Illinois GED Requirements: Age, Cost, Online Testing & Constitution Rule

If you are planning to earn a high school equivalency credential in Illinois, understanding the Illinois GED testing requirements before registering is important.

Illinois recognizes the GED as one of the approved high school equivalency pathways available to residents who did not complete a traditional high school diploma. Candidates who satisfy the state’s examination and additional requirements can earn the State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Illinois has several requirements that make its GED process different from many other states. Candidates generally must be Illinois residents, the standard testing age is 18, and 17-year-olds must provide school-withdrawal documentation. Most importantly, passing all four GED subjects alone is generally not enough to receive the Illinois credential. Candidates must also satisfy the state’s Illinois Constitution requirement.

Candidates comparing Illinois with other states should also review our GED Requirements by State guide for differences in age, cost, residency, online testing, and other requirements.

Illinois GED Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Illinois Policy
Standard testing age	18
Testing at age 17	Allowed with required withdrawal documentation
Testing at age 16	Only in limited approved programs
Illinois residency	Required
Residency period	At least 30 days
Government-issued photo ID	Required
GED preparation class	Not required
GED Ready for test-center testing	Not required
GED Ready for online testing	Required
Number of GED subjects	4
Passing score	145 on each subject
Standard GED cost	$36 per subject
Current Illinois subsidy	$26 off each subject while funding lasts
Online GED testing	Available
Testing languages	English and Spanish
Additional state requirement	Illinois Constitution Module
Credential	State of Illinois High School Diploma

Illinois GED rules and subsidies can change. Candidates should verify current policies through the official Illinois GED policy page and the Illinois Community College Board before scheduling.

Who Can Take the GED Test in Illinois?

Illinois high school equivalency testing is intended primarily for residents who have not completed a traditional high school education.

Candidates generally need to:

• Be Illinois residents.
• Meet Illinois age requirements.
• Provide acceptable identification.
• Not already possess the relevant high school credential.
• Register for an approved high school equivalency examination.
• Pass all required examination subjects.
• Complete the Illinois Constitution requirement.

The Illinois Community College Board administers the state’s high school equivalency system and currently recognizes both the GED and HiSET as approved examinations.

Do You Have to Be an Illinois Resident to Take the GED?

Yes.

Illinois requires GED candidates to be current Illinois residents.

GED Testing Service currently specifies that candidates must have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days before testing. Candidates must be able to demonstrate residency on test day.

This makes Illinois different from states such as Florida, where state residency is not required.

How Do You Prove Illinois Residency?

Candidates must bring an acceptable government-issued photo identification document.

If the identification does not show your current Illinois address, additional proof of Illinois residency may be required.

Before test day, confirm that your documentation establishes:

• Your legal name.
• Date of birth.
• Photograph.
• Current Illinois residence.
• Any other identification information required by the testing provider.

The Illinois Community College Board states that acceptable government-issued identification can include documents such as a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or qualifying foreign identification.

What Is the Age Requirement for the GED in Illinois?

The standard GED testing age in Illinois is 18.

Candidates who are 18 or older and satisfy the other state requirements can generally register without completing an underage approval process.

Candidates who are 17 years old can also take the GED, but additional documentation is required.

Can You Take the GED at 17 in Illinois?

Yes.

A 17-year-old may take an Illinois high school equivalency examination after providing acceptable documentation showing withdrawal from the last school attended.

Illinois Withdrawal Letter Requirements

For a candidate who previously attended a public or private high school, the withdrawal documentation should generally:

• Be issued by the former school.
• Be on school letterhead.
• Include the candidate’s full name.
• Include the candidate’s date of birth.
• State the formal withdrawal date or last date of attendance.
• Be signed by an appropriate school official.
• Include the identifying information required by the Illinois testing process.

The ICCB provides detailed instructions for underage applicants through its high school equivalency testing information.

Can You Take the GED at 16 in Illinois?

Usually, no.

Illinois has much stricter rules for 16-year-old candidates.

