test focuses on two major content areas: quantitative problem solving (45%) and algebraic problem solving (55%).

3. Social Studies (Time Limit – 90 minutes)
1. Section 1 (65 minutes) tests all content
2. Section 2 (25 minutes) is the Extended Response portion of the test

The Social Studies test focuses on the fundamentals of social studies reasoning and the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in realistic situations. The test focuses on four major content areas: Civics and Government (50%), United States History (20%), Economics (15%), and Geography and the World (15%).

4. Science (Time Limit – 90 minutes)

The Science test is one single section. There are two Short Answer questions, but they are not timed separately. Students are expected to manage their time and spend about 10 minutes on each of the Short Answer questions.

The Science test focuses on the fundamentals of science reasoning and the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in realistic situations. The test focuses on three major content areas: Life Science (40%), Physical Science (40%), and Earth and Space Science (20%).