GED® Test: Science Performance Level Descriptors - Level 1 - Below Passing

Sep 14, 2026

Science performance level descriptors for GED® Science, specifically Level 1 (Below Passing). Describes limited but developing proficiency across four skill areas: analyzing scientific and technical arguments using text-based evidence, applying scientific processes by identifying and refining hypotheses and evaluating investigation designs, and performing quantitative reasoning by interpreting data in numeric, symbolic, and visual forms. Explains what test-takers must strengthen and add to progress toward the Pass/High School Equivalency level.

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CategoryExam

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Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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What Your Score Means: Level 1 — Below Passing

Core Skills at Below Passing Level

Skills Needed to Progress to Pass/High School Equivalency

GED® Test: Science Performance Level Descriptors What Your Score Means: Level 1 — Below Passing Test-takers who score at this level typically have a limited but developing proficiency demonstrating the skills in the following categories: examining scientific text, understanding and applying scientific methods and concepts, and interpreting scientific data using numeric reasoning. Test-takers at the Below Passing level typically demonstrate the following skills: Analyze Scientific and Technical Arguments , Evidence, and Text-Based Information • Cite specific textual evidence to support a finding or conclusion at a limited and/or inconsistent level Applying Scientific Processes and Procedural Concepts • Identify and refine hypotheses for scientific investigations at a limited and/or inconsistent level • Reason from data or evidence to a conclusion at a limited and/or inconsistent level • Identify the strength and weaknesses of one or more scientific investigations (i.e. experimental or observational) designs at a limited and/or inconsistent level Reasoning Quantitatively and Interpreting Data in Scientific Contexts • Describe a data set statistically at a limited and/or inconsistent level • Understand and explain non-textual scientific presentations at a limited and/or inconsistent level • Express scientific information or findings numerically or symbolically at a limited and/or inconsistent level • Express scientific information or findings visually at a limited and/or inconsistent level In order to progress to the Pass/High School Equivalency level, test-takers need to: 1) continue to strengthen the skills listed in the Below Passing Level, including: ! Cite specific textual evidence to support a finding or conclusion [GEDtestingservice.com](GEDtestingservice.com) • [GED.com](GED.com) GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education. They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education. Copyright © 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved. GED® Test: Science Performance Level Descriptors What Your Score Means: Level 1 – Below Passing (continued) ! Express scientific information or findings verbally ! Identify and refine hypotheses for scientific investigations ! Understand and explain non-textual scientific presentationsand 2) develop the following additional skills: " Understand and explain textual scientific presentations " Identify possible sources of error and alter the design of an investigation to ameliorate that error " Identify and interpret independent and dependent variables in scientific investigations " Understand and apply scientific models , theories , and processes " Apply formulas from scientific theories [GEDtestingservice.com](GEDtestingservice.com) • [GED.com ](GED.com 21)[ 21](GED.com 21)

FAQs

What additional skills are needed to progress to the Pass/High School Equivalency level?

Test-takers must strengthen evidence-based conclusions and data interpretation while also adding skills such as explaining textual scientific presentations, identifying sources of error and improving investigation design, interpreting independent and dependent variables, applying scientific models and theories, and using formulas from scientific theories.

Sep 14, 2026

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