A 16-year-old may be eligible only when enrolled in certain approved programs, including:

• A Regional Safe Schools Program.
• An Alternative Learning Opportunities Program.
• Lincoln’s Challenge Academy.

The applicable program must petition on behalf of the student for approval to take a high school equivalency examination.

Other 16-year-olds generally must wait until they turn 17.

What Is the Illinois Constitution Requirement for the GED?

This is one of the most important differences between Illinois and many other states.

Passing the four GED subject examinations does not by itself satisfy all current requirements for the State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Illinois candidates must also satisfy the Illinois Constitution requirement.

What Is the Illinois Constitution Module?

Illinois currently provides an online Constitution Module for high school equivalency candidates.

The module covers Illinois constitutional requirements and can be completed independently online.

It:

• Is available online.
• Is free.
• Does not require a testing-center proctor.
• Takes approximately two hours to complete.
• Provides candidates with confirmation of completion.

After completing the module, candidates provide identifying information so the result can be matched with their Illinois high school equivalency record.

Do You Have to Take the Constitution Module if You Passed It in High School?

Not necessarily.

Candidates who previously completed the former Illinois Constitution Test or can demonstrate that they passed the constitutional requirement while attending high school may not need to complete the current online module.

Why Is This Important?

A student could potentially:

• Pass GED Math.
• Pass GED RLA.
• Pass GED Science.
• Pass GED Social Studies.

but still need to complete the Illinois Constitution requirement before receiving the state credential.

Therefore, candidates should not overlook this final step.

Do You Need GED Classes in Illinois?

No.

Illinois does not require candidates to complete GED preparation classes before taking the official GED examination.

You can prepare independently.

However, preparation is strongly recommended because the GED measures academic reasoning skills across four subjects.

A structured preparation plan should include:

• Subject review.
• GED-style practice questions.
• Answer explanations.
• Diagnostic testing.
• Timed practice.
• Review of incorrect answers.
• Full practice examinations.

AIProctoredExams provides preparation materials for all four GED subjects.

Is GED Ready Required in Illinois?

It depends on whether you take the examination in person or online.

In-Person GED Testing

No.

Candidates taking the GED at an approved Illinois testing center are not required to complete GED Ready before scheduling the official examination.

Online GED Testing

Yes.

Candidates who want to take the official GED through online proctoring must satisfy GED Ready requirements before scheduling the corresponding online subject examination.

Therefore:

In-person GED: GED Ready not required.

Online GED: GED Ready required.

Even when GED Ready is not mandatory, a realistic readiness assessment can help prevent unsuccessful attempts.

What Subjects Are on the Illinois GED Test?

The GED consists of four separate subject tests:

1. Mathematical Reasoning
2. Reasoning Through Language Arts
3. Science
4. Social Studies

You do not have to complete all four subjects at the same time. Candidates can schedule the examinations individually.

GED Mathematical Reasoning

The Mathematical Reasoning examination covers areas such as:

• Basic mathematics.
• Fractions.
• Decimals.
• Percentages.
• Ratios and proportions.
• Algebra.
• Equations.
• Geometry.
• Graphs.
• Functions.
• Statistics.
• Data analysis.

The official Math examination is approximately 115 minutes.

Candidates who need additional preparation can use the AIProctoredExams GED Mathematical Reasoning preparation course.

Important GED Math Skills

Candidates should practice:

• Solving equations.
• Working with percentages.
• Understanding ratios.
• Using formulas.
• Interpreting graphs.
• Calculating area and volume.
• Understanding slope.
• Working with functions.
• Interpreting data.

GED Math requires application and reasoning rather than simply memorizing formulas.

GED Reasoning Through Language Arts

GED Reasoning Through Language Arts, commonly called RLA, evaluates reading, language, argument analysis, and written communication.

Important areas include:

• Reading comprehension.
• Main ideas.
• Supporting details.
• Inferences.
• Arguments.
• Evidence.
• Author’s purpose.
• Grammar.
• Sentence structure.
• Editing.
• Written response.

The official RLA examination is approximately 150 minutes and includes an extended written response.

Candidates can strengthen these skills using the AIProctoredExams GED Reasoning Through Language Arts course.

