Texas GED Requirements 2026: Age, Cost & Online Testing
Texas GED Requirements 2026: Age, Cost & Online Testing
Texas GED Requirements 2026: Age, Cost, Eligibility & Online Testing
If you are planning to earn your GED® in Texas in 2026, understanding the state’s eligibility rules before registering can save you time, money, and unnecessary delays.
Texas has specific requirements involving age, residency, identification, school enrollment status, testing fees, online testing, GED Ready®, and retakes. The rules are especially important for candidates who are 16 or 17 years old because additional documentation and approval requirements apply.
The standard GED testing age in Texas is 18. Candidates must generally be Texas residents, have acceptable government-issued photo identification, not be currently enrolled in an accredited high school, and not already hold an accredited high school diploma. Qualified 16- and 17-year-olds can test under specific exceptions.
Texas currently offers both computer-based testing at authorized GED test centers and online-proctored GED testing. The four-subject test costs $145 at a testing center or $169 online at current standard rates.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Texas GED requirements in 2026, including how to qualify, register, prepare, test, retake a failed subject, and obtain your Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
For a comparison with other states, visit the GED Requirements by State 2026 guide.
You can also explore the AIProctoredExams Study Guides if you are beginning your GED preparation.
Texas GED Requirements at a Glance
Before registering, Texas GED candidates should understand the basic requirements.
| Requirement | Texas GED Rule |
|---|---|
| Standard testing age | 18 |
| Minimum age with exceptions | 16 |
| Texas residency required | Yes |
| Government-issued photo ID | Required |
| Must be out of high school | Generally yes |
| GED preparation classes required | No |
| GED Ready required for test-center testing | No |
| GED Ready required for online testing | Yes |
| Test-center price | $36.25 per subject |
| Total test-center price | $145 |
| Online price | $42.25 per subject |
| Total online price | $169 |
| Number of GED subjects | 4 |
| Passing score | 145 per subject |
| Online GED available | Yes |
| Languages available | English and Spanish |
| Texas credential | Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency |
Texas Education Agency rules require adult candidates to have government-issued photo identification, establish Texas residency, be at least 18 unless an age exception applies, not be enrolled in an accredited high school, and not already be graduates of an accredited high school.
Who Can Take the GED in Texas?
To qualify for high school equivalency testing in Texas, you normally need to meet several eligibility conditions.
Standard Texas GED Eligibility Requirements
An adult candidate generally must:
- Be a Texas resident
- Have valid government-issued photo identification
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be enrolled in an accredited high school
- Not already have an accredited high school diploma
Texas allows exceptions for some candidates who are 16 or 17 years old.
Can You Take the GED If You Are Still in High School?
Generally, no.
Texas GED candidates cannot normally be enrolled in an accredited high school while seeking the Texas high school equivalency credential.
There is an exception for certain students enrolled in an approved in-school High School Equivalency Program.
This distinction is particularly important for candidates who are 16 or 17.
Can You Take the GED If You Already Graduated From High School?
The Texas high school equivalency examination is intended for people who have not earned an accredited high school diploma.
If you already graduated from an accredited high school, you generally do not need a Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.
Texas GED Age Requirements
Age is one of the most frequently searched Texas GED requirements.
The standard testing age is:
18 years old.
However, Texas provides specific pathways for some 16- and 17-year-old candidates.
Texas GED Requirements for 18-Year-Olds and Older
If you are at least 18 years old, the underage consent rules generally do not apply.
You still need to satisfy requirements involving:
- Texas residency
- Government-issued photo identification
- High school enrollment status
- Previous graduation status
Can a 17-Year-Old Take the GED in Texas?
Yes.
A 17-year-old can qualify for a Texas GED age exception if the required conditions are satisfied.
Texas GED Requirements for a 17-Year-Old
A 17-year-old must generally:
- Have acceptable government-issued photo identification
- Provide proof of Texas residency
- Not currently be enrolled in school, unless enrolled in an approved in-school High School Equivalency Program
- Not already have an accredited high school diploma
- Obtain permission from a parent or guardian
Texas also permits a 17-year-old to qualify under the more restrictive conditions available to 16-year-olds.
Can a 16-Year-Old Take the GED in Texas?
Yes, but eligibility is more restricted.
A 16-year-old must meet the standard identification, residency, school-enrollment, and graduation-status requirements and must also fall into a qualifying category.
