Alabama GED Requirements

Thinking about earning your GED in Alabama? Great choice. Before you start, it’s important to understand the Alabama GED Requirements so you can plan your path with confidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including how to get a GED in Alabama, who is eligible, where to take the test, and what to expect. 

Whether you’re brushing up after years away or just want a fresh start, we have your back. Pro tip: using trusted study tools like those from Prepsaret can help you pass the GED test in Alabama on your first try.

Alabama GED Test Eligibility

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of the GED requirements in Alabama :

• Age: Must be at least 16 years old (with additional documentation for those under 18)
• Residency: Must be an Alabama resident
• Educational Status: Cannot be enrolled in high school or have a high school diploma
• Preparation: Taking the GED Ready® practice test is highly recommended
• Testing Format: Available both in-person and online
• Cost: $36 per subject (total of $144 for all four subjects)
• Passing Score: Minimum score of 145 out of 200 on each subject test

Now, let’s break down each of these requirements in more detail.

Alabama GED Age Requirements

The Alabama GED age requirements are designed to ensure that the credential remains valuable while still providing opportunities for those who need an alternative path to high school completion.

To be eligible for the Alabama GED Requirements, you must be:

• At least 16 years old
• Not currently enrolled in high school
• Not a high school graduate

If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you’ll need to provide additional documentation before you can take the test. This includes:

• Parental or legal guardian notarized permission
• Official withdrawal documentation from the last school attended (such as a Student Exit Interview form or Certificate of Exemption)
• For 16-year-olds, minimum scores on the TABE test or GED Ready practice tests may also be required
• Valid Alabama photo ID

All documentation must be submitted and approved by the testing center before scheduling the GED test.

These requirements ensure that younger students aren’t leaving school prematurely if they have the opportunity to complete their traditional high school education. 

Keep in mind that these age requirements are specifically for taking the test. You can start preparing for the GED at any age! 

In fact, earlier preparation can lead to better results when you do become eligible to take the test. Check out how to pass the GED test in 8 weeks for an effective study plan regardless of your current age.

Alabama GED Residency Requirement

To take the GED test in Alabama, residency requirements depend on your age:

• If you are 18 years or older, you do not need to be an Alabama resident to take the GED test in Alabama.
• If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must be a legal resident of Alabama to be eligible to take the test.

Proof of Residency for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Acceptable proof of Alabama residency may include one or more of the following:

• Alabama driver’s license or state ID
• Utility bill in your name with an Alabama address
• Rental agreement or mortgage statement for an Alabama property
• Mail from a government agency addressed to you at an Alabama address
• Student photo ID from an Alabama school or college
• Employee photo ID from any level of Alabama government

Alabama’s residency requirements are similar to neighboring states like Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. 

Alabama GED Application Process

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet all the Alabama GED requirements, it’s time to start the Alabama GED application process. This multi-step procedure is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Here’s how to apply for the GED test in Alabama:

• Create an account on GED.com (the official GED testing service website)
• Provide your personal information including name, address, and date of birth
• Answer eligibility questions honestly
• Choose your preferred testing location or select the online testing option
• Schedule your test dates for each subject
• Pay the testing fees

Cost of GED in Alabama

Understanding the financial commitment is an important part of the Alabama GED Requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• $36 per subject test (Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)
• $144 total for all four subjects
• Additional fees may apply for retests (though you get two discounted retests per subject)
• GED Ready® practice tests cost approximately $6.99 per subject

While the cost might seem significant, consider it an investment in your future earning potential. GED graduates earn an average of $9,600 more per year than those without a high school diploma or equivalent, making the test fees well worth it in the long run.

The Financial aid for GED is available through adult education programs, workforce development initiatives, or nonprofit organizations. It’s worth checking with your local adult education center to see if you qualify for any fee waivers or subsidies.

Do I Have to Take the GED Ready® Practice Test Before Testing?

Taking the GED Ready® practice test is not always required, but it is highly recommended — and sometimes mandatory, depending on how you plan to take your test.

For Online GED Testing in Alabama

If you plan to take the GED test online in Alabama, you must pass the GED Ready® test first. This is a required step before you can schedule your official exam.

For In-Person Testing

You do not need to pass the GED Ready® test to take the official GED exam in person in Alabama. 

However, many testing centers recommend it to help you prepare and avoid retakes.

Even if it’s not required, the GED Ready® test is a smart move. It helps you:

• Predict your score on the actual GED test
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Provide personalized study recommendations
• Help you determine if you’re ready to pass

The GED Ready® test mimics the format, content, and difficulty level of the actual GED test, giving you the most accurate assessment of your readiness. Many successful test-takers consider this step essential for proper preparation.

Want to test your knowledge before committing to the GED Ready®? 

Try our Prepsaret Free GED+ practice questions to get a preliminary assessment of your skills.

GED Test Online Alabama

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to GED testing, including the introduction of online testing options. 

