Is the HiSET Available in Virginia? No. Virginia does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only Virginia Board-approved high school equivalency (HSE) examination in Virginia. The VDOE has issued specific Superintendent’s Memos confirming this. The credential earned is the GED Certificate, administered by GED Testing Service.
Virginia standardized exclusively on the GED for high school equivalency testing. Per VDOE, ‘Currently, the only Virginia board-approved HSE examination in Virginia is the GED test, which was developed to enable persons who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of abilities normally associated with completion of a high school program of study.’
The Code of Virginia (22.1-254.2), ‘Testing for high school equivalency; eligibility; guidelines,’ has been unchanged since July 1, 2006.
All references to ‘GED’ in the Code of Virginia have been changed to ‘a high school equivalency examination approved by the Virginia Board of Education’ (effective January 1, 2014), but the GED remains the only board-approved option.
Which States Still Offer HiSET?
Virginia borders Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina:
| State | Available Exam(s) — 2026 |
| Virginia | GED only — HiSET not available; NO residency requirement to test |
| Maryland (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| West Virginia (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Kentucky (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Tennessee (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| North Carolina (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Pennsylvania | Both GED and HiSET available |
| Oklahoma | Both GED and HiSET available |
| Massachusetts | HiSET primary; GED also available |
Since Virginia has no residency requirement, non-Virginia residents can also test at Virginia test centers. All surrounding states are GED-only states, so there is no nearby HiSET option regardless of residency.
What Is the Virginia GED?
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) administers the state’s high school equivalency (HSE) testing program through its Office of Adult Education and Literacy.
Virginia’s adult education and literacy programs are organized in a regional structure and funded through WIOA Title II (AEFLA). The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC) — a division of the Literacy Institute at VCU — manages the GED Virginia website (gedva.com) and the GED Helpline, providing resources and support to Virginia adult education teachers and students.
VDOE offers a critical pathway to free testing: enroll in an adult education program, attend a minimum of 12 hours, and pass the GED Ready practice test in each subject area — then receive free GED testing vouchers. This program makes GED testing effectively free for enrolled program participants.
Virginia GED At-a-Glance
| Fact | Detail |
| Official credential name | GED Certificate (issued by VDOE) |
| Administered by | Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Office of Adult Education and Literacy |
| GED Administrator | Dr. Beverly Godwin, Virginia State HSE Specialist | [email protected] | (804) 786-7644 | 101 North 14th Street, James Monroe Building, 21st Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 |
| GED Virginia Helpline | (877) 777-4858 | gedva.com — Free information and resources for Virginia GED programs, managed by VALRC |
| Standard minimum age | 18 years old; 16 with specific conditions (seven pathways — see Section 3) |
| Number of subjects | 4 |
| Passing score per subject | 145 out of 200 |
| Cost — In-Person | $36 per subject ($144 for all four); enrolled adult education program participants may qualify for free testing vouchers |
| Cost — Online | $36 per subject ($144 for all four) — SAME as in-person |
| Free testing vouchers | YES — enroll in adult education program, attend 12+ hours, pass GED Ready in each subject → free GED test vouchers |
| In-person retake fee | $10 test center fee; one discounted retake per full-price purchase within 365 days |
| No-wait in-person retakes | TWO — no waiting period for first 2 retakes; 60-day wait after 3rd attempt; no annual limit |
| Residency required? | NO — Virginia has no residency requirement to take the GED |
| Languages | English and Spanish; CAN combine to earn a credential in Virginia |
| ISAEP program (16-18 year-olds) | Individual Student Alternative Education Plan — fulfills compulsory attendance for at-risk 16-18 year-olds; requires GED Ready 145+ in all subjects before testing |
| VDOE credential requests | All-digital — VDOE no longer accepts paper, phone, fax, or email for GED credential requests; use the GED Credentialing website (gedva.com or ged.com) |
| Adult secondary credential options | Adult High School Diploma Program; National External Diploma Program (NEDP); General Achievement Adult High School Diploma (GAAHSD) — see Section 9 |
Virginia GED Eligibility: The Seven Under-18 Pathways
Adults 18 and Older: Standard Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must not be currently enrolled in high school
- Must not already hold a high school diploma
- No Virginia residency requirement — non-residents may test in Virginia
- No GED prep class required (free program strongly recommended for vouchers and preparation)