Texas GED Requirements for a 16-Year-Old
The candidate must generally be:
- In the care of a state agency
- Under an applicable court order
- Enrolled in a Job Corps training program
- Or enrolled in the Texas Challenge Academy
Texas does not provide ordinary GED eligibility to candidates younger than 16.
Special Rule for Underage Online GED Candidates
If an underage candidate takes an online-proctored GED test, a parent or guardian must be present during the pre-test check-in process to give consent and authorize the candidate to be recorded.
Both the candidate’s and the parent or guardian’s identification are required for this online check-in process.
Texas GED Residency Requirements
Texas requires GED candidates to demonstrate Texas residency.
This is important because not every state has a residency requirement.
How Do You Prove Texas Residency for the GED?
The Texas Education Agency lists several examples of documents that may establish residency.
These include a:
- Texas driver’s license
- Texas Department of Public Safety identification card
- Student ID
- Library card
- Utility bill
- Cell phone bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck stub
- Tax return
- Government mail showing a Texas address
The residency document should satisfy the testing requirements applicable to your circumstances.
Can a Nonresident Take the GED in Texas?
Texas requires candidates to establish Texas residency.
If you live outside Texas, you should review the rules for your own state or another state that allows nonresident testing instead of assuming you can test in Texas.
The state that administers your final qualifying GED exam may also affect which jurisdiction issues your credential.
What ID Do You Need for the Texas GED?
Texas requires valid government-issued photo identification.
Acceptable identification can include several forms of state, national, or foreign government ID.
Examples of Acceptable Texas GED Identification
Texas Education Agency examples include:
- State driver’s license or learner permit
- Texas DPS identification card
- Military ID
- Passport
- U.S. passport card with additional required signature identification
- Permanent resident card with additional required signature identification
- Matrícula consular card
Examples of Identification That May Not Be Accepted
TEA specifically lists several forms that are not acceptable as the primary government photo ID, including:
- Student ID
- Library card
- Expired identification without appropriate renewal documentation
- Photocopy of an ID
- Digital photograph of an ID
- Digital wallet ID
- A parent or guardian’s ID in place of the candidate’s own ID
Some documents that cannot serve as the required primary photo ID may still be useful for proving Texas residency.
How Much Does the GED Cost in Texas in 2026?
Texas currently has different GED prices depending on whether you test at an authorized center or online.
Texas GED Test-Center Cost
The current test-center price is:
$36.25 per subject
Because there are four GED subjects:
$36.25 × 4 = $145
Therefore, the full Texas GED costs:
$145 at a test center.
Texas Online GED Cost
Online-proctored testing currently costs:
$42.25 per subject
For all four subjects:
$42.25 × 4 = $169
Therefore:
Texas GED test-center total: $145
Texas online GED total: $169
These fees include the applicable test-center or online costs and state administrative fees.
Can You Get the GED for Free in Texas?
Possibly.
Texas currently operates a High School Equivalency Subsidy Program that can help eligible candidates pay their GED testing fees while funding remains available.
Texas HSE Subsidy Program
The current GED Testing Service policy states that the subsidy is available to certain eligible Texas residents who are:
21 years old or older.
Candidates must work with a local Texas Workforce Commission Adult Education and Literacy program to determine whether they qualify. Funding is limited, so assistance should not be assumed to be permanently available.
The Texas Education Agency also advises candidates to contact local adult education programs to determine whether free or reduced-cost testing vouchers are available.
Can You Take the GED Online in Texas?
Yes.
Texas offers online-proctored GED testing as well as computer-based testing at authorized testing centers.
The Texas Education Agency currently lists both:
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Online Proctored Testing (OP)
as available delivery methods.
Texas Online GED Requirements
Before choosing online testing, make sure you satisfy:
- Texas eligibility requirements
- Identification requirements
- Residency requirements
- GED Ready requirements
- Online testing technical requirements
- Online proctoring rules
Is GED Ready Required for the Texas GED?
It depends on how you take the test.
GED Ready for In-Person Testing
If you take the official GED at an authorized Texas testing center:
GED Ready is not required before scheduling the official examination.
GED Ready for Online Testing
If you take the official GED online:
GED Ready is required.
You must satisfy the applicable GED Ready requirement for the subject you want to take online.
Do You Have to Take GED Classes in Texas?
No.
