GED Test Prep 2025/2026 For Dummies: Book + 3 Practice Tests Online
Overview
Nail the GED exam and start the next chapter of your life
A GED credential can open doors, help you get into college, and improve your job prospects. GED Test Prep 2025/2026 For Dummies is the trusted study guide full of all the info you'll need to succeed on this important high school equivalency exam. Inside, you'll find study plans, overviews of each section on the test, and insider tips. Polish your grammar skills, beat the odds in math, and dive into science and social studies. Then skill up with three practice tests online, giving you plenty of opportunity to practice what you've learned.
- Review all GED content and get study plans for your unique learning style
- Improve your score from Equivalency to College Ready to College Credit
- Learn to overcome nerves and take the GED with confidence
GED Test Prep 2025/2026 For Dummies is for the thousands of people who take the GED exam each year. Just considering the GED? Start here as you learn more about it and prepare to launch your future.
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About The Author
Tim Collins, PhD, has worked in the field of education for more than four decades, instructing learners of all ages and backgrounds. For more than 25 years, he has specialized in materials development for the GED® exam, and has helped countless learners prepare for and pass this life-changing test.
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ged test prep 2025/2026 for dummies book + 3 practice tests online
CHEAT SHEET
If you don't have a high school diploma, consider taking the General Educational Development (GED) exam. The GED exam is a series of four tests ― covering language arts, social studies, science, and math ― that evaluate your abilities at the high school level. If you pass the test, you earn a high school equivalency diploma.
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You plan to take the GED test because you want to receive your high-school diploma equivalency, right? You're spending the time and money to take the test, so why not ensure that you do your best? Make sure you're as prepared as possible for everything the GED test has to throw at you.The best way to prepare yourself is to take as many practice tests, or pretests, as you can.
You may be the type of person who experiences a lot of anxiety and panic before taking a test. Instead of working yourself up as test day approaches, spend your energy and time preparing for the GED test. Do whatever you can to reduce your anxiety and increase your preparation.Here are some ways you can lower your anxiety, starting from signing up to take the test and continuing all the way to test day:
Make your way through one or more test-prep books, such as GED Test For Dummies, 4th Edition (Wiley).
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About half of the GED Math test depends on basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and fractions). The better you know the fundamentals, the better you can do on the test. The following practice questions offer some examples of basic math operations.
Practice questions
Lawrie is trying to save money, so she keeps her money in both checking and savings accounts.
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Some questions on the GED Math test will require you to work with points and lines on the coordinate plane. To solve these problems, you may have to sketch your results on a graph, or work with different algebraic equations. The following practice questions ask you to take both approaches.
Practice questions
The first question refers to the following graph.
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The GED Math test will likely contain questions where you have to look for an algebraic pattern in a series of numbers, or use that pattern to find a missing number in the series.Patterns are the predictable repeat of a situation. For example, if someone told you the first four numbers in a pattern were 1, 2, 3, 4 and asked you what the next number was, you’d say “5” pretty fast.
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If you enjoy locating points on the coordinate plane, then some questions on the GED Math test will have you smiling. Coordinate plane questions won’t just test your ability to work with x and y coordinates, though; as you’ll see in the following practice questions, you’ll also need to brush up on your geometry skills.
If you really enjoy tackling interest rate problems (and who doesn't?), then you should have no problem solving the ones you encounter on the GED Math test. As you'll see in the following practice questions, they're pretty straightforward—you just need to be comfortable with using the simple and compound interest formulas.
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When you run into a data analysis question on the GED Math test, even if the question looks complicated, you shouldn't panic. After all, without realizing it, you probably interpret and analyze charts, tables, and graphs all the time in your day-to-day activities.In the following practice questions, you start with a simple problem of pinpointing when a runner twisted her ankle, based on a bar graph of her running times.
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Functions are based on the concept that one number can be determined by its relationship with another number. This is pretty fundamental stuff, so you can expect to see questions involving functions on the GED Math test.Here’s a simple example of a function: A dozen always consists of 12 units. So, if you were buying two dozen eggs, you’d be buyingIn the following practice questions, you have to use a function to find a missing value in a table, and then figure out how energy is affected by a change in mass, based on Einstein’s equation (that is, function) for the speed of light.