- No GED Ready practice test required for in-person testing (except ISAEP students); required for online testing
Students Age 16 or 17: Virginia’s Seven Eligibility Pathways
| Virginia Has the Most Comprehensive Under-18 System in This Guide Series
Virginia provides seven separate eligibility pathways for 16-17-year-olds, each with its own documentation requirement submitted to the VDOE Specialist for High School Equivalency in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy. This is significantly more complex than most states in this series. |
All under-18 eligibility pathways require the applicant to be at least 16 years of age. Documentation must be submitted to the appropriate VDOE specialist. For online testing, a parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in. Below are all seven pathways:
Homeschooled
- Must have completed a home instruction program
- Provide documentation signed by the superintendent/designee certifying that the applicant has completed a home instruction program
- Submit to: Specialist for High School Equivalency, VDOE Office of Adult Education and Literacy
Released from Compulsory Attendance
- Released from compulsory attendance by the local school board
- Provide documentation signed by the division superintendent/designee certifying the release
- Emancipated and adjudicated minors are STILL subject to the compulsory attendance law unless they are specifically released by the local school board
ISAEP In Alternative Education
- Enrolled in alternative education and granted an ISAEP
- The division superintendent/designee provides VDOE with the completed ‘GED Options GED Testing Eligibility Form’
- CRITICAL: ISAEP students must first achieve a minimum score of 145 on EACH of the subtests of the GED Ready practice test before this eligibility form may be submitted — GED Ready is a required prerequisite for ISAEP students, not optional
- ISAEP fulfills compulsory attendance requirements for students between 16-18 years old who are at risk of dropping out
Correctional Facility
- In a correctional facility, at least 16 years of age
- Provide documentation signed by the Virginia Department of Correctional Education confirming the individual is actively pursuing a GED certificate
Expelled from School
- Expelled from school, at least 16 years old
- Provide documentation signed by the division superintendent/designee certifying the expulsion
Court Ordered
- Court ordered to participate in the GED testing program, at least 16 years old
- Provide documentation signed by the judge ordering the applicant to participate
Excused from School Attendance
- Excused from school attendance based on religious reasons or chronic health issues
| Where to Submit Under-18 Documentation
For Pathways 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7: Submit to the Specialist for High School Equivalency in the VDOE Office of Adult Education and Literacy (contact [email protected] or call (804) 786-7644 or (877) 777-4858). For Pathway 3 (ISAEP): The division superintendent/designee submits directly to the VDOE Adult Secondary and ISAEP Programs for High School Equivalency office. For all under-18 online testing: a parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in. If absent, the exam session is revoked. |
The ISAEP Program: Virginia’s At-Risk Youth GED Pathway
| ISAEP — Individual Student Alternative Education Plan
The Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) is Virginia’s state-specific program that enables at-risk 16-18 year-olds to pursue GED testing as part of alternative education, while fulfilling compulsory attendance requirements. This is unique to Virginia and has no equivalent in most other states in this guide series. ISAEP students must pass GED Ready at 145+ in all four subjects before they can be cleared for official GED testing. |
ISAEP was designed to prepare students at risk of dropping out of public high school to take the GED Tests while developing career and technical education skills. Key ISAEP characteristics:
- Fulfills compulsory attendance requirements for 16-18 year-olds
- Student must be enrolled in alternative education and formally granted an ISAEP by their division
- Division superintendent/designee submits the ‘GED Options GED Testing Eligibility Form’ to VDOE
- GED Ready 145+ on all four subjects is a mandatory prerequisite before the eligibility form can be submitted — this is Virginia’s equivalent of an academic readiness gate
- ISAEP students who complete their GED before 18 are still eligible for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as required by IDEA
- ISAEP is for currently enrolled Virginia public school students; it differs from other pathways which apply to students who have left the school system
Virginia’s Free GED Testing Voucher Program
| Free GED Testing for Adult Education Enrollees
Virginia offers one of the most structured free GED testing programs in the guide series: enroll in an adult education program, attend a minimum of 12 hours, and pass the GED Ready practice test in each subject area — then earn FREE GED testing vouchers. This program effectively eliminates the $144 GED testing cost for dedicated program participants. |
How to Earn Free GED Vouchers
- Enroll in a Virginia adult education program — distance education options are available for those who cannot attend in-person. Find programs at gedva.com/providers/ or call (877) 777-4858.