Texas does not require adult candidates to complete a GED preparation course or adult education class before taking the official test.
However, preparation is still strongly recommended.
The GED evaluates academic reasoning across Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Candidates who have been out of school for several years may especially benefit from structured preparation.
Use the AIProctoredExams Study Guides to organize your preparation before scheduling.
What Subjects Are on the Texas GED?
The Texas GED consists of four separate subject exams.
The Texas Education Agency identifies the four current subjects as:
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Candidates may prepare and test for the subjects separately.
GED Mathematical Reasoning
The Mathematical Reasoning test includes areas such as:
- Basic arithmetic
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Algebra
- Equations
- Functions
- Geometry
- Graphs
- Statistics
- Mathematical problem-solving
If Mathematics is one of your weaker subjects, use the GED Math preparation course for structured review.
GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
Reasoning Through Language Arts evaluates skills involving:
- Reading comprehension
- Main ideas
- Supporting evidence
- Author’s purpose
- Arguments
- Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Written analysis
Prepare using the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts course.
GED Science
GED Science emphasizes:
- Life science
- Physical science
- Earth and space science
- Scientific reasoning
- Experiments
- Variables
- Graph interpretation
- Data analysis
- Evidence-based conclusions
Use the GED Science preparation course to strengthen these skills.
GED Social Studies
GED Social Studies covers:
- U.S. history
- Civics
- Government
- Economics
- Geography
- Primary sources
- Maps
- Charts
- Political cartoons
- Evidence and argument analysis
Continue with the GED Social Studies preparation course for focused practice.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the GED in Texas?
Texas currently requires a minimum score of:
145 on each GED subject.
GED subject scores range from:
100 to 200.
You must earn at least 145 individually in:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
There is no separate combined total score that can compensate for a subject score below the passing requirement.
Do You Have to Pass All Four Subjects?
Yes.
To complete the current GED test series and earn the Texas high school equivalency credential, you must satisfy the passing requirement in all four subjects.
What If You Pass Three Subjects but Fail One?
You generally keep the successful subject scores from the current test series and retake only the subject you did not pass.
For example, if you pass Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies but score below 145 in Mathematics, focus your preparation on Math before retaking that subject.
Texas GED Retake Rules
Texas GED retake rules differ between in-person and online testing.
Texas In-Person GED Retakes
For computer-based testing at a test center, there is currently:
No waiting period for the first two retakes.
After you have taken the same subject three times, you must generally wait:
60 days
before testing that subject again.
The Texas policy currently states there is no annual limit on the total number of test attempts, although the waiting-period rule applies after repeated attempts.
Texas Online GED Retakes
Online-proctored testing has a different rule.
You currently receive one online retake before a 60-day waiting period applies.
After taking the same subject twice online, you generally need to wait 60 days before another attempt.
How Much Does It Cost to Retake the GED in Texas?
Retake pricing is another reason to consider the testing method carefully.
Texas Test-Center Retake Cost
Texas currently charges:
$16.25
for qualifying discounted test-center retakes.
GED Testing Service provides two discounted retakes for a subject purchased at full price but not passed, subject to its current discount conditions and time limits.
Texas Online GED Retake Cost
Online-proctored retakes currently cost:
$42.25 per subject.
Discounted retakes are not currently offered for Texas online-proctored exams.
This means test-center testing may be financially preferable for candidates who are concerned about needing multiple attempts.
Can You Take All Four GED Tests on the Same Day in Texas?
Possibly.
At a Texas GED Testing Center
Texas permits candidates to take all four subjects on the same day if the testing center has enough appointment time available.
However, taking all four exams in one day can be demanding.
Many students prefer to divide the examination into:
- One subject per day
- Two subjects per testing day
- Stronger subjects first
- Weaker subjects after additional preparation
Online GED Testing
For online-proctored testing, you cannot schedule all four subjects as one combined appointment.
Each online test must be scheduled separately. After completing one subject, you can schedule another based on appointment availability.
Can You Take the Texas GED in Spanish?
Yes.
Texas currently offers the GED test in:
English and Spanish.
Texas also permits candidates to combine subject tests completed in different available languages toward the credential.
For example, an eligible candidate may complete some subjects in English and others in Spanish, provided all other credential requirements are satisfied.
Is the Texas GED Computer-Based?
Yes.
The Texas Education Agency lists GED testing as computer-based.
