All about the GED Science Test

You’ll have 50 multiple choice questions to answer in 80 minutes. That means, on average you’ll have about 1½ minutes per question. If you take about 75 seconds (1 minute, 15 seconds) per question, you’ll have plenty of time. Remember, though, that this is an average. Some questions will be easier, and some will be more difficult.

The science test covers 35% Physical Science (about 17–18 questions), 45% Life Science (about 22–23 questions), and 20% Earth and Space Science (about 10 questions). Physical Science covers atoms, matter and energy, chemistry, and forces and motion.

Life Science covers a wide range of issues about life and health, including cells, DNA and RNA, heredity, evolution, how plants and animals affect each other, and how plants and animals behave. Earth and Space Science includes questions about Earth’s systems and origin, the universe, and bodies in space.

On the science test, it’s important to have a good background in science and science thinking, but you won’t need to know a lot of details like scientific formulas or facts. For the most part, the information you need to know is all on the test. What you need is a solid background to interpret and understand the information.

The context of the science test covers five areas. The Unifying Concepts and Processes area is about fundamental science concepts. You’ll need to understand the overall idea of systems and organization in science, evidence and explanations, change and measurement, evolution and equilibrium, and form and function. Science as Inquiry involves asking questions, planning and carrying out experiments, tools to collect data or information, connecting evidence and conclusions, evaluating different explanations, and understanding science arguments. Science and Technology is about using science to develop technological solutions to problems. Science in Social and Personal Perspective is about how science affects the world. It covers natural resources, population, the environment, and government policy about science. History and Nature of Science addresses the human aspects of science and the history of science in different cultures.

The science test will cover both readings and visual information, including tables, charts and graphs, and diagrams. About 60% of questions may contain visual information, so it’s important to be able to read and understand charts and graphs.

About 25% of the test will be two to five questions about one chart, graph, or reading, but 75% of the test will be a single question about some information.

The science test covers comprehension, analysis, and application, but it does not break down specific percentages for different types of thinking skills.

Important Science Concepts

Your goal in studying for the GED science test is scientific literacy. That is, you should be familiar with broad science concepts and how science works. You should be able to read, analyze, and evaluate science information. Becoming familiar with important science subjects, concepts, and ways to present information will give you the background you need. However, you don’t have to memorize science ideas. You don’t need to remember all the terms. You do need to be able to read about science and understand what you’re reading, so that you can answer questions that ask you to analyze and apply the information. So, don’t focus on remembering everything you read. Focus on reading science better and comprehending more.