It isn’t usually difficult to interpret General Educational Development® (GED®) results. In most cases, you have to figure out the minimum passing score for each GED® test section, which is set by the GED® Testing Service. Then, you will have to determine the GED® Testing Services’ minimum combined total for all five tests. If you meet the minimums for both the individual and the combined tests, you have passed. It is important to keep in mind, however, that some jurisdictions set their own minimum score requirements.
When you need to interpret GED® results, you may start with the minimum score you need to pass the GED® test. This means you will have to score at least 410 on each of the test sections to pass the exam. Your combined score on all five tests matters as well, and you'll have to score at least 2,250 total to pass the GED®.
It is important to note that the minimum passing score for a GED® diploma is subject to change. In the event that it does, you will have to interpret the results by learning what the new minimum is for passing the individual GED® tests as well as the minimum total you must earn on the entire test. It is important to keep in mind that earning the minimum on just the individual tests or on the total will not translate into passing. Typically, you have to meet both minimums to earn a GED® diploma.
You may also interpret GED® results by considering the percentile score you've earned. Basically, a percentile score is a calculation of the percentage of test takers who scored the same as you did or below your score. For example, if your percentile score is 90, this means 90 percent of test takers had scores equal to or below yours and only 10 percent of test takers scored above your result. This score, however, does not determine whether or not you pass the GED® exam.
Some jurisdictions use other standards to interpret GED® results. This means they may not use the minimum scores set by the GED® Testing Service in evaluating results. A jurisdiction may set its own approved scores as long as the passing scores it sets are not lower than the GED® Testing Services’. In the event that your jurisdiction sets its own scores, you can usually learn these numbers by inquiring at a test center.
