How long is the GED test
Q6: How long is the GED test?
The GED test is divided into four separate subject exams. Each subject has its own time limit, and you can take them all on the same day or on different days.
Time length for each GED subject
- Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA): 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes), including one extended response (essay)
- Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes (1 hour and 55 minutes), including a calculator section
- Science: 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Social Studies: 70 minutes (1 hour and 10 minutes)
Total testing time
If you take all four GED tests in one day, the total testing time is approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, not including breaks, check-in time, or tutorials.
Breaks during the GED test
The GED includes scheduled breaks:
- 10-minute break during the Reasoning Through Language Arts test
- Optional breaks between subjects when taken on the same day
Can you take the GED over multiple days?
Yes. Most test-takers choose to spread the GED subjects over multiple days or weeks. This allows you to focus on one subject at a time and reduce test-day fatigue.
The bottom line
You do not have to complete the entire GED in one sitting. Each subject has a set time limit, and you can schedule the tests in a way that works best for you.
