The standard scores for the GED tests range from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800 on each test. To pass, 60 percent is required. This means you'll want to score at least 410 on each GED test to pass it, and achieve an overall score of 450 for the five-test battery. The score for any single test can't be less than 410, but the average of all the scores must be at least 450. These means if some scores are lower than 450, other GED tests need to be well above 450 so that the scores for all five GED tests average out to a minimum of 450.  Essay Scoring  The original, two-page essay is scored differently, and accounts for about 40 percent of the overall Language Arts-Writing Test score. Scoring is based on the written response to a prompt. The score arises from a combination of measures, including essay effectiveness, organization, idea development and how focused your essay is to the prompt. The essay is also measured on appropriate English mechanics such as grammar, punctuation, your choice of words and sentence structure. Basically, this means that the score is a twofold result:  1. How well can you make your point, remain on-topic, focused and create an impression with your words and ideas?  2. Do you have a good basic command of the language and its structure? Is your use of language proper?  What's the pass/fail rate?  Almost half of the people who take the GED fail the first time. The most common reason for failing the GED is not studying the right things. The better prepared you are for the GED test, the greater your chances of doing well.  You may want to take an authentic GED practice test first, which will give you an idea of your scores and help you identify areas for study - before you take the actual test. Practice tests are also a good way to acquaint you with the timing of the test and how the test is structured.