Some questions on the GED Math test will involve ratios. You use a ratio to compare the relative size of two numbers, by showing how many times the second number goes into the first (for example, 2 apples to 1 pear gives you a 2:1 ratio).In the following practice questions, you have to find the ratio of the largest to the smallest departmental budget in a company, and then use ratios to convert a drawing to a wall-size mural.
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When you run into a three-dimensional figure problem on the GED Math test, it probably means you'll have to calculate an object's surface area or volume. Fortunately, you won't have to memorize all the different geometric formulas—they'll be supplied in a handy drop-down window—but you will have to know how to use them.
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Two-dimensional figures cover a lot of ground—sometimes literally. The GED Math test will pose questions where you have to find the perimeter, circumference, or area of a shape, using the appropriate formula. These problems may look very different from each other, but they all involve two-dimensional shapes.The following practice questions involve using measurements in different formulas to get your answers.
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Chemical reactions happen all around us, so it’s useful to know the different properties of chemicals and how these properties make them react in different conditions. Questions on the GED Science test that deal with chemical properties and reactions will often use real-life examples.In the following practice questions, you start by reading a short passage or studying a diagram, and then make some inference or conclusion based on that information.
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Our planet is made up of four basic systems: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. When these systems interact with each other, the results can be pretty amazing—and sometimes scary (think: volcanoes, tidal waves, and earthquakes); no surprise, then, that some questions on the GED Science test will focus on these interactions.
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The way that we use natural resources affects the health of our environment. To reflect this, the GED Science test will contain questions about renewable and non-renewable resources, and how sustainably we use them.Before answering the following practice questions, you must first read a passage about the challenges of modern garbage disposal.
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The first law of thermodynamics states that heat energy can be turned into work. Similarly, if you put some energy into studying for the GED Science test, you’ll be rewarded with test answers that translate into high marks.The following practice questions start you off with some nifty graphics showing different energy systems.
When someone tells you that you look like your parents or that you remind them of another relative, they’re talking about heredity. Reading a bit about heredity in biology-related books can help you prepare for the questions on the GED Science test.Keep in mind that you don’t have to dive too deep; you just need a basic understanding of how heredity works.
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From the latest diets and workouts to new developments in disease prevention, people today are bombarded with information about how to stay healthy. To reflect this, the GED Science test contains questions related to the human body and health.Topics may include your body's systems (the endocrine and nervous system are two examples); how your health can be affected by diseases and pathogens; and—as in the following practice questions—why nutrition and exercise are so important to your health.
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All life is composed of cells, which in turn act as building blocks for the specialized tissues and organs that make up our bodies. Although these cells perform many complex functions, you won’t need to know all the specific details when you take the GED Science test.In the following practice questions, you start with a diagram or a passage of text, which contains all the information you’ll need to answer the question.
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When you look up at the stars on a clear night and wonder what's really up there, you're thinking about space science. When you look at the computer screen during the GED Science test, the view may be less exciting, but you'll probably run into some exciting questions about space.Space science focuses on problems such as what the universe (including our own solar system) is made of, and how old everything is in space.
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The laws of physics affect all kinds of everyday activities, from driving a car to playing a game of baseball. No surprise, then, that some questions on the GED Science test will deal with concepts like work, motion, and force.In the following practice questions, you need to apply both theory and common sense to tackle the problems, which include figuring out how a plane gets off the ground, and predicting which way a block will move when gravity and muscle power are no longer equal.
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On the GED Social Studies test, the topics of civics and government are well represented—in fact, they take up about half of the questions. To do well, you should be familiar with the different branches of government, and you should understand concepts like separation of powers (legislative, executive, and judicial), individual rights and civic responsibilities, and the rule of law.
Economics questions make up about 15 percent of the GED Social Studies test. If you want to ace them, you should have a basic understanding of the major economic theories, such as supply and demand, as well as the role of government policies in the economy.The best way to solve these questions is with good analysis and evaluation skills; by carefully reading the supplied passage or graphic, you should be able to figure out the correct answer, even if the topic is unfamiliar to you.
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Questions about geography and the world make up 15 percent of the GED Social Studies test. By "the world," the test-makers mean that these questions are of universal, not national, concern—although the concerns of other countries will often sound very similar to our own.The questions on this portion of the test are often very topical, including subjects like sustainability and environmental issues, population issues, cultural diversity, and migration.
