A common concern for test takers is how many times can you fail a GED. The good news is that there is no lifetime limit on how many times you can attempt the GED exam. If you do not pass one or more of the four subject tests Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies you can retake them after a short waiting period.
Each state sets its own policies regarding retakes but most follow guidelines supported by GED Testing Service. As of 2025, if you fail a subject, you are allowed up to three retakes per subject with no mandatory waiting time between the first two attempts. After the third attempt, you must wait 60 days before trying again.
You do not need to retake subjects you have already passed. For example, if you passed Math and Science but did not meet the passing score in Language Arts and Social Studies, you only need to retake those two. This saves time and reduces pressure on future testing days.
The passing score for the GED is 145 out of 200 per subject. Scoring between 165 and 174 indicates a GED with Honors, while 175 or higher may qualify you for college credit in some institutions.
Retaking a test does not reflect failure it reflects persistence. Many students need multiple attempts to succeed, especially if they are returning to education after a long break or studying without formal support.
To improve your chances on a retake:
- Review your official score report to identify weak areas
- Use free practice tests from GED com or Khan Academy
- Focus on active learning: solve problems, write essays, and quiz yourself
- Simulate real testing conditions with timed practice exams
At AskProctor com we support learners preparing for high stakes exams with secure remote proctoring and access to realistic testing environments.
For more information about what score qualifies as strong performance visit What Is a Good GED Score at AskProctor.
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Keep Going Until You Succeed
There is no limit to how many times you can try and every successful candidate started somewhere. Stay focused, keep improving, and take the next step with confidence. For expert tools, preparation guides, and trusted proctoring services visit AskProctor today. Your diploma is within reach.
