Preparing to take the GED

There are two different ways to prepare for your GED tests:

Individual study

Choosing to study on your own allows you to prepare at your own pace using commercial study guides such as the Official GED Practice Tests. GED resources are available at:


GED testing rules

You must comply with the following test rules. Violation of any test rules may result in dismissal from the testing session, cancellation of scores obtained in that testing sessions and the imposition of a waiting period before retesting is allowed.

Prohibited items

No personal items are allowed into the exam room with you. Examples of prohibited items are:

  • Cell phones
  • Tablets and other handheld electronics
  • Watches
  • Wallets
  • Purses
  • Hats and other head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
  • Hooded clothing
  • Coats
  • Scarves
  • Bulky jewelry
  • Bags and backpacks
  • Books and notes
  • Food and drink (including water)

When you register for your GED, you will receive a confirmation of your booking with full exam rules. This communication will contain the most up-to-date information.

All electronic devices must be turned off and left outside of the testing room.

Student identification

Personal identification with a signature and photograph is required for your test appointment, and it must be valid (i.e., not expired). We accept:

  • passports
  • driver's licences
  • permanent resident card
  • military identification card
  • province identification card

Calculators

You are allowed to use a hand-held calculator on one section of the GED math test, and the only approved model is a Casio fx-260. The test administrator is not allowed to provide you with a calculator, so you are responsible for bringing your own, if desired. If you do not bring a hand-held calculator, there is an on-screen calculator in the Mathematics exam for you to use.

Materials

You are only allowed a Casio fx-260 calculator (if writing the math test) and an erasable marker and noteboards (provided by the test administrator).

Time

Computer-based tests have an embedded timer and the exam will automatically close and submit when the time limit has been reached.

Taking breaks

Once you begin a test, you are required to stay until you either complete or submit the test. Unscheduled breaks are not permitted while writing the GED and you will not be allowed to re-enter the testing room if you take an unscheduled break. You are permitted to take a 10-minute break between tests. If you will need longer than a 10-minute break between tests, you can schedule your tests as separate appointments with a longer break between them.

Note: If you have a health condition that necessitates breaks, you must request an accommodation.