- Attend a minimum of 12 hours of adult education instruction (in-person or distance learning options available).
- Pass the GED Ready practice test with a qualifying score in each of the four subject areas.
Upon meeting all three requirements, the VDOE provides free GED testing vouchers that cover the full cost of the official GED tests. Many Virginia adult education programs go further — some, like Southside Virginia Community College’s adult education program, explicitly state they cover all GED credential test fees as long as students meet program requirements, and they also provide free GED Ready practice tests to enrolled students.
Selected Virginia Adult Education Programs Offering Free GED
| Provider | Details |
| Southside Virginia Community College Adult Education | Free GED credential testing and free GED Ready practice tests for enrolled students. Serves Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward. Contact: Denis McCarthy 434-294-0244 | [email protected] | southside.edu/adult-education-grants |
| Southside Programs for Adult Continuing Education | FREE classes; students may enroll at any time. GED prep, ESL, workforce prep, integrated education and training. Serves Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry, Sussex, Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg. 6610 Commons Drive, Suite 101, Prince George, VA 23875 | (804) 733-2670 | 1-800-321-6081 | southsideadulted.org |
| Campbell County Adult Education | Free adult education classes for adults 18+ preparing for GED. Enrolled students qualify for free testing vouchers. Campbell County area. |
| Richmond Public Schools Adult Education | GED prep with IET (Integrated Education and Training) pathway — earn GED while gaining hands-on training in healthcare, construction, technology. rvaschools.net/academics/secondary/adult-education |
| Fairfax County Adult High School (FCAHS) | HSE pathway for Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, and City of Falls Church residents 18+. Tuition: $80/semester. In-person and virtual classes. fairfaxadulths.fcps.edu | (703) 658-1000 |
| All Regional Programs | Virginia’s adult education is organized regionally. Find your provider: gedva.com/providers/ | (877) 777-4858 |
Virginia GED Cost Fee Guide
| Virginia Charges $36/Subject — Same for In-Person and Online
Virginia, like Utah and Vermont, charges $36 per subject regardless of testing format ($144 total for all four subjects). Many enrolled adult education program participants qualify for free testing through the VDOE voucher program (12 hours + GED Ready required). |
| Fee Item | Amount / Detail |
| Per subject — In-Person | $36.00 (or free with VDOE voucher for eligible program participants) |
| Full battery — In-Person (all 4) | $144.00 (or free with VDOE voucher) |
| Per subject — Online | $36.00 (same as in-person) |
| Full battery — Online (all 4) | $144.00 + GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) required; GED Ready also free through many VA adult ed programs |
| Free testing vouchers | $0 — enroll in VA adult education program, attend 12+ hours, pass GED Ready in each subject → VDOE provides free GED testing vouchers |
| Discounted retake — In-Person | $10 test center fee (GED waives $26); one discounted retake per full-price purchase within 365 days |
| Online retake | $36 — no discounted retake for online testing |
| GED Ready practice test | ~$7.99/subject — required for online testing and for ISAEP eligibility; often free through VA adult ed programs |
Retake Policies in Virginia
| Retake Rule | Details |
| No-wait attempts — In-Person | TWO — no waiting period for first 2 retakes; 60-day wait after 3rd attempt; no annual limit on total attempts |
| Discounted retake pattern | 1 full price : 1 discounted retake ($10) within 365 days; repeats each time you fail |
| No-wait attempts — Online | ONE — 60-day wait after 2nd online attempt on the same subject |
| Online retake cost | $36 — no discounted retake for online testing |
Virginia GED Subjects, Format, and Test Length
| Subject | Time Limit | Content and Format |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | 150 min (10-min break) | Reading comprehension, extended response essay (45 min), grammar; multiple choice, drag-and-drop, extended response |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 minutes | Basic math, geometry, graphs, algebra, functions; calculator-free Part 1; on-screen calculator Part 2 |
| Science | 90 minutes | Life, physical, earth science; data interpretation from graphs and diagrams |
| Social Studies | 70 minutes | U.S. history, civics, economics, geography; primary source document and map analysis |
Passing Score and Score Levels
| Score Level | Score Range and Meaning |
| Below Passing | 100–144 per subject — two no-wait in-person retakes at $10 each available |