GED Science

The GED Science examination focuses heavily on reasoning and interpretation.

Topics include:

• Life science.
• Physical science.
• Earth and space science.
• Experiments.
• Scientific variables.
• Evidence.
• Graphs.
• Tables.
• Data analysis.
• Scientific conclusions.

The Science examination is approximately 90 minutes.

Candidates can prepare using the AIProctoredExams GED Science preparation course.

Rather than attempting to memorize an entire science textbook, candidates should practice understanding experiments, analyzing evidence, interpreting graphs, and drawing logical conclusions.

GED Social Studies

The GED Social Studies examination includes information related to:

• U.S. history.
• Government.
• Civics.
• Economics.
• Geography.
• Historical documents.
• Political arguments.
• Maps.
• Charts.
• Graphs.
• Primary and secondary sources.

The examination is approximately 70 minutes.

Candidates can use the AIProctoredExams GED Social Studies preparation course to strengthen government, history, economics, geography, and evidence-analysis skills.

How Much Does the GED Cost in Illinois?

The standard Illinois GED price is currently $36 per subject for both approved test-center testing and online testing.

Without a subsidy:

$36 × 4 = $144

So the standard price for four first-attempt GED subjects would be $144.

Illinois GED Cost Breakdown

Subject	Standard Price
Mathematical Reasoning	$36
Reasoning Through Language Arts	$36
Science	$36
Social Studies	$36
Four subjects	$144

However, Illinois currently offers an important testing subsidy.

Is There an Illinois GED Discount?

Yes.

The Illinois Community College Board currently provides a $26 discount per GED subject while program funding remains available.

The current promotion code listed by GED Testing Service is:

ILSAVE26

When eligible candidates apply the promotion to a $36 subject examination, the cost is reduced by $26.

That means the candidate’s cost may currently be:

$36 − $26 = $10 per subject

while the subsidy remains available and the candidate satisfies the promotion terms.

Potential Cost With the Current Illinois Subsidy

GED Subject	Standard Price	Subsidy	Potential Candidate Cost
Math	$36	$26	$10
RLA	$36	$26	$10
Science	$36	$26	$10
Social Studies	$36	$26	$10
All four	$144	$104	$40

Important: The Illinois subsidy is available only while funding lasts and is subject to terms and conditions. Candidates should verify that the promotion is still active before scheduling.

This is why this article should describe the standard $36 price as the permanent reference point and the $26 subsidy as a current promotion, rather than presenting $10 as the permanent Illinois GED price.

Can You Take the Illinois GED Online?

Yes.

Illinois currently permits eligible candidates to take the GED through an Online Proctored Exam.

This makes Illinois different from states where online-proctored GED testing is unavailable.

Illinois Online GED Requirements

Online candidates should expect requirements involving:

• Illinois residency.
• Eligible age.
• Government-issued identification.
• A compatible computer.
• Webcam.
• Reliable internet.
• Private testing space.
• Successful GED Ready preparation for the corresponding subject.
• Online-proctoring rules.

Underage candidates may face additional online requirements.

For example, when an eligible underage candidate tests online, a parent or guardian may need to be present during the pre-test check-in to provide consent for recording.

Online GED Preparation Is Not the Same as Online GED Testing

Candidates should understand the difference.

Online GED Preparation

You can study through:

• Online courses.
• Practice questions.
• Mock examinations.
• Study guides.
• Video lessons.
• Quizzes.

Online GED Testing

The official online GED is a remotely proctored examination administered under strict security and technical requirements.

Preparation can be completed online regardless of whether you eventually choose online or test-center testing.

What Score Do You Need to Pass the GED in Illinois?

You need a score of at least 145 on each of the four GED subjects.

The standard GED score levels are:

Score	Performance Level
100–144	Below Passing
145–164	GED Passing
165–174	GED College Ready
175–200	GED College Ready + Credit

A candidate must reach the minimum passing standard in every required subject.

For example:

• Math — 149
• RLA — 156
• Science — 143
• Social Studies — 151

The candidate has not completed the GED because Science is below 145.