Candidates can use:
- Authorized computer-based GED testing centers
- Online-proctored testing
Paper-based GED testing is not the standard Texas testing format.
Is a Calculator Allowed on the Texas GED?
Calculator availability depends on the GED subject and testing format.
The Texas Education Agency identifies the TI-30XS as the calculator associated with GED testing.
For computer-based testing centers, the calculator is embedded where appropriate, and candidates may be permitted to bring an approved handheld TI-30XS.
For online-proctored testing, the embedded calculator is used.
Always review current test-day rules before bringing a physical calculator to a testing center.
Can You Get Testing Accommodations for the Texas GED?
Yes.
The Texas GED program supports approved testing accommodations.
Candidates who need accommodations because of qualifying disabilities or other approved circumstances should request them before scheduling the test.
Accommodations can affect:
- Testing time
- Testing environment
- Breaks
- Assistive arrangements
- Scheduling
The Texas Education Agency currently indicates that accommodations are available and that many approved accommodations can also be used with online-proctored exams.
How to Register for the GED in Texas
Registering for the Texas GED is primarily handled through GED Testing Service.
Step 1: Confirm That You Are Eligible
Before paying, make sure you meet:
- Texas residency requirements
- Age requirements
- Identification requirements
- School enrollment requirements
If you are 16 or 17, complete the applicable age-exception process first.
Step 2: Create a GED Account
Create an account through the official GED Testing Service.
Your personal information should match your acceptable identification.
Step 3: Choose Your GED Subjects
Decide whether you want to:
- Schedule one subject
- Schedule multiple subjects
- Take all four in person when appointment availability allows
Step 4: Decide Between Test-Center and Online Testing
Compare:
- Price
- Convenience
- GED Ready requirement
- Retake pricing
- Computer setup
- Testing environment
Step 5: Prepare Before Scheduling
Although Texas does not require GED preparation classes for ordinary adult test-center candidates, studying before paying for an attempt can reduce your risk of needing a retake.
Step 6: Pay and Schedule
Current Texas payment options listed by TEA include credit card, debit card, certain electronic payment methods, and eligible vouchers.
Step 7: Take the Exam
Arrive or check in according to your scheduled testing method.
For test-center testing, bring your required identification and any necessary residency documentation.
Step 8: Pass All Four Subjects
Earn at least:
145 on each subject.
Step 9: Receive Your Texas Credential
After successfully passing the entire test series, the Texas Education Agency processes your Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency. TEA states that successful candidates are emailed a PDF certificate after completing the series.
What Is the Texas GED Credential Called?
The official credential is the:
Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency (TxCHSE).
It documents that you satisfied Texas high school equivalency testing requirements.
This is different from receiving a traditional high school diploma from a Texas public or private high school.
How to Get Your Texas GED Certificate and Transcript
Texas provides an electronic system for obtaining high school equivalency records.
The Texas Education Agency currently allows candidates to:
- Obtain a free verification letter
- Purchase an official PDF
- View official test results
- Obtain a diploma-style certificate
- Obtain an official transcript containing test dates and scores
The official PDF currently costs:
$5.
TEA no longer routinely distributes GED certificates and transcripts by mail, fax, or email through the old manual process. The official certificate/transcript search system is used instead.
Candidates can find official credential information through the Texas Education Agency Certificate of High School Equivalency page.
How Long Does It Take to Get a GED in Texas?
There is no fixed amount of time required to earn a Texas GED.
Your timeline depends on:
- Current academic skills
- Number of subjects already mastered
- Study schedule
- Testing availability
- Whether you pass each subject on the first attempt
- Whether retake waiting periods apply
A student who is already academically prepared may complete the process relatively quickly, while another candidate may need several months of preparation.
The better goal is not necessarily to finish as quickly as possible. It is to be sufficiently prepared to avoid unnecessary retakes.
How to Prepare for the Texas GED
A strong Texas GED study plan should address all four subject areas while giving extra attention to your weakest skills.
Start With a Diagnostic Review
Identify whether you need the most work in:
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Writing and grammar
- Science reasoning
- Social Studies reasoning
Build a Realistic Study Schedule
Instead of studying randomly, set aside regular time each week.
A useful preparation schedule might divide study time between:
- Content review
- Practice questions
- Timed practice
- Reviewing incorrect answers
- Relearning weak topics
Use Subject-Specific GED Preparation
AIProctoredExams provides dedicated resources for the major GED subjects.