| Passing (High School Equivalency) | 145–164 per subject — earns Virginia GED Certificate |
| GED College Ready | 165–174 — career and college readiness designation; may qualify for placement test waivers at Virginia colleges |
| GED College Ready + Credit | 175–200 — may earn college credits at participating Virginia institutions through ACE CREDIT program |
| Score note | VDOE notes the GED ‘measures not only high school equivalency, but also career and college readiness’ |
Virginia GED Online Testing
| Online GED Available at $36/Subject — Same as In-Person
Virginia supports the GED Online Proctored exam at $36/subject (same as in-person). GED Ready green score required first. Under-18 testers need a parent at the pre-test check-in. ISAEP students note: GED Ready 145+ in all subjects is required before any official GED testing, including online. |
Online vs. In-Person: Key Differences in Virginia
| Feature | In-Person (Test Center) | Online (Remote Proctored) |
| Cost per subject | $36 (same; or free with VDOE voucher) | $36 (same as in-person; or free with VDOE voucher) |
| GED Ready required? | Not required for standard adults (required for ISAEP students) | YES — green score within 60 days (all students) |
| No-wait retake attempts | TWO before 60-day wait | ONE before 60-day wait |
| Discounted retakes | $10 each; one per full-price purchase | $36 — no discount |
| Under-18 parent required? | No (VDOE documentation pathway only) | YES — parent at pre-test check-in |
| Free vouchers applicable? | YES — VDOE vouchers cover in-person testing | YES — VDOE vouchers also cover online testing |
| Best for | Free with vouchers; two discounted retakes; all subjects same day | Flexible scheduling; rural VA residents; 24/7; same price as in-person |
Virginia’s Four Adult Secondary Credential Pathways
Beyond the GED, Virginia offers three additional pathways to earn adult secondary credentials. Together with the GED, Virginia has four total credential options for adults:
GED Certificate (Exam-Based)
Pass all four GED subjects at 145+. Cost: $36/subject ($144 total) — free with VDOE vouchers for adult education enrollees. The most widely recognized option. Results in the Virginia GED Certificate from VDOE.
Adult High School Diploma Program
Virginia offers an Adult High School Diploma Program through local school divisions and adult education providers. Students complete academic coursework equivalent to high school graduation requirements.
The credential issued is a high school diploma — a stronger designation than an equivalency certificate. Contact your local adult education provider or VDOE for current program availability.
National External Diploma Program (NEDP)
The NEDP is a portfolio-based assessment program for adults who can demonstrate high school-level skills through real-life, work and educational experience — without a standardized exam.
The NEDP results in a high school diploma. Multiple Virginia adult education providers offer NEDP. Contact the VDOE Office of Adult Education and Literacy or VALRC for a list of NEDP providers.
General Achievement Adult High School Diploma (GAAHSD)
| GAAHSD — Virginia’s Unique Achievement-Based Adult Diploma
The General Achievement Adult High School Diploma (GAAHSD) is a Virginia-specific diploma pathway intended for individuals who are not subject to the compulsory attendance requirements of Virginia Code §22.1-254. Requirements include successfully passing a Board-approved HSE examination (currently the GED), among other criteria. It provides a diploma — not just an equivalency certificate — to qualifying adults. |
- Intended for individuals not subject to compulsory attendance (generally those who have aged out of K-12 or otherwise no longer subject to compulsory attendance)
- Requires successfully passing the GED (the only Board-approved HSE exam) as one of the requirements
- Results in an actual Virginia high school diploma
- Contact VDOE Office of Adult Education and Literacy for complete current requirements: [email protected] | (804) 786-7644
| Pathway | Credential Issued | Best For |
| GED (Exam-Based) | GED Certificate | Fastest path; most widely recognized; free with VDOE vouchers for adult ed enrollees |
| Adult High School Diploma Program | High School Diploma | Those who prefer coursework over exams want a full diploma designation |
| NEDP | High School Diploma (portfolio-based) | Adults with strong work/life experience who prefer portfolio assessment over exams |
| GAAHSD | Virginia High School Diploma | Adults not subject to compulsory attendance who want a diploma; requires GED among other criteria |
Virginia GED Testing Centers
Virginia has GED testing centers throughout the state at community colleges, adult education centers, and career centers. Virginia has no residency requirement, so both Virginia residents and non-residents may test at Virginia centers.