Only the failed subject would normally need to be retaken.

Remember that Illinois candidates must also satisfy the Constitution requirement before receiving the state diploma.

What Happens If You Fail a GED Subject in Illinois?

Illinois allows candidates to retake failed subjects.

In-Person GED Retake Rules

For testing at an approved test center:

• There is currently no waiting period after initial unsuccessful attempts.
• After taking the same subject three times, a 60-day waiting period applies.
• Illinois currently does not impose an annual limit on the total number of testing attempts under this policy.

This provides candidates with flexibility, but repeatedly testing without additional preparation can become expensive and frustrating.

How Much Does an Illinois GED Retake Cost?

GED Testing Service currently provides a discounted retake opportunity for eligible in-person candidates after an unsuccessful full-price subject attempt.

Illinois generally charges a $10 test-center fee for the applicable discounted in-person retake.

Online retake rules and fees differ from testing-center policies.

Illinois Online GED Retake Rules

For online-proctored testing:

• One retake is currently allowed before a waiting period.
• After taking the same online subject twice, the candidate must wait 60 days.
• An online retake currently costs the standard Illinois online price rather than receiving the in-person discounted-retake arrangement.

Candidates should confirm the exact amount shown in their GED account because policies and fees can change.

Can You Take All Four GED Tests in One Day in Illinois?

The GED subjects are separate examinations, allowing candidates to schedule them according to their preferred testing plan.

For in-person testing, a candidate may be able to schedule multiple subjects on the same day when sufficient testing-center appointment time is available.

However, completing all four tests in one day can be demanding.

A more manageable approach might be:

Option 1: One Subject at a Time

• Math.
• RLA.
• Science.
• Social Studies.

Option 2: Two Testing Days

Day 1: Math and RLA

Day 2: Science and Social Studies

For online-proctored testing, appointments are scheduled separately.

Can You Take the GED in Spanish in Illinois?

Yes.

Illinois permits GED testing in English and Spanish.

Candidates may also combine qualifying GED subjects taken in English and Spanish toward their credential.

This can benefit bilingual candidates who are stronger in one language for certain subjects.

Candidates should choose the language in which they can best understand:

• Complex instructions.
• Reading passages.
• Mathematical word problems.
• Scientific information.
• Historical documents.
• Arguments and evidence.

What Identification Do You Need for the Illinois GED?

Candidates must present acceptable, current government-issued photo identification.

The identification generally needs to establish:

• Your identity.
• Full name.
• Date of birth.
• Photograph.
• Other information required by the test provider.

Illinois also requires residency verification.

If your identification does not show your current Illinois address, you may need separate documentation proving residency.

Check the current testing-center requirements before your appointment.

Where Can You Take the GED in Illinois?

Illinois GED examinations are available through authorized testing centers throughout the state.

Candidates can search for official testing locations when scheduling through their GED account.

Testing opportunities may be available in and around:

• Chicago.
• Springfield.
• Rockford.
• Peoria.
• Aurora.
• Joliet.
• Naperville.
• Elgin.
• Champaign.
• Decatur.
• Other Illinois communities.

Actual testing locations and appointment availability change, so candidates should use the official GED scheduling system rather than relying on an old list of centers.

How to Register for the GED in Illinois

Step 1: Confirm Illinois Residency

Make sure you meet the current Illinois residency requirement.

Prepare documentation proving your Illinois address if necessary.

Step 2: Check Your Age Eligibility

If you are 18 or older, you generally meet the standard age requirement.

If you are 17, prepare the required school-withdrawal documentation.

If you are 16, determine whether you qualify under one of Illinois’ limited approved programs.

Step 3: Create Your Official GED Account

Enter accurate information including:

• Legal name.
• Date of birth.
• Address.
• Email.
• Education information.

Step 4: Decide Between In-Person and Online Testing

Illinois currently permits both.

Remember:

In-person: GED Ready not required.

Online: GED Ready required.

Step 5: Assess Your Academic Readiness

Determine your weak subjects.

