West Virginia GED and HiSET Requirements
Important: As of August 1, 2024, West Virginia is no longer offering the HiSET Exam. Existing Test Takers will continue to be able to access their myHiSET Test Taker Portal Accounts until further notice. For further questions, please call the West Virginia Department of Education (833) 627-2833.
Any student who has begun testing with HiSET but has not successfully passed all of the HiSET subtests may take their remaining subject tests with GED. When the student has successfully passed all subjects between taking the HiSET and the GED, the student must contact the West Virginia Department of Education in order for a diploma to be issued. Students should call (833) 627-2833 with questions.
- Resident: You do not have to be a resident of West Virginia.
- Age: You must be 19 years of age. If you are under 18 years of age, you must meet additional requirements for the GED.
- Enrolled: You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school or be a high school graduate.
- Cost: GED at a Test Center: Free. GED Test Online: This state does not offer online testing.
- Score: 145 (minimum) in each subject.
- Accommodations: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service page.
- Diploma: After you pass the test, the West Virginia Department of Education will award you with the State of West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma. It is accepted as any other high school diploma.
Online GED Classes
Online programs like GED Academy are available to help you get your GED fast and easy.
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about how to get a high school equivalency in West Virginia.
The high school equivalency exam given in West Virginia is the GED Test. It is the equivalent to a high school diploma, and is accepted at 99% of colleges. You can go on to get a great job, get a degree, or join the military with an West Virginia GED.
The West Virginia GED exam tests you on Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.
| SUBJECT | TIME |
|---|---|
| Math | 115 minutes |
| Social Studies | 90 minutes |
| Science | 90 minutes |
| Language Arts | 150 minutes |
| Total | 7 hours, 41 minutes |
| SUBJECT | # OF QUESTIONS |
|---|---|
| Math | 46 |
| Social Studies | 35 |
| Science | 34 |
| Language Arts | 46 |
| TEST | SCORE |
|---|---|
| GED | 145 minimum per subject |
In West Virginia, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. However, you do have to provide proof of having met eligibility requirements for retaking the test to your local adult education or Option Pathway teacher. After taking a test subject 3 times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. You may only take a given subject six times per year. There will be a 30-day waiting period before retaking a subject area test if the student fails to cancel the test within 24 hours (is a no-show).
The GED test must be taken at an official testing center. Find the closest West Virginia center to you here.
If you have a disability, you can apply for disability accommodations through the GED test’s accommodations page. Don’t know if you qualify? Click here for more information.
To get a copy of your GED transcript, you must go to DiplomaSender to set up an account and order their transcript and diploma. The first transcript and diploma is complimentary. Replacement documents may be requested for a fee. If you have questions, you may contact DiplomaSender at Support@DiplomaSender.com or 855-313-5799.
There is no cost to the test taker for taking the GED test in West Virginia. However, you may not schedule for the test without going through your local adult learning or Option Pathway program.
Find the closest West Virginia GED testing center on the list here.
You do not have to be a resident of West Virginia to take the GED test.
You must be 19 years old to test in West Virginia without an age waiver. However, you must provide verification of having passed the GED Ready® practice test at your local adult learning or Option Pathway program. Additional documentation is required for Option Pathway students. Contact your local adult learning center or Option Pathway program for more information and to get started.
Over 20 Million Adults
That's how many have successfully passed the GED Test. So why wait?
Sign Up Now"I always had good grades, and I could deal with school, but the HiSET was just better for me. So I know I am a minority of people with their HiSET, but for me it was a way to go follow my dreams earlier."