Test Scores Required for Passing the GED

In order to qualify for a New Jersey state-endorsed high school diploma, candidates must meet the minimum test score requirements. There are three different periods of time during which the requirements differed slightly. The most recent set of requirements was adopted by the New Jersey State Board of Education effective April 1, 2005 in order to align New Jersey’s requirements with national standards. Prior to April 1, 2005, the scores were based on those adopted January 1, 2002. Preceding those, the 1988 to 2001 requirements were in effect.

Candidates for a GED had to meet whatever requirements were in effect when the test was taken. The Department of Education keeps test scores as part of a person’s GED testing record and all scores are confidential. The following is a summary of the testing requirements, starting with those that became effective April 1, 2005. If you have taken the GED prior to this date, the new requirements do not apply to your scores.

A new series of GED Tests were introduced on January 1, 2002. Because this is a completely new test, the GED Testing Service will not permit previous scores to be counted or combined with scores earned on the 2002 series of tests. Effective January 1, 2002, persons who had not yet passed the five tests must take the entire battery of the new 2002 GED Tests.

Requirements from April 1, 2005:

GED test takers must have a total passing score of 2250, a minimum average score of 450 for each test, and no single test score below 410 on any one of the five tests.

Requirements from January 1, 2002 until March 31, 2005:

GED test takers were required to have a total passing score of 2250, as well as meet the minimum scores on the individual tests listed above.

Requirements from 1988 until December 31, 2001:

From 1988 until the end of 2001, GED candidates had to have a total passing score of 225, as well as meet the minimum test scores listed above.

In addition:

Candidates testing on the Spanish and French editions of the GED tests must also demonstrate fluency in English by passing the GED English Proficiency Test 6 with a minimum score of 40. If a candidate has taken the Macaulaitis Assessment Test (MAC) that was used previously, the passing score of 133 will be counted toward the requirements for a diploma.

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