Use:

• GED Mathematical Reasoning preparation
• GED Reasoning Through Language Arts preparation
• GED Science preparation
• GED Social Studies preparation

Step 6: Complete GED Ready if Testing Online

Take the required official readiness test for the subject you plan to complete online.

Step 7: Schedule Your GED Subject

Choose your testing format, subject, location where applicable, date, and time.

Step 8: Check the Illinois Discount

Before paying full price, check whether the current Illinois testing subsidy remains available.

At present, the listed code is:

ILSAVE26

The promotion reduces eligible GED subject costs by $26 while funding remains available.

Step 9: Complete the Illinois Constitution Requirement

Do not forget this state-specific step.

Complete the Illinois Constitution Module unless you qualify through a previous Constitution completion or an applicable exemption.

Step 10: Take the GED Examination

Follow all identification, check-in, testing-center, or online-proctoring rules.

What Credential Do You Receive After Passing?

Candidates who satisfy the Illinois requirements can receive the:

State of Illinois High School Diploma

Illinois updated terminology associated with its high school equivalency credential, but the state credential is issued through the Illinois high school equivalency system.

To qualify, candidates generally must complete an approved high school equivalency pathway and satisfy the Constitution requirement.

How Do You Get an Illinois GED Transcript or Diploma?

Illinois high school equivalency records are maintained at the county level.

Candidates seeking copies of their diploma or official transcript generally contact the Regional Office of Education responsible for the county where the examination was completed.

The current fee is $10 for a diploma copy and $10 for an official high school equivalency transcript.

Keep your documents securely because they may be needed when applying for:

• College.
• Employment.
• Apprenticeships.
• Technical training.
• Career programs.
• Other educational opportunities.

Does Illinois Offer HiSET?

Yes.

Illinois currently recognizes both:

• GED
• HiSET

as approved high school equivalency examinations.

This gives Illinois residents more than one examination pathway.

However, candidates should not assume they can freely combine incomplete subjects from different current HSE exams. Illinois’ current program guidance generally requires candidates following a testing pathway to complete the full battery of one approved exam rather than assembling a credential from incomplete GED and HiSET batteries.

Candidates should therefore compare the GED and HiSET options before choosing their examination pathway.

Does Illinois Have Another Way to Earn a High School Equivalency Credential?

Yes.

Illinois also operates a Transcript-Based Alternative Method of Credentialing for certain residents who have already completed substantial high-school or postsecondary coursework.

Eligible candidates may be able to use prior academic credits toward Illinois high school equivalency requirements rather than completing an entire GED or HiSET battery.

The alternative pathway has separate requirements, including academic-credit standards, a reading assessment, and completion of the Illinois Constitution requirement.

This pathway can be worth investigating for adults who completed most of high school or significant college coursework before leaving school.

How Long Does It Take to Get a GED in Illinois?

There is no fixed preparation period.

How long you need depends on:

• Your Mathematics ability.
• Reading comprehension.
• Writing skills.
• Science reasoning.
• Social Studies skills.
• Previous education.
• How long you have been away from school.
• Weekly study time.
• Practice-test performance.
• Whether you pass each subject on your first attempt.

Some candidates may need only a few weeks of preparation.

Others may benefit from several months.

Instead of focusing only on the number of days you study, measure whether you can consistently answer GED-level questions correctly under realistic time limits.

How to Prepare for the Illinois GED

Begin With a Diagnostic Assessment

Test yourself across all four subjects.

Determine:

• Your strongest subject.
• Your weakest subject.
• Concepts you have forgotten.
• Question types you struggle with.
• Whether timing is a problem.

Improve Your Weakest Subject

If Mathematics is the main challenge, begin with our GED Mathematical Reasoning course.

For reading, grammar, arguments, and written communication, use our GED RLA preparation course.

For experiments, graphs, scientific evidence, and data analysis, use our GED Science preparation course.

For government, history, economics, geography, and source analysis, use our GED Social Studies preparation course.

Practice GED-Style Questions

The GED is a reasoning examination.