| City / Area | Testing Center and Contact |
| Abingdon (SW VA) | Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center — 1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA 24210 | (276) 619-4359 |
| Alberta (Southside) | Southside Virginia Community College — 109 Campus Dr, Alberta, VA 23821 | (434) 949-1090 |
| Alexandria (NoVA) | Alexandria Adult Education — Alexandria, VA | Search GED.com for current location |
| Fairfax County | Fairfax County Adult High School (FCAHS) — Fairfax County; various locations | fairfaxadulths.fcps.edu | (703) 658-1000 | Tuition: $80/semester |
| Prince George (Southside) | Southside Programs for Adult Continuing Education — 6610 Commons Drive, Suite 101, Prince George, VA 23875 | (804) 733-2670 | 1-800-321-6081 | southsideadulted.org |
| Richmond | Richmond Public Schools Adult Education — GED prep and testing | (804) 780-7895 | rvaschools.net/academics/secondary/adult-education |
For a complete, current list of all Virginia GED testing centers: create a free account at GED.com and use the test center locator, or visit gedva.com and call the GED Virginia Helpline at (877) 777-4858. Virginia’s adult education programs are organized regionally — find your regional provider.
Free GED Preparation in Virginia
Virginia Adult Education and Literacy
Virginia’s adult education and literacy programs are funded through WIOA Title II (AEFLA) and organized in a regional structure.
Programs provide free or low-cost instruction in GED preparation, basic skills, English language acquisition (ELA), workforce preparation, and Integrated Education and Training (IET). The VDOE Adult Education Regional Provider page and gedva.com/providers/ list all providers.
| Free GED Prep Through Virginia Adult Education
Study and tutoring assistance is available at no cost from Virginia adult education and literacy programs. Many programs also provide free GED Ready practice tests and, for enrolled students who meet the 12-hour attendance and GED Ready requirements, free official GED testing vouchers. Virginia’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) model allows adults to earn their GED simultaneously with hands-on workforce training in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, and technology. |
Key Virginia Adult Education Resources
| Resource | Details |
| GED Virginia (gedva.com) | Free information, resources, and provider directory specific to Virginia GED programs. Managed by VALRC (Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center at VCU). GED Helpline: (877) 777-4858 |
| VALRC (Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center) | Division of the Literacy Institute at VCU. Manages gedva.com and GED Helpline. Provides professional development for VA adult education teachers. valrc.org |
| GED Virginia Helpline | (877) 777-4858 — free assistance finding programs, classes, and testing centers across Virginia |
| VDOE Adult Education Regional Providers | doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/adult-education | gedva.com/providers/ |
| Integrated Education and Training (IET) | Virginia’s IET model allows adults to earn a GED while gaining hands-on training in high-demand trades — healthcare, construction, technology, and manufacturing. Offered through participating adult education programs. |
| GED Free Test Previews | ged.com/study/free-online-ged-test.html |
| GED Ready (~$7.99/subject or free at VA adult ed programs) | Required for online testing and ISAEP eligibility; often free through VA adult ed programs |
| Prepsaret.com | Free and premium prep test resources and video lessons for all GED content areas |
| Virginia Public Libraries | Many Virginia public libraries offer free LearningExpress Library access with GED practice tests — ask your branch librarian |
VDOE Credentialing System
| VDOE No Longer Accepts Paper, Phone, Fax or Email for Credentials
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) no longer accepts paper, phone, fax, or email requests for the fulfillment of GED credentials. All credential requests and duplicate copies must be handled through the GED Credentialing website online. |
Getting Your Virginia GED Certificate and Transcripts
| Document | How to Obtain |
| Free electronic diploma and transcript (automatic) | Emailed to your GED.com account address after passing all 4 subjects. Download immediately — time-limited links. Verified by GED Testing Service/Parchment using Blue Ribbon Security. |
| Free printed diploma | GED.com > My Scores > Order Duplicates > Printed Diploma |
| Duplicate certificate/transcript | Order online at the GED Credentialing website (gedva.com or ged.com). VDOE does NOT accept paper/fax/email requests. |
| Paper request form (if online not feasible) | A paper request form is available from VDOE as a last resort. Complete and mail to the address at the bottom of the form. Contact [email protected] for the form. |
| Employer/institution verification | Direct to the GED Credentialing website for verification |
| GED Virginia HSE Office | [email protected] | (804) 786-7644 | gedva.com | (877) 777-4858 |
How to Get Your GED in Virginia
- Create a free account at GED.com and select Virginia as your testing jurisdiction. Virginia has NO residency requirement.
