GED eligibility is the first step toward obtaining a career that pays well. While the requirements for all the states can pretty much be summed up according to your current age, each state might have additional requisites before you can take your GED tests. For instance, in most cities and states, those aged 19 years or older only need to pass a completely filled-out application, and must be a resident of said city for at least a month before the GED test day. And since GED stands as a high school diploma equivalent, high school graduates are not eligible for it.

Those aged 17 or 18, meanwhile, should be all of the above and also be at least one of the following: accepted into the US Military, a member of the Job Corps, a resident of hospital, treatment, or detention facility, or have stopped attending regular high school for at least a full year. In certain states like Texas, parental consent is also required, and the applicant would need to fill up a 17 Year Old Withdrawal and Consent Form. Those who are 16 years old would need court-ordered supervision of the applicant by an appointed custodian.

Generally though, 18 year olds and above are eligible for GED testing if you’ve been a resident of your state for at least 30 days prior to the GED test application, with proof of said residency via a mailing address. Those who are new to the state for reasons such as military back ground, transfer of business or industry, hospitalization, or even because of federal laws can also be candidates for taking the GED test.

And while some state laws might vary regarding GED application eligibility, applicants who are 17 years old basically have to have withdrawn from formal education before applying for GED. There are specific provisions for this, however. Those who have opted for home-schooling or alternative education systems in lieu of more traditional classroom set-ups for at least 6 months before the application are eligible. Same goes with Armed Forces volunteers who want to apply for GED, so long as their recruiting office sends the Chief Examiner a letter requesting an individual’s application. This is because while most military requirements are met by seventeen year-old volunteers, the military still requires a high school equivalency diploma before they get fully inducted into it. Along with the recruiting officer’s request letter, a permission letter from the applicant’s parents or guardian must be attached.

Now, those who have been, or are currently in correctional facilities have to be endorsed by the facility’s administration prior to applying. Counseling is required for the applicants, covering educational (and career) options, which should be continued even after the applicant’s release from said facility. Those under the jurisdiction of a court, detention center, or are on probation or parole are eligible for GED testing so long as their parole officer presents a request to the Chief Examiner. The request has to be in writing and must contain an official court order that the applicant is allowed to take the test, plus a letter from an officer of the court endorsing the applicant’s education and career counseling. Most importantly, the applicant should have declined a traditional classroom education once he or she is released from the correctional facility.

For a complete list of addresses and phone numbers for the GED office in your state click here.