Practice questions should require you to:

• Analyze information.
• Apply formulas.
• Interpret graphs.
• Compare arguments.
• Evaluate evidence.
• Draw conclusions.
• Eliminate incorrect options.

Review Every Wrong Answer

After each practice session ask:

1. Why did I choose the wrong answer?
2. Why is the correct answer better?
3. What concept was being tested?
4. Did I lack knowledge or misunderstand the question?
5. How can I prevent the same error next time?

Complete Timed Practice

Timed practice helps develop:

• Pacing.
• Concentration.
• Accuracy.
• Endurance.
• Confidence.
• Decision-making.

Candidates planning to take the GED online should pay particular attention to GED Ready performance because it forms part of the online-testing eligibility process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois GED Testing Requirements

How old do you have to be to take the GED in Illinois?

The standard testing age is 18. Seventeen-year-olds can qualify with required withdrawal documentation. Sixteen-year-olds are eligible only under limited approved-program circumstances.

Can a 17-year-old take the GED in Illinois?

Yes, after providing acceptable withdrawal documentation from the last school attended.

Can a 16-year-old take the GED in Illinois?

Only in limited circumstances involving approved programs such as Regional Safe Schools, Alternative Learning Opportunities, or Lincoln’s Challenge Academy.

Do you have to live in Illinois to take the GED?

Yes. Illinois requires candidates to be residents, and the current GED policy specifies a 30-day residency requirement.

How much does the Illinois GED cost?

The standard price is currently $36 per subject, or $144 for four subjects at standard pricing.

Is there an Illinois GED discount?

Yes. Illinois currently provides a $26-per-subject subsidy while funding lasts. The listed promotion code is ILSAVE26.

How much is the GED after the Illinois discount?

If the $26 subsidy is available and applies, a standard $36 subject can currently be reduced to $10.

Is the GED free in Illinois?

Not automatically. Illinois currently subsidizes part of the testing cost rather than permanently making all GED examinations free.

Can you take the GED online in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois currently permits online-proctored GED testing for eligible candidates.

Is GED Ready required in Illinois?

Not for in-person testing. GED Ready is required for candidates using the online-proctored examination option.

What score do you need to pass?

You need at least 145 on each GED subject.

How many GED subjects are there?

Four:

• Mathematical Reasoning.
• Reasoning Through Language Arts.
• Science.
• Social Studies.

Does Illinois have an additional GED requirement?

Yes. Candidates generally must complete the Illinois Constitution Module in addition to their high school equivalency exam requirements.

Is the Illinois Constitution Module free?

Yes. ICCB provides the online module without a fee.

How long does the Illinois Constitution Module take?

ICCB estimates approximately two hours.

Can you take the GED in Spanish in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois allows GED testing in English and Spanish.

What happens if you fail a subject?

In-person candidates can retake failed subjects. After three attempts at the same subject, a 60-day waiting period applies under the current policy.

What diploma do you receive?

Eligible candidates who complete the required high school equivalency pathway and Illinois requirements receive the State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Does Illinois accept HiSET?

Yes. Illinois currently recognizes both GED and HiSET as approved high school equivalency examinations.

Start Preparing for the Illinois GED

Understanding the Illinois GED testing requirements is the first step. Passing the examination requires strong preparation across Mathematics, RLA, Science, and Social Studies.

Start with the subject where you need the most improvement:

• Prepare for GED Mathematical Reasoning
• Prepare for GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Prepare for GED Science
• Prepare for GED Social Studies

Candidates comparing Illinois with Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Texas, California, and other states can also review our complete GED Requirements by State guide.

Official Illinois GED Resources

Candidates should verify current requirements through the Illinois Community College Board and GED Testing Service.

Useful official resources include the Illinois high school equivalency testing program, Illinois Constitution requirement information, and the official Illinois GED policy page. Illinois testing fees, discount funding, online-testing rules, and eligibility policies may change, so candidates should verify current requirements before scheduling.

AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by GED Testing Service, the American Council on Education, Pearson VUE, or the Illinois Community College Board. GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and is administered by GED Testing Service LLC.