Search
Close this search box.

Illinois GED Exam Overview

The GED is an exam that you can take to earn your GED certificate. You can earn your Illinois GED by taking and passing all 4 sections of the exam.

A GED serves as a high school equivalency certificate and is on the same level as a high school diploma.

While the requirements are mostly similar for this exam, each state has some specific requirements and details that need to be followed. We will be reviewing the specifics for the Illinois GED test below.

Summary: Learn how to earn your GED in Illinois as well as some specific requirements for the state. You can use visit our GED practice test hub to begin your studies.

Illinois GED

You can expect to find the following 4 subjects and time limits when taking the Illinois GED test.

  1. Mathematical Reasoning – 115 Minutes
  2. Reasoning Through Language Arts – 150 Minutes
  3. Social Studies – 70 Minutes
  4. Science – 90 Minutes

Each section is scored on a scale from 100-200. You will need to score 145+ on each subject to earn your GED in the state of Illinois.

Can You Take the GED Test Online in Illinois?

Illinois is a state that allows the GED test to be taken online. You will need to take the GED Ready exam before you are eligible to schedule the online exam. You can read more about that in the requirements section below.

Fees for the GED in Illinois

Unfortunately, you will need to pay to take and earn your GED. You will have to pay on a per subject test basis. Most individuals will need to take all 4 subject tests the first time around. The fees are as follows:

  • In-Person GED Illinois Fees – $30 per subject
  • Online GED Illinois Fees – $36 per subject

Illinois GED Requirements

You will find that most of the requirements to take the GED are the same, but each state does have some subtle differences and requirements. Check out some GED requirements in Illinois below.

Age

  • You must be 18 years old to take the GED in Illinois.
  • You may be 17 if you provide a withdrawal letter from the last school you attended.
  • If you are 16, you must be currently enrolled in a Regional Safe School Program, Lincoln’s Challenge Academy, or Alternative Learning Opportunities Program.

Residency

  • You must be a resident in the state of Illinois for 30 days or more.
  • You will have to prove this on the day that you take your exam.
  • You can prove this by providing a government-issued photo ID with a current Illinois address. If you do not have this, you will need to provide proof of residency with another document.

Non-High School Status

  • You must not currently be enrolled in high school.
  • You must not have graduated from high school.

Illinois Constitution Module

  • You must complete an Illinois Constitution Module. You will fill out your information at the end of the module which will be connected to your GED testing.

GED Ready Test

This is an exam offered by GED testing services. The exam serves as a way to ensure individuals are ready for the actual exam. More information on GED Ready.

  • If you are taking the exam at a testing center, you do not need to take the GED Ready test.
  • If you are taking the exam online, you will need to take the GED Ready test and earn a score of “green” before you can schedule your online exam.

How to Get a GED in Illinois

To get your GED in Illinois you can follow the steps below:

  1. Verify you meet all the requirements – You can double check those requirements above.
  2. Start preparing and studying for the exam – You can use our free GED practice tests to begin your studies.
  3. Register for the exam – You will need to register and schedule your exam. Remember, you must take the GED Ready before you schedule your exam if you are planning on taking the exam online.
  4. Take the test – The last step is to take and pass the exam. You will need to score 145+ on all subjects to get your GED in the state of Illinois.

Illinois GED Testing Locations

You can take the GED in-person at a testing center or online in the state of Illinois. If you choose to take the exam in-person, you will pay a fee of $30 per subject. If you take the exam online, you will pay a fee of $36 per subject.

Find testing locations near you.

GED Practice Test Illinois

A practice exam is a great way to prepare for the actual exam. Since this exam is the same as other states, you can visit our GED practice test hub to begin practicing. You will find general practice exams as well as subject specific practice exams there.

GED Test Illinois FAQs

The exam is a total of 7 hours and 41 minutes. You will have 115 minutes for math, 90 minutes for social studies, 90 minutes for science, and 150 minutes for language arts.

You will need to pay $30 per subject if you are taking the exam in-person (total of $120). You will need to pay $36 per subject if you are taking the exam online (total of $144).

Yes, you can retake each subject 3 total times without a waiting period. If you need to retake a subject a 4th time, you will need to wait 60 days.

Yes, you must be a legal resident of the state of Illinois to sit for the GED in the state. You must be a legal resident for more than 30 days.

Dave Evangelisti
Dave is our founder and CEO. He has 20+ years of experience in the testing and test prep industry.