What do the GED Scores Mean?
The GED test is standardized using a national sample of graduating high school seniors. This sampling establishes the performance standard required for candidates to earn a GED Diploma. The passing scores required of candidates are set so that they are comparable to the performance of these graduating seniors. Results of each of the five GED section tests are given as “Standard Scores” ranging from 200 to 800 and “Percentile Ranks” ranging from 1 to 99. Standard Scores on all five GED section tests range from 200 to 800. A score of 500 represents the average performance of graduating high school seniors. The minimum standard score required to earn a GED diploma is set so that approximately 40 percent of graduating high school seniors would not pass the GED test. Percentile ranks on the five GED section tests are used to compare an individual’s scores to those of a nationally representative sample of graduating high school seniors. A percentile rank is the percentage of graduating high
