Pursuing your Idaho GED Requirements can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation resources from Prepsaret, success is within reach.
This guide explains all you need to know about Idaho GED Requirements for 2025, including eligibility, testing locations, and study tools. With clear steps and dedicated support, you’ll be ready to earn your high school equivalency credential and open doors to new opportunities
Overview of the Idaho GED and High School Equivalency
The GED Idaho program offers a valuable second chance for adults who didn’t complete a traditional high school education. The General Educational Development (GED) test is the most widely recognized Idaho high school equivalency test, accepted by virtually all employers and educational institutions across the state and country.
The GED test in Idaho consists of four subject areas:
- GED Mathematical Reasoning
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
- GED Social Studies
- GED Science
Each subject is designed to measure knowledge and skills equivalent to those of graduating high school seniors. Completing the GED Idaho online preparation and passing all four tests demonstrates to employers and colleges that you possess skills comparable to a high school graduate.
Unlike traditional high school, which takes four years to complete, the GED can be earned in a matter of months, depending on your preparation level. This makes it an excellent option for adults looking to join colleges or universities or career opportunities without returning to a traditional classroom setting.
Idaho GED Test Eligibility and Who Can Apply
Understanding Idaho GED test eligibility is crucial before starting your preparation journey.
To qualify for the GED in Idaho, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be an Idaho resident
- You cannot currently be enrolled in a high school
- You must not have graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate
The GED age requirements in Idaho specify that you must be at least 18 years old to take the test without additional documentation. However, if you’re 16 or 17, you may still qualify through the Idaho GED Youth Waiver program.
The Idaho GED Youth Waiver requires:
- A signed letter from your parent or guardian giving permission
- A letter from your last school of attendance confirming your withdrawal
- Documentation showing a need for the GED (employment, college enrollment, military enlistment, etc.)
This waiver system ensures that younger students have legitimate reasons for pursuing their GED rather than completing traditional high school, while still providing access to those who truly need this alternative path.
How to Get a GED in Idaho
If you’re wondering how to get a GED in Idaho, follow these steps:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm you meet the age and residency requirements mentioned above.
- Prepare for the Tests: Utilize free Idaho GED prep resources available through community colleges, adult education centers, or online platforms like Prepsaret. Many local libraries also offer GED preparation materials.
- Take Practice Tests: Complete an Idaho GED practice test free to assess your readiness. These practice tests simulate the actual exam and help identify areas where you need additional study.
- Create an Account: Visit GED.com to create your account and register for the Online GED Idaho test or select an in-person testing center.
- Schedule Your Tests: You can take all four subjects at once or one at a time, depending on your preference and preparation level.
- Pay the Testing Fees: Each subject test has a fee (more details in the cost section below).
- Take the Tests: Complete each subject test with a minimum passing score.
- Receive Your Credential: After passing all four subjects, you’ll receive your Idaho High School Equivalency Certificate.
Many students find success by starting with the subject they feel most confident in, building momentum for the more challenging sections. The Online GED Idaho option provides flexibility for those with busy schedules, allowing you to take the tests from home if you meet the technical requirements.
Read more: GED Requirements
GED Classes and Preparation Resources in Idaho
Proper preparation is essential for GED success, and Idaho offers numerous GED prep classes in Idaho through various institutions:
- Adult Education Centers: Located throughout the state, these centers specialize in adult learning and GED preparation. For example, North Idaho College
- Community Colleges: All Idaho community colleges offer GED preparation programs, often at low or no cost, for example, College of Western Idaho
- Public Libraries: Many libraries host GED study groups and provide free study materials.
- Online Resources: Prepsaret GED Idaho online preparation courses offer flexibility for those who cannot attend in-person classes due to work, family obligations, or transportation issues.
Some popular preparation options include:
- The College of Eastern Idaho’s Adult Education Center
- College of Western Idaho’s Adult Education Program
- Idaho State University’s Adult Education Center
- Lewis-Clark State College’s Adult Learning Center
- North Idaho College’s Adult Education Program
Most programs offer personalized learning plans based on your initial assessment results, ensuring you focus on areas needing improvement rather than subjects you already understand well. Many centers also provide additional support services like career counseling and college transition assistance.
Related post: Top 5 Best Resources for GED Preparation
Where to Take the GED Test in Idaho
Finding convenient GED testing centers in Idaho is an important step in your journey. The state has multiple authorized testing locations across different regions.
GED Testing Centers in Idaho
Some of the official Idaho GED testing centers include:
Northern Idaho:
- North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene)
- Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston)
Central Idaho:
- College of Western Idaho (Nampa)
- College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls)
Eastern Idaho:
- College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls)
- Idaho State University (Pocatello)
These Idaho GED testing centers provide professional testing environments with all necessary equipment and proctoring services. When scheduling your test, consider factors like travel time, available testing dates, and your schedule.
If traveling to a physical center is difficult, remember that Idaho also offers the option to take the GED test online with remote proctoring, provided you have the required technology and a suitable testing environment at home.
