In Washington, D.C., you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test. The credential is called the District of Columbia State Diploma. A GED certificate is accepted by most employers and 98% of colleges, making it a widely recognized and respected credential.

Here is a list of Washington, D.C. GED testing centers.

If you're like many, 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.

Steps to Get the GED Test in Washington, D.C.

1. Check Your Eligibility in Washington, D.C.: Every state has its own GED test eligibility requirements. For Washington, D.C., you can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
2. Study for the Test: Preparing for the GED test is key to success. Choose from various study options, including using a GED Washington, D.C. study guide, attending local GED prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
3. Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use GED study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
4. Take GED Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. If you choose to take the test online, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.
5. Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your test online through the GED Testing Service.
6. Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
7. Get Your Transcript and Diploma: After passing the GED test in Washington, D.C., you’ll automatically receive one free electronic diploma and transcript.

The Washington, D.C. GED test is the same as in every other state since it is a national exam. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready. For more on how hard the GED test is, read our article How Hard Is the GED in 2026?

The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. Additionally, you can take a free GED practice test through Essential Education, with the option to focus on one or multiple subjects.

To get a copy of your Washington, D.C. GED transcript, you can request it through the GED Testing Service.

Yes, you must be a resident of Washington, D.C., court-ordered to test or enrolled in Job Corps to take the GED test.

You must be 18 years old to take the GED test in Washington, D.C.

You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website.

In Washington, D.C., you can take the GED test if you are 16 or 17 years old and meet specific requirements. Visit the GED website for more information.

• GED Cost at a Test Center: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.

  Note: Washington, D.C. subsidizes $36 for your first attempt at each subject. Use code DCSAVE36 at checkout to pay only $3.75 for each subject. The discount code can be used up to four times.

• GED Cost Online: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.

• In-person at a Testing Center: GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee. You will receive one discounted retake for every GED test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full-price test to use this discounted retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Washington, D.C. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.

The Washington, D.C. GED tests you on Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

GED Test:

GED Test:

• In-person at a Testing Center: In Washington, D.C., there is a waiting period of 30 days for the first two retakes of any subject. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60-day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

Yes, in Washington, D.C., you can take the GED test either at an official testing center or online. For the GED, if you choose the online option, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.

Use our list of authorized test centers in Washington, D.C. to find a location near you.

GED: 145 minimum per subject.

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. You will be given a formula sheet in the test center and on the screen during 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.

• In-person at a Testing Center: Yes, in Washington, D.C., you can take all GED test subjects in one day, provided you find a testing center with available hours that can accommodate this. 
• Online Testing: No, each subject must be scheduled separately, one at a time. After completing one online exam, you can schedule the next, depending on available appointment times.

Yes, in Washington, D.C., you can test in English or Spanish. However, you cannot combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

For Spanish speakers, GED Academy provides mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. These programs cover all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.