GED Scores

Your GED Scores are comprised of two items: your GED standard score and your percentile rank. Each of the five main GED tests (writing, social studies, science, reading, mathematics) is scored on a scale of 200-800. The percentile rank ranges from 1 to 99.

The GED Standard Score is intended to compare your performance relative to graduating seniors who took the test. The scoring system is normalized so that the average standard score is 500 for each test in the battery (i.e., about half of the seniors who took the test scored 500 or above).

The percentile rank measures how you did relative to graduating seniors who took the test. For example, if your percentile rank were 74, it would imply that 74% of the graduating seniors who took the test score at or below your score.

Your GED test score is determined by first calculating your raw score, and then determining a scaled score. Your raw GED Score is determined by giving you 1 point for each correct answer and 0 points for each incorrect answer. Your raw score is then “equated” to derive a scaled score. A scaled score reduces the impact of different test versions and the students who take specific versions.

Interpreting your GED Scores

To pass the five part GED Test, you must score higher than approximately 60 percent of graduating seniors. For the current series GED tests a minimum passing standard has been set at 450 across the five content area (implying that you score at least a 2250). Additionally, you must score at least 410 on each individual GED test.

Since the GED credential is granted by the jurisdiction where you reside, they may set a different requirement for passing (as long as it is at least meets the minimum 2250/410 requirement).

The best way to understand your GED Scores is by comparing them to other students. The table below lists your score and an estimated national class rank. For example, if you scored a 550 on your GED Test, this implies that your national class rank would be “Top 25%” (i.e., you would be ranked in the top 25% of graduating high school seniors). For the most recent graduating class, the average (mean) SAT Scores were 502 for Critical Reading, 515 for Math and 494 for Writing.

GED Scores and Estimated National Class Rank

GED Score (Standard)	Estimated National Class Rank
700	Top 1%
670	Top 2%
660	Top 3%
640	Top 5%
610	Top 10%
580	Top 15%
570	Top 20%
550	Top 25%
530	Top 33%
520	Top 40%
500	Top 50%
460	Top 55%
450	Top 60%