- If you are 16-17: determine which of the seven pathways applies to you. Submit required documentation to VDOE before scheduling. For ISAEP: complete GED Ready 145+ in all four subjects first, then have your superintendent submit the GED Options GED Testing Eligibility Form. Contact [email protected] or (877) 777-4858 for guidance.
- Find your nearest free Virginia adult education program at gedva.com/providers/ or call (877) 777-4858. Enroll for free instruction, tutoring, and GED Ready practice tests.
- To earn free GED testing vouchers: attend at least 12 hours of adult education instruction AND pass GED Ready in each subject. Contact your program for the voucher distribution process.
- Study using free resources from GED.com, Khan Academy, your adult education program’s instruction, and free GED Ready practice tests through your program.
- Take the GED Ready practice test (~$7.99/subject or free through your program) — required for online testing and ISAEP eligibility; strongly recommended for all test-takers.
- Schedule at GED.com: $36/subject (same for in-person and online). Apply VDOE free testing voucher codes at checkout if eligible. Find VA test centers via GED.com locator or gedva.com.
- On test day: bring valid government-issued photo ID. Leave phone, notes, food, and drinks outside the testing room. Under-18 online testers: parent must be at pre-test check-in.
- After passing all 4 subjects: check your email for a free Virginia GED Certificate (e-diploma) and e-transcript. Download immediately. Order a printed diploma through GED.com or duplicate via the GED Credentialing website.
How to Pass the Virginia GED Fast
30-Day GED Study Blueprint
| Week | Focus and Activities |
| Week 1: Assess, enroll, and get free vouchers started | Enroll in your nearest VA adult education program (free). Take free GED.com practice previews. Identify the weakest 1-2 subjects. Start the 12-hour clock for free voucher eligibility — attend classes regularly. Get free GED Ready practice tests through your program. |
| Week 2: Deep subject work | Focus on Mathematical Reasoning (most commonly failed). Study algebra, linear equations, graphs, and data interpretation. Begin RLA — practice argumentative essay. Use free adult education instructor support and the IET program if career training is also a goal. |
| Week 3: Full practice + timed tests | Take one full-time practice test per subject. Fix weak areas. Practice Extended Response — 4-paragraph argument with thesis and text evidence. Aim for 300+ words. Set up tech for online testing if needed. |
| Week 4: GED Ready + voucher + schedule | Take GED Ready (free through the program or ~$7.99/subject online). Green score confirms readiness. By this point, you may have logged 12+ hours — ask your program coordinator about your free testing voucher. Schedule at GED.com. |
Virginia-Specific Tips
Enroll for Free Vouchers First
Virginia’s free testing voucher program is one of the most valuable in the guide series. Before spending $144 on testing, enroll in a free adult education program, attend 12 hours, and pass GED Ready.
The only cost is time. Multiple providers — including Southside Virginia CC and Southside Programs for Adult Continuing Education — will also cover your GED Ready practice test costs. Start the enrollment process as early as possible.
IET Pathway: Earn GED and Career Training Simultaneously
Virginia’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) model allows you to pursue your GED at the same time as gaining hands-on career training credentials in healthcare, construction, technology, and manufacturing.
Richmond Public Schools Adult Education and other providers offer this model. If your goal includes workforce advancement, ask your local adult education provider about IET options.
ISAEP Students: GED Ready Is Required, Not Optional
ISAEP students must achieve 145 on every GED Ready subtest before the division superintendent can even submit the testing eligibility form to VDOE. This is unique to Virginia and non-negotiable. Use your ISAEP program’s resources to prepare thoroughly for GED Ready before anything else.
