Illinois GED Requirements

Thinking about earning your GED in Illinois? Great choice. The GED—short for General Educational Development—is a high school equivalency credential. That means if you didn’t finish high school, earning a GED can show schools and employers that you’ve got the same knowledge and skills as a high school graduate.

In Illinois, getting your GED can open doors. Want to go to college? Land a better job? Reach personal goals? The GED is your first big step.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Illinois GED requirements—including age rules, residency, fees, subjects, and how to sign up. We’ll keep it simple, friendly, and helpful.

Don’t wait. Start preparing today with Prepsaret GED practice tests and free online study tools like the Illinois GED study guide. You’ve got this.

Who Is Eligible to Take the GED in Illinois?

Before you can take the GED test online in Illinois or in person, there are a few basic rules you need to meet:

• You must not be enrolled in high school.
• You must not already have a high school diploma or equivalent (like another GED from a different state).

If you dropped out of high school, were homeschooled, or never had the chance to finish, the GED is made for you.

Special Groups Can Also Take The GED In Illinois

• Homeschooled students: Yes, you’re eligible.
• Incarcerated individuals: Many correctional facilities offer GED programs.
• Young adults in alternative programs: You may qualify with special permission.

So if you’re wondering, “How to get a GED in Illinois?”—there’s a good chance the answer is: You can.

Read on: GED in Illinois 

Illinois GED Age and Residency Requirements

How Old Do You Need to Be?

In Illinois, you usually need to be at least 17 years old to take the GED. But there’s more to it than just your age:

• If you’re 17, you must provide proof that you’ve officially withdrawn from school.
• If you’re 16, you’ll need a waiver, a school withdrawal form, and parental consent. This is rare but possible in special cases.

That answers the common question: “Can you get your GED at 16 in Illinois?” Yes, but only with special approval.

Do You Have to Live in Illinois?

Yes. To take the GED in Illinois, you must be an Illinois resident. That means you need to show proof of residency, like a state ID, driver’s license, or a utility bill with your name and address.

Good to know: You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to take the GED in Illinois—just a resident of the state.

Minimum Age to Take the GED Without Parental Consent in Illinois

Let’s clear this up: To take the GED in Illinois without parental permission, you must be 18 or older.

If you’re 17, here’s what you’ll need:

• A school withdrawal form from your last high school
• Parental consent (usually signed during registration)
• Proof of Illinois residency

Want to take it at 16? That’s possible—but only with special approval from the school district or GED testing office in Illinois.

These points fall under GED eligibility in Illinois and reflect the Illinois GED age requirement.

Related post: Delaware GED Requirements

Testing Fees and Costs for the GED in Illinois

Standard Testing Fees

In Illinois, the GED test includes four subject areas, and each one costs $36. That means if you take all four subjects, the total comes to $144.

You can take the test either in person at Illinois GED testing locations or as a GED test online (Illinois) through an approved proctoring system. The fee is the same either way, but there may be extra charges depending on the testing site.

Retake Policies and Fees

Didn’t pass the first time? Don’t stress. You can retake each subject up to two times with discounted pricing. 

The GED Testing Service waives its fee for these two retakes, but the local test center might still charge a small fee—usually around $10. After your second retake, the full price applies again.

Fee Waivers and Discounts for Illinois GED Test Takers

Good news: financial help is available if you’re eligible.

• Low-income individuals: If you’re enrolled in programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), you may qualify for GED fee coverage.
• Veterans and exonerees: The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) offers financial support for qualifying veterans and individuals wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.
• Students in GED programs: Some community colleges, like Elgin Community College, provide tuition waivers or vouchers if you complete prep classes with them and pass the test.

To apply for a waiver or discount, check with your local adult education center, community college, or the Illinois Department of Human Services. They’ll help guide you through the process and get you set up with the support you need.

After the Test: What Comes Next?

Once you pass all four subject areas, you’ll receive your Illinois GED certificate—proof that you’ve met the same academic standards as a high school graduate.

Need a copy later? You can request an Illinois GED transcript through the official GED Testing Service website. It’s useful for college admissions, job applications, and other official purposes.

Find out: Can I Become A Doctor With A GED?

Studying for the Illinois GED

You don’t have to go it alone. There are many free resources available, including Illinois GED test online free options, interactive tools, and printable GED study guides. These tools make it easier to prep at your own pace and target the areas you need most help with.

Want a head start? Take a GED practice test to see where you stand—and what you still need to review.

