Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about how to get a high school equivalency in Illinois.

Does Illinois Approve of Taking Online GED Classes?

Yes. In fact, GED Academy is the only home study course that is 100% approved by the GED Testing Service. This is why over 2.4 million people have used GED Academy to get their GED Credential. Fast, easy, and simple on your mobile phone.

How can I get my GED in Illinois?

If you're like many Americans, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.

Take the steps one at a time.

1. Check Your Eligibility: Every state has its own GED test eligibility requirements. You can find Illinois' requirements here.
2. Learn the Material: Study for the test. You can study on your own, in a local GED-prep classroom, or online.
3. Practice the Material: Establish a quiet study space. Focus your study with a guides or online classes. Check your learning with practice tests.
4. Register: When you're ready, schedule your test online.
5. Take the Test: On test day, bring a non-expired, government-issued photo ID. All personal items must remain outside of the testing area.

After you pass the test, the State of Illinois will award you a GED certificate that will show you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate. 

How long does it take to go through GED classes?

It varies by student, but here at GED Academy most students complete their coursework in about three months.

I didn't pass. How many times can you take the GED?

Some states have individual policies about retaking the test, but generally you can take the test about three times a year. Don't worry, you won't have to retake any subjects you passed previously.

What is on the Illinois GED Math test?

What you should know:

• You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
• You don’t have to memorize formulas and will be given a formula sheet in the test center as well as on the screen in the test.
• Essential Education offers a free practice test for math that will help you assess your readiness for the test.
• GED Academy gives you all the math you need to study at one affordable price.

Where can I find a GED Illinois practice test?

The GED testing service offers an official GED practice test for $6 per subject. Essential Education offers a free online HSE practice test for GED. We also offer a free online HiSET practice test to see if you are ready to pass the HiSET exam. You can take our free practice test in one subject, several subjects, or all of the subjects.

What is the test for high school equivalency in Illinois?

There are three high school equivalency exams given in Illinois: GED, TASC, and HiSET. All three are equivalent to a high school diploma, and are accepted at 99% of colleges. You can go on to get a great job, get a degree, or join the military with a Illinois HiSET, Illinios TASC, or Illinois GED.

What subjects are on the GED test, HiSET exam in Illinois?

• The Illinois GED test will test you on Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.
• The Illinois HiSET exam tests you on Math, Social Studies, Science, Reading, and Writing.

How long is the Illinois test?

GED
SUBJECT	TIME
Math	115 minutes
Social Studies	90 minutes
Science	90 minutes
Language Arts	150 minutes
Total	7 hours, 41 minutes

HiSET
SUBJECT	TIME
Math	90 minutes
Social Studies	70 minutes
Science	80 minutes
Reading	60 minutes
Writing	120 minutes
Total	7 hours

How many questions are on the test in Illinois?

GED
SUBJECT	# OF QUESTIONS
Math	46
Social Studies	35
Science	34
Language Arts	46

HiSET
SUBJECT	# OF QUESTIONS
Math	40-50
Social Studies	40-50
Science	40-50
Reading	40-50
Writing	40-50 + essay

How much does the test in Illinois cost?

TEST	PER SUBJECT	TOTAL
GED	$28.75	$115
HiSET	$17	$85

What score do I need to get on the Illinois test?

TEST	SCORE
GED	145 minimum per subject
HiSET	8 minimum per subject, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

How do I know if I passed the Illinois GED or HiSET test?

• A passing score on the Illinois GED test is 145 (minimum) in each subject.
• A passing score for the HiSET exam in Illinois is 8 in each subtest, combined score of 45; minimum of 2 on the Language Arts, Writing essay.

Can I retake a subject on the test in Illinois if I don’t pass?

You can retake each subject up to 3 times without waiting. The fourth retake requires a 60 day waiting period. You will be offered a discounted price for your first two retakes ($12 per retake instead of $32). To receive additional discounted retakes, you must wait 60 days, pay the full price of $32, and then you will receive two more discounted retakes. All retakes must occur within 12 months of the initial attempt.

Can I take an online GED test or HiSET test for Illinois?

You can take the Illinois GED and HiSET tests online* or at an official testing center in Illinois. You can find the closest center to you on our list of testing centers in Illinois.

*Online Proctored GED test notifcaition update: 7-26-2021

Beginning September 1st, 2021, there will be an Online Proctored (OP) GED test option, which means that you will have the option to take your GED test remotely. You can plan on having this option available to you after September 1st, 2021. A few more facts regarding the OP GED test option:

• The price will increase by $6 per subject in most states. Click here to see the current price.

• Students who schedule a test before September 1st, 2021 will pay the current OP price, no matter when the test is delivered.

• Vouchers you have already purchased will continue to be valid for use with OP tests through December 1st, 2021. The vouchers will cover 100% of the cost for OP or in-person testing if used before Dec. 1st.

For more information, please click here.

Do I have to live in Illinois to take the Illinois GED or HiSET test?

You must be a legal resident of Illinois to take the GED, or HiSET there.

Where do I take the test in Illinois?

Find an Illinois testing center nearest you here. 

Are there age requirements for the Illionis tests?

How old do I have to be to take the test in Illinois?

You must be 18 years of age.

If you are 17, you can take the test with the following conditions:

• You have a government (national or foreign) issued photo ID;
• You are a resident of Illinois
• You are not enrolled in school (you are excepted if you are enrolled in an approved in-school GED preparation program)
• You are not a high school graduate
• You must have parental/guardian permission.

If you are 16 you must meet the above requirements, and must be in the care of a state agency, under a court order, or in a Job Corps training program.

If you are under 18, you are required to attend school in the state of Illinois.

How do I get an age wavier in Illinois?

If you are under 18 and require an age waiver, you can request it from your local school board. You’ll need to receive permission from the school board in order to take the test. 

How do I apply for Illinois disability accommodations?

If you have a disability, you can apply for disability accommodations through the GED test’s accommodations page. Don’t know if you qualify? Be sure to find out if you qualify for accomodations. 

How do I get a copy of my Illinois test transcript?

To get a copy of your Illinois transcript, you can request it through the GED Testing Service or HiSET.