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Many important events in American history were related to U.S. foreign policy. For the GED Social Studies test, you should have a general knowledge of topics like World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and American foreign policy since 9/11.The following practice questions are based on a passage describing the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
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American history is a colorful, exciting tapestry of people and events. Since American history makes up about 20 percent of the GED Social Studies test, you can expect to find a few of those threads woven into the exam.To maximize your score, you should be familiar with important and pivotal events, from the American Revolution to the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement.
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The decisions and actions of federal and state lawmakers have a huge effect on the lives of average Americans. Because of this, you can expect the GED Social Studies test to contain some questions about U.S. politics.As you'll see in the following practice questions, if you run into a reading passage or question that seems intimidating, don't panic: in the case of a reading passage, the answers will always be found somewhere in the text.
If you don't have a high school diploma, consider taking the General Educational Development (GED) exam. The GED exam is a series of four tests ― covering language arts, social studies, science, and math ― that evaluate your abilities at the high school level. If you pass the test, you earn a high school equivalency diploma.
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If you want to do well on the Mathematical Reasoning section of the GED test, you'll need to be familiar with the following four major areas:
Algebra, equations, and patterns
Data analysis, statistics, and probability
Measurement and geometry
Number operations
More specifically, about 45 percent of the questions focus on quantitative problem solving and the other about 55 percent focuses on algebraic problem solving.
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Fill-in-the-blank questions on the GED test require that you fill in the answer without the benefit of four answer choices to choose from. Often, they involve some calculation, using the information provided in the question.Here's an example: Demitri wanted to buy a new television set. His old one had a diagonal measurement of 32 inches, but he wanted to buy a 50-inch diagonal set.
Some parts of the GED computer test require you to write and edit text—the Extended Response section is one example. Whether it's cutting, copying, or pasting text, or being able to undo or redo an action, these functions should be second nature to you on test day.An important skill to be comfortable with using on the GED test is the cut-and-paste or copy-and-paste functions on the computer.
In the Mathematical Reasoning and Science sections on the GED computer test, you'll have to use formulas to find the answer, and some questions will even require you to use special symbols or signs.Luckily, you don't need to memorize pages of formulas; the computerized GED test provides all the formulas you need in a handy, easy-to-access drop-down window.
When you start the computerized version of the GED test, you may feel pressed for time and have the urge to rush through the questions. You really shouldn't.You have sufficient time to do the test at a reasonable pace. You have only a certain amount of time for each section in the GED exam, so time management is an important part of succeeding on the test.
Along with keyboarding skills, you'll need to know how to handle a mouse for the GED computer test. The mouse is useful for selecting answers as well as moving around the page.
Make selections with point and click
The most basic skill for using a computer mouse is just knowing how to select the correct answer.
To take the GED test, you schedule it based on the available testing dates. Each state or local testing center sets its own schedule for the GED test, which means that your state decides how and when you can take each section of the test. It also determines how often you can retake a failed section.Because a computer now administers the test, you can schedule an individual appointment.
Before you begin to prepare for something as important as passing the GED test, you need to know what you're getting into — namely, what the different test sections are all about. Each test section is a series of mostly multiple-choice questions, each having four possible answers. However, some items are specifically designed for the computer interface, such as fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, drop-down menu, and hot-spot questions, as well as Extended Response and Short Answer items.
To pass the GED test, you need to score a minimum of 145 on each section of the test, and you must pass each section of the test to earn your GED diploma.If you achieve a passing score, congratulate yourself: You've scored better than at least 40 percent of today's high-school graduates, and you're now a graduate of the largest virtual school in the country.
Before you leave your house to go to the GED test center on test day, make sure you take a few important items (like your picture ID) with you — and leave behind a few other items (like a midmorning snack or backpack) that you won't be allowed to take into the test room.Do bring the following items with you to the test site:
Identification with your picture, date of birth, and address on it
Mints or gum as a refreshment
The test fee (if not prepaid) or proof of payment
Don't take the following items into the test room:
Smartphone, cellphone, or other communication devices
Portable music device
Electronic devices, games, or unsanctioned calculator
Bringing your own calculator is optional.
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Some questions on the GED test may not give you enough information to find the right answer. For example, a question may ask for a conclusion that you can't make from the information given. Even if you know some information that would help you solve the problem, don't use it.When you take the GED, you bring with you the knowledge of what the basic operations are and how to use them.
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