GED Science Preparation Course 2026
This course is for adults in the United States who are getting ready for the GED® Science test. It covers the test format, the science practices (experiments, data and evidence), life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, using short scenarios and data tables like those on the test. Study each lesson, try its topic quiz, then take the timed 40-question final assessment. Score 80% or more to get a certificate of completion.
Quick answer
This free course has about 360 minutes of lessons, 6 untimed topic quizzes (100 questions in all) and a timed final assessment of 40 questions drawn at random. Score 80% or more on the final assessment to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.
What you will learn
- Describe the format, timing, calculator rules and scoring of the GED Science test
- Identify hypotheses, variables and controls, and judge how well an experiment is designed
- Read tables and graphs, make predictions, and calculate the mean, median, range and probability
- Explain body systems, homeostasis, nutrition, disease, cells and heredity, including Punnett squares
- Trace energy through ecosystems and explain natural selection
- Calculate speed, acceleration, momentum, force, work, power and density, and balance simple equations
- Explain Earth's cycles, plate tectonics, natural hazards, climate, and the Sun, Moon and stars
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
Your study plan
Read each lesson, take its topic quiz (untimed, with explanations), then the timed final assessment. A new mix of questions is drawn every time. Your progress is saved in this browser.
- Read the lessons6 lessons, about 360 min
- Topic quiz 1: The GED Science test and how to approach it16 questions
- Topic quiz 2: Science practices: experiments, data and evidence16 questions
- Topic quiz 3: Life science: the human body, health and cells17 questions
- Topic quiz 4: Life science: ecosystems, heredity and evolution16 questions
- Topic quiz 5: Physical science: energy, motion and matter18 questions
- Topic quiz 6: Earth and space science17 questions
- Final exam40 questions, 40 min · Score 80% or more
Topic quiz 1: The GED Science test and how to approach it
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Question 1 of 16
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Answer: D. 90 minutes
The GED Science test is 90 minutes long and is taken in one section.
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Question 2 of 16
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Answer: D. There are no breaks; it is one 90-minute section
The Science test is one 90-minute section with no breaks, so plan your time and needs before you start.
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Question 3 of 16
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Answer: A. Yes, with a calculator reference sheet
A calculator is allowed on the Science test, and a calculator reference sheet is provided.
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Question 4 of 16
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Answer: C. No, the question gives you the information you need
The official Science page says you do not need to memorize formulas because the needed information is provided.
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Question 5 of 16
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Answer: A. 145
GED subjects are scored from 100 to 200, and 145 is the passing score.
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Question 6 of 16
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Answer: A. 100 to 200
Each GED subject, including Science, is scored on a scale from 100 to 200, and 145 is the passing score.
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Question 7 of 16
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Answer: C. College Ready
Scores from 165 to 174 are at the College Ready level. Passing starts at 145 and College Ready + Credit starts at 175.
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Question 8 of 16
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Answer: B. Up to 10 college credit hours
175–200 is the College Ready + Credit level, which may qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours.
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Question 9 of 16
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Answer: A. 145 or more on each of the four subjects
You must score at least 145 on each of the four subjects; a high score in one does not make up for a low score in another.
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Question 10 of 16
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Answer: D. About 20%
The test is about 40% life science, 40% physical science and 20% Earth and space science.
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Question 11 of 16
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Answer: D. Human Health and Living Systems; Energy and Related Systems
All Science test content connects to two themes: Human Health and Living Systems, and Energy and Related Systems.
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Question 12 of 16
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Answer: B. Click part of a picture, graph or text
Hot spot questions ask you to click an area of a picture, graph or block of text.
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Question 13 of 16
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Answer: D. A text, graph or table followed by two or three questions
About 50% of items are in scenarios where two or three questions use the same stimulus; the rest stand alone.
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Question 14 of 16
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Answer: C. Investigation design
Identifying variables, hypotheses and sources of error is part of the investigation design practice.
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Question 15 of 16
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Answer: A. Choose the option the passage supports
On the test, the right answer is the one supported by the information given, not just any true statement.
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Question 16 of 16
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Answer: A. The title, the axis labels and the units
The title, labels and units tell you what the graph measures, so you can find the right evidence.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: 145 on a 100–200 scale
What to know before the test
- The GED Science test is 90 minutes long, in one section with no breaks.
- A calculator is allowed on the Science test, and a calculator reference sheet is provided.
- You do not need to memorize formulas; the information you need to answer each question is provided.
- The Science test is scored from 100 to 200, and 145 or higher is a passing score.
- You need 145 or higher on all four GED subjects to earn your high school equivalency. A score of 165–174 is College Ready; 175–200 is College Ready + Credit, which may qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours.
- About 40% of the test is life science, 40% physical science and 20% Earth and space science.
- All content connects to two focusing themes: Human Health and Living Systems, and Energy and Related Systems.
- About half of the questions are in scenarios, where two or three questions share one text, graph, table or diagram.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official GED Science test?
No. This is an independent practice course. It is not run by GED Testing Service, and your scores here are not GED scores.
What does the certificate from this course show?
The certificate of completion shows that you finished this practice course and scored at least 80% on its final assessment. It is not a GED credential, not a high school equivalency and not an official score, so schools and employers will not accept it in place of the GED.
How long is the GED Science test?
It is 90 minutes long, in one section with no breaks.
What score do I need to pass GED Science?
You need 145 or higher on a scale of 100 to 200. To earn your high school equivalency, you need 145 or higher on all four GED subjects.
Do I need to memorize science formulas?
No. The official Science page says you do not need to memorize formulas; the information you need is provided. A calculator is allowed, and a calculator reference sheet is provided.
How do I sign up for the GED test?
Create a free account on ged.com, then log in to schedule your test. You can take the four subjects together or one at a time. If you need an accommodation, request it before you schedule.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.
Sources
- GED Testing Service: Science test subject page
- GED Testing Service: GED scores
- GED Testing Service: Assessment Guide for Educators – Science (PDF)
- GED Testing Service blog: Science – what you need to know
- GED Testing Service blog: How to pass the GED Science test
- GED Testing Service: home page (sign up and schedule)
- New York State Education Department: Introduction to the GED testing program (PDF)
- GED Testing Service blog: Can you take the GED test online?