Day-of-Test Checklist
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- No residency documentation required in Virginia — just your photo ID
- For under-18 test-takers: VDOE pathway documentation must be completed and submitted to VDOE before test day
- Leave phone, smart watch, notes, food, and drinks outside the testing room
- For online testing: log in 30 min early: private quiet space; parent must be at check-in for under-18 testers
- Spend 5 minutes outlining the Extended Response essay before writing
- If using a free VDOE voucher: confirm the voucher code with your adult education program before test day
What Can You Do With a Virginia GED Certificate?
| Legal Equivalence in Virginia
The Virginia GED Certificate is fully recognized by all Virginia employers, all Virginia colleges and universities, all branches of the U.S. military, and all federal employment programs as equivalent to a high school diploma. The GED is accepted by 98% of U.S. colleges and employers. |
| Opportunity | Details |
| Employment | Federal government (large employer in Northern Virginia), technology, defense, healthcare, agriculture, retail, construction — most VA entry-level and professional positions require HS diploma or equivalent |
| Military service | All U.S. Armed Forces branches; Virginia Military Institute (for ROTC pathway); major military installations including Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Fort Gregg-Adams, Naval Station Norfolk, Pentagon area |
| Virginia community colleges | All 23 Virginia Community College System (VCCS) institutions accept the Virginia GED Certificate for standard admission. High GED scores (165+) may qualify for placement test exemptions. |
| Virginia four-year universities | University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Old Dominion, James Madison, William & Mary, and all Virginia public universities accept the certificate |
| University of Virginia (UVM policy note) | UVM (across the border in VT) accepts GED score reports; Virginia’s own UVA accepts Virginia GED Certificates for standard admission |
| Healthcare training | CNA, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, EMT — most VA healthcare programs require HS diploma or equivalent; IET programs combine GED with healthcare training |
| Federal employment in VA | Pentagon, CIA, FBI, NSA, DHS, USDA, VA Medical Centers, IRS, and hundreds of federal facilities in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads areas accept the Virginia GED Certificate |
| IET career pathways | Virginia’s IET model connects GED completion with industry-recognized credentials in healthcare, construction, and technology — ask your local adult education provider for current IET offerings |
| GAAHSD upgrade | Virginia residents who earn a GED may be eligible to pursue the GAAHSD (full high school diploma) — contact VDOE for current eligibility criteria |
| College credits (GED 175+) | GED College Ready + Credit scores may earn college credits through the ACE CREDIT program at participating Virginia institutions |
Virginia HiSET Alternative: FAQs
Is the HiSET available in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not offer the HiSET exam. Per VDOE, ‘Currently, the only Virginia board-approved HSE examination in Virginia is the GED test.’ The Code of Virginia governs high school equivalency testing under §22.1-254.2, and the Virginia Board of Education has only approved the GED. The credential earned is the Virginia GED Certificate.
Does Virginia require residency to take the GED?
No. Virginia has no residency requirement to take the GED. Non-Virginia residents may choose Virginia as their testing jurisdiction. This makes Virginia one of the more accessible states for cross-border test-takers in the region, especially given that all neighboring states (Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina) also require the GED.
What is ISAEP, and how does it work?
ISAEP (Individual Student Alternative Education Plan) is Virginia’s state-specific program enabling at-risk 16-18 year-olds in alternative education to pursue GED testing as part of compulsory attendance fulfillment.
ISAEP students must first achieve a score of 145 or higher on ALL FOUR subtests of the GED Ready practice test before the division superintendent can submit the GED Options GED Testing Eligibility Form to VDOE.
Once approved, the student may take the official GED. ISAEP is distinct from all other under-18 pathways because GED Ready is a mandatory prerequisite — not just encouraged — and the documentation goes through the school division, not directly from the student.
How do I get free GED testing vouchers in Virginia?
Three steps: (1) Enroll in a Virginia adult education program — distance learning options are available. Find programs at gedva.com/providers/ or call (877) 777-4858. (2) Attend a minimum of 12 hours of adult education instruction. (3) Pass the GED Ready practice test in each of the four subject areas.
