Getting your GED online is one of the smartest decisions you can make today. With more people studying from home, online GED testing has become more popular and even more convenient than ever.
And it gets even better: you can also study for the GED online! With Prepsaret, you’ll have everything you need to prepare quickly and confidently. From easy-to-follow study notes to realistic practice questions in all four GED subjects, Prepsaret makes studying simple, effective, and stress-free.
However, online GED testing isn’t the same in every state. Each state has its own rules about who can take the test online, whether you need to be a resident, and if you must complete a GED Ready® practice test first.
This article explains everything you need to know, from state requirements to costs, so you can confidently plan your GED journey no matter where you live.
Steps for Registering for Online GED Testing
Getting started with the online GED test is easy and accessible. Here’s a quick overview of the registration process:
- Sign up on the Official GED Website: Head to GED.com and create an account to begin the registration process.
- Select Your State: Choose the state where you’ll be taking the test (even if it’s online, some state rules still apply).
- Take the GED Ready® Practice Test: Many states require you to take this official practice test first to ensure you’re ready for the real exam.
- Choose Your Test Date: Once you’ve passed the practice test (if required), you can schedule your official online GED test.
- Complete Payment: Pay for your test at the time of scheduling.
The best part about registering for the GED online is its convenience and the fact that your diploma is recognized nationwide. Regardless of where you live, the GED you earn is valid across the country, opening doors to further education or job opportunities.
However, it’s important to note that not all states use the GED for High School Equivalency testing.
In Iowa and Maine, for example, the HiSET® exam is offered instead. While the HiSET is available for online testing, some students may face difficulties scheduling it for home testing.
Check Out: GED vs HISET
Students using Prepsaret’s study materials receive Free practice questions for each GED subject.
Online GED State-by-State and Residency Requirements
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of key requirements across different states:
| State Requirements | Requires Taking GED Ready Practice Test for Online Testing | Requires Taking GED Ready Practice Test for In-Person Testing | Cost of the GED Online | Cost of GED at Test Center | Must Be a Resident? |
| Alabama | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Alaska | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Arizona | Yes | No | $41 | $41 | No |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | $4 | $36 | Yes |
| California | Yes | No | $41 | $41 | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | No | $43.50 | $43.50 | No |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | $13 registration fee. | $13 registration fee. | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| Florida | No online testing | No | No online testing | $38 | No |
| Georgia | Yes | No | $46 | $46 | No |
| Hawaii | No online testing | No | No online testing | $43.50 | No |
| Idaho | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Illinois | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes | No | $39 | $39 | No |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes | No | $36 | $38.50 | No |
| Maryland | Yes | No | $21.75 | $21.75 | Yes |
| Massachusetts | No online testing | No | No online testing | $36 | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | No | $43.50 | $43.50 | No |
| Minnesota | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Mississippi | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Missouri | Yes | No | $36 | $33 | Yes |
| Montana | No | No | $36 | $26 | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | $36 | $31 | Yes |
| New Hampshire | No (except for those 18 and under) | No (except for those 18 and under) | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| New York | No online testing | No | No online testing | FREE | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes | No | $36 | $26 | No |
| North Dakota | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Ohio | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Yes | No | $41 | $41 | No |
| Oregon | Yes | No | $44 | $44 | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No | FREE | FREE | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes | No | $36 | $30 | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes | No | $43.50 | $37.50 | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes | No | $50 | $50 | No |
| Tennessee | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Texas | Yes | No | $42.25 | $36.25 | Yes |
| Utah | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Vermont | No | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | No |
| Washington | Yes | No | $36 | $36 | Yes |
| West Virginia | No online testing | Yes | No online testing | FREE | No |
| Wisconsin | Yes | No | $39.75 | $39.75 | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | No | $26 | $26 | No |
The differences in Online GED State-by-State policies reflect each state’s approach to education and credentialing.
While some states maintain strict residency requirements, others have opened their programs to anyone regardless of where they live, making the process more accessible.
However, a few states do not currently offer the GED online at all, including:
- New York
- Hawaii
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Florida
- Massachusetts
Steps of Taking the GED from Home
Taking the GED from home through the official OnVUE online testing system is a convenient option—but there are a few important steps and rules to follow to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Online GED Technical Requirements
Before you schedule your test, make sure you meet these technical requirements:
- A computer with a webcam and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- The Chrome browser installed
- A private, quiet room for testing
- A valid, government-issued photo ID
You’ll also need to take and pass the GED Ready® practice test for each subject you want to take online.
Find Out More: What Kind of Computer Do I Need to Take the GED Test Online
Online GED Scheduling and Check-In Process
- Schedule your exam through your account at GED.com.
- On exam day, complete the pre-check-in process:
- Verify your identity with a photo ID
- Show your testing room using your webcam
- Close all other programs on your computer
You’ll take the test under the watch of a live online proctor to make sure everything stays fair and secure.
Online GED Exam Rules
To keep your GED exam valid and secure, you must follow these strict rules:
- You must be physically located in the United States; tests taken outside the U.S. will be canceled with no refund.
- Cheating is strictly prohibited. Having someone else take the test for you can result in a permanent ban and revoked test scores.
- You agree to be video and audio recorded during the entire exam.
- Personal items like phones, headphones, watches, or any electronic devices must be out of reach unless approved.
- You must be in a private, walled room with a closed door.
- No one else is allowed in the room once the exam begins.
- You may not leave the webcam view at any time during the test.
- You cannot use a calculator, scratch paper, or take physical notes.
- Food, smoking, and gum are not allowed during the exam.
- Do not move your webcam once the testing session has started.
- Mumbling, speaking aloud, or covering your mouth is not permitted and can lead to warnings.
- Touchscreen features on laptops are not allowed.
- You must be fully clothed during the test.
These rules help make sure that online GED testing is just as secure as in-person testing at a center. Following them protects the value of your GED diploma and shows your true skills and effort.
Continue Reading: Top 10 GED Study Tips
Online GED State-by-State and Residency Requirements FAQs
In What State Can I Take My GED Online?
Many states offer online GED testing, including Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado. However, some states like Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New York do not currently allow online GED testing.
Does It Matter What State I Get My GED In?
The GED credential is nationally recognized, but residency and testing rules vary by state. You can take the GED in a state without residency requirements, but the diploma is issued by that state’s education authority, which may affect local recognition.
Is GED Accepted in All 50 States?
Yes, the GED diploma is accepted across all 50 states as an equivalent to a high school diploma. It meets educational and employment requirements nationwide, regardless of the state where the test was taken.
Online GED State-by-State and Residency Requirements Conclusion
Now that you know the online GED state-by-state requirements, you’re one step closer to earning your diploma. While each state has different rules for residency, test costs, and online availability, most allow you to test from home with the right setup.
Ready to pass on your first try? Start preparing with Prepsaret! With realistic practice questions and simple study tools for all GED subjects, Prepsaret makes it easy to learn fast and succeed. Sign up today and start your journey!