I understand the feeling of sitting for your GED test and, for one reason or another, missing your desired score. Failure feels lonely and scary when the exam is tied to your future.

I am here to tell you failure is not the end of the road. It is a chance to learn, prepare better, and come back stronger.

So, can you retake the GED? Yes — you are allowed to retake the test as many times as needed.

45% of GED passers enrolled in a certificate or degree program within three years. You have the opportunity to join that statistic and continue your education.

In this guide, you'll learn how GED retakes work, how long you have to wait between attempts, and what retakes cost — plus how to use the time between tests so the next attempt is your last.

The Short Answer: Yes, No Lifetime Limit

Yes, you can retake the GED as many times as needed. There is no lifetime limit on the number of GED retakes, so one failed attempt does not close the door on your diploma.

You also do not have to retake the full GED if you only failed one subject. You only retake the subject or subjects you did not pass.

If you are still nailing down what the test even is, start with our overview of what a GED is.

The main rule to understand is the waiting period. Your first two retakes per subject usually have no waiting period, so you can try again quickly if you feel ready.

After that, GED rules require a 60-day waiting period between later attempts.

GED Retake Rules (Full Breakdown)

Here is a clear breakdown of the rules for retaking the GED, including waiting periods and fees. This section answers the question: can you retake the GED, and what does each retake actually look like?

The first two retakes per subject within 12 months are eligible for reduced fees. After this period, the full fee applies.

The 60-day waiting period begins after your third attempt on a subject and applies to all subsequent retakes. For the bigger cost picture, see our breakdown of how much the GED costs.

Do You Retake the Whole GED, or Just One Subject?

No, you do not retake the whole GED if you fail one subject. You only retake the subject you failed. The GED has four separate subject tests:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts

• Mathematical Reasoning

• Science

• Social Studies

Once you pass a subject, that score carries forward. You do not lose your passing scores because you failed another section.

For a refresher on how each section is structured, see how many questions are on the GED.

For example, if you passed Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies but did not pass Math, you only need to schedule the Math retake. You do not need to sit through all four tests again or spend roughly seven hours retaking subjects you already passed.

This matters when asking how many times can you take the GED because retake rules apply by subject. A Math retake is counted separately from a Science retake.

To schedule, log in to your GED.com account and book the subject you need to retake. Treat it like a single-subject booking, not a full GED restart.

Can You Retake the GED If You Passed? For a Higher Score

Yes, in most states, you can retake a GED subject even after passing it. This is usually done when your goal is not only to pass, but to earn a stronger score for college or training programs.

For the underlying numbers, our GED passing score guide breaks down each performance band:

A higher score can help if you plan to apply to a college, trade school, or competitive program. A College Ready score of 165 or higher may show you are prepared for college-level work.

A College Ready + Credit score of 175 or higher may help you earn college credit, but the final decision depends on the college or institution.

Retaking after passing is different from retaking after failing. The reduced retake fee usually does not apply once you have already passed a subject.

In most cases, expect to pay the full testing fee.

What the 60-Day Waiting Period Means

The 60-day waiting period is a key rule to understand when planning your GED retakes. It applies after your third attempt on a subject and continues for all subsequent retakes.

Here's how it works:

• The waiting period begins 60 calendar days from the date of your last failed attempt.

• It applies to each retake after your third attempt, ensuring you have adequate time to prepare before trying again.

This rule is designed to encourage better preparation and improve your chances of passing. Instead of simply waiting, use this time wisely:

1. Review your previous test results to identify weak areas.

2. Take the GED Ready practice test to assess your readiness.

3. Focus on targeted study sessions to strengthen your understanding of challenging topics.

4. Consider enrolling in a prep course or seeking tutoring if self-study isn't enough.

The 60-day period is your chance to regroup, refine your approach, and come back stronger.

Strategy: What to Do Between GED Retakes

Knowing how many times you can take the GED test is helpful, but the goal is not to keep retaking it without a better plan. Use the time between attempts to fix the exact areas that cost you points.

1. Take GED Ready

Start with GED Ready, the official GED practice test. It gives you a clear look at where you stand before scheduling another attempt.

2. Review Your Score Report

Check the areas where you lost points. Focus your study on those weak spots instead of reviewing everything equally.

3. Build a New Study Routine

Set a realistic schedule. A good target is 2 to 4 hours per day for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how close you were to passing.

4. Get Help If Self-Study Is Not Working

If you have retaken the same subject more than once and your score is not improving, consider tutoring or a GED prep course. Guided support can help you understand what to fix and how to study better.

5. Take GED Ready Again

Before booking the retake, take GED Ready again. Wait until your score shows "green", which means you are likely to pass.

6. Schedule When You Are Ready

Do not schedule a retake only because the waiting period is over. Book your test when your practice results show you are prepared.

This gives you a better chance of passing on the next attempt.

Retake Fees by State

GED retake fees vary by state, so use the figures below as a planning guide, not a fixed price.

Free-testing states (currently New York, Illinois, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Maine) cover GED testing costs through state adult-education funding. Most other states charge the full subject fee, a reduced retake fee, or a state/testing-center fee.

State-specific exceptions are common — some states offer one discounted retake, while others have different retake pricing rules.

Adult education is a real workforce pipeline: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks earnings and unemployment by educational attainment, and adults with a high school credential consistently earn more and have lower unemployment than those without one. State-funded GED testing exists because the public return is real.

The safest step is to check your state page on GED.com before paying. State policies control pricing, rules, and local testing details.

If you are not sure where the nearest center is, our guide on where you can take the GED walks through testing locations and the at-home option.

Bottom Line

You can retake the GED as many times as needed, but the rules matter. You only retake the subject you failed, not the full GED.

The first two retakes usually have no waiting period, while later attempts require a 60-day wait. Use the time between attempts to study with a clear plan, then schedule only when GED Ready shows you are prepared.

If you are starting fresh or want a step-by-step plan from registration through retake, see how to get your GED in 6 steps. Before you spend on another retake, take a few minutes to find out exactly where you stand right now.