🚀 NEW: Self-Paced TEAS 7 Study Portal — 28 lessons, 16 tools, flashcards & practice tests Try Free Preview →

GED Scoring Explained: Do You Need "College Ready"?

By Joshua Ramirez, B.S. · Published April 14, 2026

Student looking at exam results
What is a passing GED score?

A passing GED score is 145 per subject. Scoring 165-174 earns College Ready status, bypassing remedial college courses, while a 175+ earns College Ready + Credit, which can translate to up to 10 hours of college credit.

One of the most confusing parts of taking the GED is interpreting the score report. You don't receive a simple letter grade (A, B, C) or a percentage (85%). Instead, you receive a number between 100 and 200.

But passing the GED isn't just a pass/fail scenario anymore. The GED Testing Service has broken down the passing tier into three distinct brackets that signal to colleges and employers exactly how prepared you are. Depending on your career goals—especially if you're aiming for nursing or a competitive trade program—a standard "pass" might not be exactly what you need.

📋 From the Tutor's Desk

Many of my adult learners tell me, 'Joshua, I just need a 145 to pass Math so I can get into the electrical training program.' While 145 technically earns you the diploma, many specialized electrical and nursing union programs now require the 'College Ready' tier (165+) specifically in the Math and Science sections to qualify for their limited apprenticeship slots. Don't aim for the minimum.

The Four Scoring Tiers

You must score at least a 145 on each of the four sections (Math, Science, Social Studies, RLA) to earn your GED diploma. Here is what the numbers actually mean:

Below Passing (100 - 144)

You did not pass the section. You will need to retake this specific subject. You do not need to retake the subjects you already passed.

GED Passing Score (145 - 164)

You passed! You have demonstrated high school equivalency. This is enough to apply for most entry-level jobs and open community college enrollment.

GED College Ready (165 - 174)

You demonstrated skills required to enter degree programs. Many colleges will exempt you from taking non-credit remedial courses (like "Math 099") if you score in this tier, saving you thousands of dollars in tuition.

GED College Ready + Credit (175 - 200)

You scored in the top percentile. Many participating universities will automatically grant you up to 10 college credit hours (that's 3 college classes!) just for achieving this score.

💡 Tutor’s Tip: You do NOT have to score consistently across sections. You might score a 145 in Math (Passing) and a 178 in RLA (College Ready + Credit). You still earn your high school diploma, and you still earn college credit for the RLA subject.

Should You Retake a Passing Score?

If you passed with a 150, should you spend another $30 to retake it and try to get a 165?

Only if you are applying to a highly competitive program (like LPN/RN nursing pipelines or premium trade unions) that specifically mandates a College Ready score. If your goal is simply to enroll in general education at a local community college, the 150 is more than enough. Move on with your life!

To see where you currently stand, take a free GED practice quiz. If you score above a 70% on the practice test, you are highly likely to hit that 145 passing mark.

GED Scoring FAQs

You must score at least 145 on each of the four subject tests to earn your GED diploma. The highest possible score is 200.
College Ready (165-174) may exempt you from remedial college classes. College Ready + Credit (175-200) can actually award you college credit hours before you even enroll.
Typically, no. Most entry-level jobs only check a 'pass/fail' status to confirm you have your diploma. Only competitive trade or college programs usually request specific scores.
You can retake a subject test twice with no waiting period. After the third attempt, you must wait 60 days before trying again.

Find GED Prep Near You

Get personalized adult education tutoring. Select your nearest location to get started.