General Educational Development (GED) Tests

GED vs. CHSPE

The California High School Proficiency Examination is another high school proficiency test that is similar to the GED because it allows people to earn a high school proficiency certificate. However, the CHSPE is intended for minors (people under 18 years old) who are still in high school but wish to finish early in order to go to college or enter the workforce.

What are GED tests? How can they help me?

A General Educational Development (GED) test is a high school proficiency test for adults who never completed high school and want to earn a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.[2770]

These tests are administered nationally, but three have been specifically approved by the California Department of Education:

    GED® (GED Testing Service);
    HiSET® (ETS); AND
    TASC™ (CTB-McGraw-Hill).[2771]

If you pass a GED test in California, you’ll receive a California High School Equivalency Certificate (CAHSEC) (this is the official name for a GED in California).[2772] This certificate is your official proof that you have high school level academic skills. Once you have this certificate, you can apply to colleges and jobs that require a high school credential.[2773] You will need to take and pass the test for several different subject matters (sometimes called “modules”) in order to get your CAHSEC.

  1. 2770

    5 Cal. Code Regs. §§ 11530-11532. ↑

  2. 2771

    Cal. Dep’t of Educ., http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/. ↑

  3. 2772

    GED Description—CalEdFacts, Cal. Dep’t of Educ., www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/cefged.asp; 2014 California, GED Testing Service, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/policy_ca. ↑

  4. 2773

    U.S. Dep’t of Educ. Office of Vocational & Adult Educ., Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need (2012); Frequently Asked Questions, GED Testing Service, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/mygedfaqs. ↑

Am I eligible to take a GED test to earn my California High School Equivalency Certificate (CAHSEC)?

In order to take a GED test to get your California High School Equivalency Certificate, you must:

    Not have completed high school;
    Be a resident of California; AND
    Be 18 years or older (or 17 in very special circumstances).[2774]
  1. 2774

    Cal. Veh. Code § 51420. ↑

How long will it take to earn my CAHSEC?

It depends. Specifically, it will depend on your current skills, pace of study, and individual circumstances. You may choose to study on your own, at your own pace; or you may take one or more GED test preparation classes, which may be designed to get you ready by a specific date.

Compared to a high school diploma program, which may require a longer list of classes, the GED can be a “fast track” to a high school credential (for more information on high school diploma programs, see PG. 861). However, this may or may not be the best fit for you, depending on your needs and learning preferences.[2775]

  1. 2775

    See Cal. Adult Schools, Adult Education Programs, http://www.californiaadultschools.org/cas/programs#core6. ↑

How much will it cost to earn my CAHSEC?

If you’re currently incarcerated

in a federal prison,[2776] a California state prison,[2777] or a California county jail,[2778] you should be able to register for a GED test, take GED preparation classes, and get your CAHSEC at no cost to you.

NOTE: While GED programs and testing are generally offered at no cost, if you have a high balance in your trust account, your facility may decide to deduct some or all of the costs for certain programs or testing from your account.[2779]

If you’re formerly incarcerated:

    When you sign up for a GED test, you must pay a $35 fee for each module (subject-matter tests) you’re scheduling. That adds up to a $140 fee if you register for all 4 modules at once.[2780]
    When you pass the test (all 4 modules), you’ll get your certificate and official test results by mail at no cost.[2781]
    Studying for the GED might require paying for classes and books, but this could cost little or nothing.

NOTE: Many adult schools and community colleges provide GED classes for free, and provide study materials for free as well. Others may charge registration and tuition fees (up to $25-50 per semester or class). Some schools that charge fees offer financial aid to low-income students. Check with each school about fees and financial aid.[2782]

  1. 2776

    28 C.F.R. §§ 544.70 (federal inmates who do not have a GED or high school diploma are required to take adult literacy classes), 544.81 (warden shall ensure every inmate with the need, capacity, and time has the opportunity to complete and adult literacy program leading toward a GED or high school diploma). ↑

  2. 2777

    Cal. Dep’t Corr. & Rehab., Operations Manual, 101010.1–101010.5.4 (2015); see also Office of Correctional Education, Cal. Dep’t of Corr. & Rehab., http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Correctional_Education/index.html. ↑

  3. 2778

    Cal. Veh. Code §§ 1900-1909.5; see also Adult Education Program Overview, Cal. Dep’t of Educ., www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ae/po/. ↑