To qualify for online testing, you must:

• Meet all standard Alabama eligibility requirements; 18+ for online testing; 16-17 must test in person
• Have a computer with a webcam and reliable internet connection
• Have a private, quiet space for testing
• Download the required secure browser and proctoring software
• Pass the GED Ready® practice test with a “green” score (indicating high likelihood of passing) within 60 days of your online test

The online test is identical in content and difficulty to the in-person version but is monitored by a live online proctor who observes you through your webcam. This ensures the integrity of the test while providing the convenience of testing from home.

Benefits of the online option include:

• Elimination of travel time and transportation costs
• Flexibility in scheduling
• Testing in a familiar environment
• Reduced exposure to public spaces

However, the online option does have stricter technical requirements and preparation standards. 

Find out more about the online testing process: Can I Take the GED Test Online

GED Testing Centers in Alabama

If you prefer to take your test in person, Alabama offers numerous authorized testing locations across the state. 

Major Alabama GED testing locations can be found in cities including:

• Birmingham
• Montgomery
• Mobile
• Huntsville
• Tuscaloosa
• Auburn
• Dothan

Most community colleges and many adult education centers serve as official GED testing sites. To find the location nearest you, visit the official GED testing service website and use their test center locator tool.

When choosing a testing center, consider:

• Distance from your home or workplace
• Public transportation availability
• Testing schedule and availability
• Any additional services offered (like pre-test counseling or preparation classes)

Some centers offer more flexible hours, including evening and weekend testing slots, which can be particularly helpful if you work full-time. Others may have on-site preparation resources or staff who can provide guidance about the testing process.

GED Preparation Resources

Preparation is key to success on the GED test. Alabama offers various resources to help you study and pass the GED test in Alabama. Let’s explore your options:

Free and Low-Cost Options

• Free online GED classes Alabama are available through adult education programs at community colleges and through the Alabama Adult Education division. These programs offer basic preparation but may have limited personalization and support.
• Libraries across Alabama often provide access to Alabama GED study guide materials and may host in-person study groups or tutoring sessions.

While these free resources can help you save money, they often have limitations:

• Limited practice materials
• Generic instruction rather than personalized help
• Inconsistent availability and quality
• May not cover all the latest test content

Premium Preparation Options

For more comprehensive preparation, quality resources like those from Prepsaret are essential for preparing for the Alabama GED. With Prepsaret, you can:

• Access subject-specific study materials tailored to the current GED format
• Take unlimited GED practice tests that mirror the actual GED experience
• Receive personalized feedback on your strengths and weaknesses
• Study at your own pace with on-demand lessons
• Get expert support when you encounter challenging concepts

Prepsaret now offers the option to subscribe and prepare for specific GED subjects individually, allowing you to focus your efforts where they’re most needed.

Choose the GED subject you want to prepare for:

• GED Mathematics
• GED Science
• GED Social Studies
• GED English Language Art (RLA)

 This targeted approach can save you time and help you progress more quickly through your GED journey.

When evaluating any preparation resource, be wary of potential scams. Check out our guide on how to avoid scams and choose safe online GED classes to ensure you’re investing in legitimate materials.

How Long Does It Take to Get a GED in Alabama?

The timeline varies depending on several factors, but understanding the process can help you set realistic expectations.

The GED journey includes these phases:

• Preparation Time: 1-8 months (varies widely based on your starting knowledge and study intensity)
• Testing Period: 1 day to several months (depending on whether you take all subjects at once or spread them out)
• Results Wait Time: Results are typically available within 3-24 hours
• Certificate Delivery: Physical certificates are usually mailed within 1-2 weeks after passing all subjects

If you’ve been out of school for many years or struggled with these subjects in the past, you might need 3-6 months of consistent studying. 

However, if you recently left high school and have retained much of your knowledge, you might be ready in just a few weeks.

GED Testing Period in Alabama

Testing itself can be completed in a single day, as each subject test takes between 70-150 minutes, for a total of about 7.5 hours for all four subjects. 

However, many test-takers choose to spread out their exams over several days or weeks to avoid fatigue and allow for targeted preparation between tests.

The good news is that once you’ve passed all four subjects, you’ll receive your official GED credential quickly—usually within two weeks. Many employers and educational institutions will accept your digital score report while you wait for the physical certificate to arrive.

Related article: Top 5 Best Resources for GED Preparation 

Alabama GED Requirements FAQs

Alabama GED Requirements: Conclusion

Now that you know the GED requirements in Alabama, you are one step closer to earning your high school equivalency diploma and opening the door to new possibilities.

Getting your GED takes time, effort, and preparation, but it is absolutely worth it. With this credential, you can pursue college, qualify for better jobs, and increase your earning potential.

While free resources are helpful, using quality tools like those from Prepsaret can make a big difference. Take the next step with confidence. Explore Prepsaret’s resources and begin working toward your goals today.