Upon meeting all three requirements, VDOE provides free GED testing vouchers. Many Virginia adult education programs also provide free GED Ready practice tests to enrolled students, further reducing your out-of-pocket costs to zero.
What is the GAAHSD?
The General Achievement Adult High School Diploma (GAAHSD) is Virginia’s achievement-based adult diploma pathway, intended for individuals who are not subject to the compulsory attendance requirements of Virginia Code §22.1-254.
Successful passing of the GED (the only Board-approved HSE exam) is one of the requirements. The GAAHSD issues a full Virginia high school diploma — a stronger credential than the GED Certificate alone. Contact VDOE at [email protected] or (804) 786-7644 for the current complete requirements.
Does VDOE still mail or email GED certificates?
No. VDOE no longer accepts paper, phone, fax, or email requests for GED credential fulfillment. All credential requests must be made online through the GED Credentialing website (accessible via gedva.com or ged.com/life-after-ged.html).
A paper request form is available from VDOE as a last resort for those for whom online ordering is not feasible. Contact [email protected] for that form.
Are GED prep classes free in Virginia?
Yes, for eligible adults. Virginia’s adult education and literacy programs are funded through WIOA Title II and provide free or low-cost instruction. Many programs explicitly state classes are free with no enrollment fees.
Southside Programs for Adult Continuing Education states, ‘Classes are FREE of charge and students may enroll at any time.’ Southside Virginia Community College covers all GED credential test fees and GED Ready practice test costs for enrolled program participants. Find your nearest free program at gedva.com/providers/ or call (877) 777-4858.
Final Thoughts: GED Your Virginia HiSET Alternative
Virginia’s GED program has several features that set it apart from all other states in this guide series. The seven-pathway under-18 eligibility system is the most comprehensive in the series — reflecting Virginia’s nuanced approach to compulsory attendance law and ensuring that no at-risk young person falls through the cracks.
The ISAEP program, unique to Virginia, provides a structured, supervised pathway for the youngest test-takers in alternative education settings. The VDOE free testing voucher program — 12 hours of adult education plus GED Ready equals free testing — is one of the most clearly structured free testing programs in the series.
And Virginia’s four adult secondary credential options (GED, Adult High School Diploma, NEDP, and GAAHSD) give adults a range of credential choices matched to their goals and circumstances.
Virginia’s no-residency requirement is also significant: as the largest mid-Atlantic state with borders touching Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina — all GED-only states — Virginia serves as a testing option for anyone in the region who needs access to GED testing.
| Your Action Plan — Start Today
1. Create a free GED account at GED.com and select Virginia (no residency required) 2. If 16-17: determine your eligibility pathway (seven options — see Section 3). Submit required VDOE documentation before scheduling. For ISAEP: pass GED Ready 145+ in all four subjects first. Contact: [email protected] | (804) 786-7644 | (877) 777-4858 3. Enroll in a free Virginia adult education program: gedva.com/providers/ | (877) 777-4858. Get free instruction, tutoring, and GED Ready practice tests 4. To earn FREE GED testing vouchers: attend 12+ hours of adult education instruction AND pass GED Ready in each subject area 5. Study using free GED.com previews, Khan Academy, free GED Ready at your adult ed program, and adult education instruction 6. Take the GED Ready practice test (free at many VA adult ed programs; ~$7.99 online) — required for online testing and ISAEP eligibility 7. Schedule at GED.com: $36/subject (same for in-person and online). Apply VDOE free voucher if earned. 8. If interested in career training simultaneously, ask your adult education provider about Virginia’s IET (Integrated Education and Training) programs 9. After passing all 4 subjects: download your free Virginia GED Certificate immediately. Duplicates: GED Credentialing website (gedva.com or ged.com). VDOE no longer accepts paper/fax/email. 10. Interested in a full diploma? Ask about Virginia’s Adult High School Diploma Program, NEDP, or GAAHSD at your local adult education provider or contact VDOE VDOE HSE Specialist (Dr. Beverly Godwin): [email protected] | (804) 786-7644 | 101 N. 14th Street, James Monroe Building, 21st Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 GED Virginia Helpline: (877) 777-4858 | gedva.com Adult Education Providers: gedva.com/providers/ GED Testing Helpline: 1-877-EXAM-GED (1-877-392-6433) |