Read more on – GED Practice Test
Cost of GED in Idaho
Understanding the cost of GED in Idaho helps you budget appropriately for this investment in your future.
As of 2025, the fees are structured as follows:
- $36 per subject test ($144 total for all four subjects)
- $10 for each retake (if needed)
- Additional fees may apply for online proctored tests
While these costs may seem significant, they’re substantially less than the lifetime earnings gap between high school graduates and non-graduates.
Several programs can help reduce these expenses:
- Idaho Department of Labor programs sometimes offer testing vouchers
- Some adult education centers provide partial scholarships
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds may cover GED costs for eligible participants
It’s worth inquiring about financial assistance options when you begin your GED journey, as requirements and availability can change. Most testing centers can direct you to appropriate resources based on your specific situation.
Idaho GED Scoring Explained
Understanding the Idaho GED passing score requirements helps you set clear goals for your study plan.
Idaho GED Passing Score
- Each subject is scored on a scale of 100-200 points
- The minimum Idaho GED passing score is 145 per subject
- A score of 165-174 indicates college readiness
- A score of 175 or higher demonstrates college readiness with potential credit eligibility
To earn your Idaho High School Equivalency Certificate, you must achieve at least 145 on each of the four subject tests. There’s no average score calculation—you must pass each subject individually.
If you don’t pass a subject on your first attempt, you can retake it after a short waiting period. The GED Testing Service allows for two retakes with no waiting period, with additional retakes available after a 60-day waiting period. Idaho may have specific state policies regarding retakes, so check with your testing center for the most current information.
Read more: How to Pass the GED Math Test
Getting Your GED Transcript in Idaho
After completing your GED, you may need to share your Idaho GED transcript with potential employers or educational institutions.
To obtain your Idaho GED transcript, follow these steps:
- Visit the official GED website (GED.com)
- Log into your account
- Navigate to the transcript request section
- Pay the applicable fee (typically $15)
- Select where you want the transcript sent
If you took the GED before 2014, you may need to contact the Idaho State Department of Education directly, as older records may not be available through the online system.
Your Idaho GED transcript serves as official verification of your high school equivalency achievement and is recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and military recruiters throughout the country.
Many institutions allow electronic delivery, expediting the application process for jobs or educational opportunities.
Idaho GED Prep Resources
For quick reference guides and detailed information, several organizations offer an Idaho GED requirements PDF and other downloadable resources.
These materials can be especially helpful when you’re away from internet access or prefer physical documents for study and planning purposes.
Some valuable downloadable resources include:
- The Idaho Department of Education’s official GED guidelines
- Subject-specific study guides and practice questions
- Test center locations and contact information
- Financial assistance application forms
Most adult education centers maintain websites where you can find an Idaho GED requirements PDF containing comprehensive information about eligibility, testing procedures, and preparation resources. These documents are regularly updated to reflect any changes in state policies or testing procedures.
Idaho GED Requirements FAQs
Is a GED Harder Than a High School Diploma?
The GED isn’t necessarily harder—it’s just different. While a high school diploma involves completing multiple years of coursework, the GED is a series of four tests that measure high school-level knowledge.
Many find the GED challenging because it condenses a wide range of topics into a shorter assessment, but with proper preparation through GED classes in Idaho or Free GED prep Idaho, success is absolutely achievable.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a GED in Idaho?
The cost of GED in Idaho can vary depending on whether you're taking the test in-person or online, and whether you're taking one subject at a time or all four.
On average, each subject test costs $36, but this can change based on testing center policies. Some programs or grants may cover testing fees for eligible individuals.
What Is Required to Pass GED?
To pass the GED, you must achieve the Idaho GED passing score on all four subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.
Each subject is scored on a scale, and you must reach the minimum passing threshold established by the state. Scores reflect whether you're at a high school equivalency level, and additional points can qualify you for college-ready status.
What Is the Quickest Way to Get Your GED?
The quickest way to earn your GED is by preparing strategically with targeted study tools like an Idaho GED practice test free, enrolling in GED Idaho online courses, and focusing on subjects you find most challenging. Schedule all four tests through Idaho GED testing centers or take them online, depending on your location and preference.
Can I Take the GED Without Studying?
While it's technically possible to take the GED without studying, it’s not recommended. The GED covers a wide range of academic skills, and even those who have been out of school for a while may find some subjects difficult. Using resources like Online GED Idaho classes and free practice tools greatly increases your chances of passing the GED test Idaho on your first try.
Get your GED in Idaho Today!
Navigating Idaho’s GED requirements may seem daunting, but every year, many Idahoans successfully earn their high school equivalency credentials. Understanding these requirements is the essential first step toward better job prospects, higher education, and personal growth.
Whether your goal is career advancement, college admission, or personal achievement, the process is straightforward: confirm your eligibility, prepare with available resources, register, and pass all four GED subjects.
Earning a GED is more than just receiving a certificate’s a testament to your dedication and commitment to lifelong learning. Start your journey today by reaching out to a local education center or visiting GED.com, and unlock a future full of opportunity.