Continue reading: How to Prepare for the Ged| K-12 Schools

What Subjects Are on the Illinois GED Test?

The GED is made up of four separate tests. Here’s what you’ll be tested on:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA): This one tests your reading and writing skills. Expect to read passages, correct grammar, and write an essay.
• Mathematical Reasoning: You’ll solve problems using algebra, geometry, basic math, and data interpretation. A calculator is allowed for some sections.
• Science: Covers life science, physical science, and Earth and space science. You’ll need to analyze data, graphs, and experiments.
• Social Studies: Tests your knowledge of U.S. history, civics, economics, and geography. You’ll read documents, interpret graphs, and apply critical thinking.

You don’t have to take all four tests at once. Many people take them one at a time to focus better and manage their study time. These subjects are part of the GED testing requirements in Illinois, which you must be aware of before moving forward with the process.

How to Register for the GED in Illinois

Getting started is easy—and online.

1. Create an account at GED.com.
2. Verify your identity with a valid photo ID and some basic information.
3. Pick your subjects and schedule test dates.
4. Pay for the test using a debit or credit card.

When considering what is needed to take the GED in Illinois, it’s important to note that you must be a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days prior to your test. This is one of the GED rules in Illinois. Some testing centers may require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or photo ID.

The Illinois GED cost is $30 per subject test, so expect to pay around $120 for all four tests. 

If you’re comparing GED vs high school diploma in Illinois, it’s worth noting that while the GED is widely accepted as equivalent to a high school diploma, there may be specific cases where a high school diploma is preferred by certain employers or institutions.

If you’re wondering about GED requirements in Chicago, IL, they are essentially the same as throughout the state, but you may want to double-check specific testing center policies. 

Similarly, Springfield Illinois GED testing info is available on the official GED website, where you can find test centers and their specific requirements.

Where to Take the GED Test in Illinois: In-Person and Online Options

In-person testing is available at authorized GED centers throughout Illinois. Whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, or elsewhere, you can find a test center by using the GED center locator on GED.com. 

Where to take the GED in Illinois is no longer an issue—there are plenty of options to choose from.

However, if you prefer the comfort of your home, Illinois GED online options are available as well. In order to take the GED test online in Illinois, you must first score “green” on the GED Ready practice test. To test online, you’ll also need:

• A private, quiet room
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer with a webcam

When weighing your options between in-person testing and online testing, you’ll want to decide what fits your needs. For many, GED online classes in Illinois are a great preparatory option if you are choosing the online test. 

These classes help familiarize you with the test format and give you a deeper understanding of the subjects.

Online classes are also available for those interested in free GED programs in Illinois, which provide preparatory material at no charge for Illinois residents. These programs are valuable resources for anyone looking to save on the cost of GED preparation.

Check out: GED Prep Classes in Illinois

Free and Online GED Preparation in Illinois

Illinois offers several ways to prepare for the GED. Many adult education centers provide free GED programs in Illinois to assist individuals who need financial support. 

If you’re interested in online GED classes in Illinois, you can find several options that allow you to study from home, offering flexibility around your schedule.

Additionally, if you’re looking for GED test online Illinois, there are many resources and test prep websites that can help you get ready for the online exam. Many of these sites offer practice tests and study guides tailored specifically to the online GED testing format.

For those who prefer in-person instruction, the state also has many locations where you can attend GED preparation classes in person. These classes are designed to help you prepare for both the written and online formats of the GED.

GED vs High School Diploma in Illinois

When comparing the GED vs high school diploma in Illinois, it’s important to recognize that both can open doors to educational and career opportunities. However, the GED is typically a faster option for those who did not graduate from high school. 

In Illinois, as in other states, the GED is accepted by most employers, colleges, and trade schools as the equivalent of a high school diploma. 

Nevertheless, some industries or employers may have preferences for a traditional high school diploma, so it’s worth researching specific job requirements.

Illinois GED Requirements Conclusion

Whether you’re taking the test in-person or online, understanding the GED testing requirements in Illinois is crucial to your success. 

With many Illinois GED online options, as well as free GED programs in Illinois, there are multiple ways to prepare. Whether you choose the GED test online Illinois route or decide to go to a test center near you, the opportunity to earn your GED is within reach.

So, start planning your GED application process in Illinois today—whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, or another Illinois city. With the right preparation and resources, you can confidently take the next step toward earning your GED and achieving your educational goals.

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