Continue with:
GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Preparation
GED Social Studies Preparation
You can also browse the AIProctoredExams Study Guides for additional exam-preparation resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking the GED in Texas
Candidates can avoid unnecessary delays by checking Texas-specific requirements before paying for their first test.
Common problems include:
- Registering before confirming residency documents
- Using an unacceptable form of primary photo identification
- Assuming a 16- or 17-year-old can test automatically
- Scheduling an online test without satisfying GED Ready requirements
- Assuming online and test-center prices are identical
- Not checking whether an HSE subsidy or voucher is available
- Taking a subject before completing sufficient preparation
- Assuming online retakes receive the same discount as test-center retakes
- Forgetting that online subjects must be scheduled separately
Reviewing these issues before registration can make the process much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas GED Requirements
How Old Do You Have to Be to Take the GED in Texas?
The standard Texas GED testing age is 18.
Qualified 16- and 17-year-olds can test if they satisfy the state’s age-exception requirements.
Can You Take the GED at 17 in Texas?
Yes.
A 17-year-old can qualify with government-issued identification, Texas residency, appropriate school status, no accredited high school diploma, and parent or guardian permission.
Can You Take the GED at 16 in Texas?
Yes, but only under restricted circumstances.
A qualifying 16-year-old must meet identification, residency, school-status, and graduation-status requirements and generally must also be in state-agency care, under an applicable court order, enrolled in Job Corps, or enrolled in the Texas Challenge Academy.
Do You Have to Live in Texas to Take the GED There?
Yes.
Texas requires candidates to establish state residency.
How Much Is the GED in Texas?
At current standard 2026 rates:
$36.25 per subject at a testing center
or:
$42.25 per subject online.
That equals $145 for all four test-center subjects or $169 for all four online subjects.
Is the GED Free in Texas?
Not automatically.
However, eligible Texas residents age 21 or older may qualify for the state’s HSE Subsidy Program while funding remains available.
Can You Take the Texas GED Online?
Yes.
Texas offers official online-proctored GED testing.
Do You Have to Take GED Ready in Texas?
For ordinary test-center testing, GED Ready is not required before the official examination.
For online testing, GED Ready is required.
Do You Have to Take GED Classes in Texas?
No.
Texas does not require ordinary adult candidates to complete formal GED preparation classes before taking the test.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the Texas GED?
You need at least:
145 on each of the four subjects.
Can You Take the Texas GED in Spanish?
Yes.
Texas offers testing in English and Spanish and currently permits candidates to combine test subjects taken in the two languages toward the credential.
What Happens If You Fail the Texas GED?
You retake the subject you did not pass.
In-person candidates currently receive two retake opportunities before a 60-day waiting period applies after the third attempt. Online candidates currently receive one retake before a 60-day waiting period applies after the second online attempt.
How Much Is a GED Retake in Texas?
A qualifying discounted test-center retake currently carries a Texas fee of $16.25.
An online-proctored retake currently costs $42.25, and discounted online retakes are not offered.
Can You Take All Four GED Subjects in One Day in Texas?
At an authorized testing center, yes, if enough appointment time is available.
Online subjects must be scheduled separately.
What Do You Receive After Passing the GED in Texas?
Successful candidates receive the Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency after completing the required test series.
Start Preparing for Your Texas GED in 2026
Meeting the Texas eligibility requirements is only the first step. You also need to be prepared to earn at least 145 on each of the four GED subjects.
Start by reviewing your strongest and weakest subjects, create a realistic study schedule, and use practice questions to determine whether you are ready before paying for the official examination.
Continue your preparation with the AIProctoredExams Study Guides and subject-specific GED preparation resources.
You can also return to the GED Requirements by State 2026 guide to compare Texas rules with California, Florida, New York, Illinois, and other states.
For official eligibility and testing-policy verification, consult the Texas Education Agency High School Equivalency information and the official GED Testing Service Texas policy page.
Last reviewed: August 2026
AIProctoredExams is an independent exam-preparation resource and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by GED Testing Service LLC or the Texas Education Agency. GED® and GED Ready® are trademarks of their respective owner. Texas eligibility requirements, testing fees, subsidies, online-testing policies, and retake rules may change. Always verify current requirements with official sources before registering.