  4. 2779

    Interview with Carmen Garcia, Legal Administrative Assistant, Root & Rebound (April 15, 2015). ↑

  5. 2780

    You can get a fee discount when you register to retake parts of the GED test. You get up to 2 discounted retakes for each subject module. For details, visit GED Testing Serv., 2014 California, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/policy_ca#price. ↑

  6. 2781

    See Cal. Dep’t of Educ., General Education Development Description—CalEdFacts, www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/cefged.asp. However, you will have to pay for additional copies of your results (called GED transcripts). To find out more, GED Testing Serv., Request a Transcript, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/gedrequest-a-transcript. ↑

  7. 2782

    Cal. Veh. Code § 52501, 52502, 52503; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 5 § 10560 (year); Cal. Dep’t of Educ., Adult Education Program Overview, www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ae/po/; Cal. Adult Schools., Frequently Asked Questions, www.californiaadultschools.org/cas/news/45-school-stories/118-faq. ↑

How do I prepare for the GED test?

FIRST: Learn as much as you can about the GED test. You should know: What subjects and skills does the test cover? How long does the test take? What do the questions look like? You can get information by contacting the GED Testing Service (see PG. 860 for contact information), by asking teachers or tutors in a GED program, and by looking at GED practice tests and study materials (see below for tips on finding GED programs and study materials). Here is some general information to start with:

    The GED test has 4 modules (subject-matter tests): language arts, math, social studies, and science. You can take all 4 modules on the same day, which takes 7+ hours; or you can schedule them for separate dates.[2783]
    As of January 1, 2014, the GED test is computer-based; but if you’re in a prison or jail that doesn’t have computers set up, you might be taking the test with a pencil and paper.[2784] To find out which version of the test you’ll take, ask your facility’s education department staff.

SECOND: Learn as much as possible about your readiness for the test. You should know:

    Which subjects or skills do you feel confident about, and which ones should you focus on improving?
    How comfortable do you feel with the test format?
    Do you need to practice answering test questions more quickly?
    What study methods are best for your current skills and learning style?
    You can get a sense of how ready you are by taking practice GED tests on your own, and/or by working with teachers or tutors in a GED program who can give you feedback about your skills (see below for tips on finding GED programs and study materials, including practice tests).

THIRD: Make use of teaching, tutoring, and study materials that are available to you. Below is general information about potential resources that you may be able to use:

If you’re currently incarcerated:

    In a federal prison: When you get to your federal facility, staff will review your county jail assessment information. If you don’t have a high school degree, you will be enrolled in classes designed to lead up to a GED or a high school diploma (unless they decide that you must take Adult Basic Education classes first).[2785] Ask your education advisor if you have questions about enrollment.
    In a California state prison: If you don’t have a high school credential, you can enroll in GED classes if your TABE scores qualify you.[2786] You may also be able to get extra tutoring support through the Voluntary Education Program (VEP).[2787] Ask your correctional counselor or education department staff about enrolling in GED classes or VEP. (Remember, before you enroll in GED or VEP, you must have a TABE score on file.[2788] See PG. 853 for information about the TABE and getting an educational assessment).
    In a California county jail: If your educational assessment scores qualify you for GED courses, your facility should enroll you if they offer these courses.[2789] If not, you can contact community service organizations to request materials. See Appendix B, PG. 891 for a list or organizations that provide GED materials.

IMPORTANT: If you are in county jail awaiting transfer to a federal or state facility, you will NOT be allowed to take anything with you, including any books or other materials related to your educational programming, when you are transferred. You will need to gather all of your materials ahead of time and mail them to someone on the outside before you are transferred. That person can then mail your materials back to you at your new facility.[2790]

!

NOTE: Even though most facilities in California at the federal, state, and county level offer GED classes, often there are long waiting lists to get in, or they are offered in “cycles” (which means that if you miss the beginning of the cycle, you cannot enroll until the next one). If you cannot enroll in a GED class for any reason, you should try to begin studying on your own. Check your facility’s library for GED “prep” books and materials. These resources will walk you through lesson plans, and usually contain sample questions and practice tests.[2791] They can also be ordered through most book distributors. Check with your facility for a list of book distributors that are approved to send materials to inmates. There are also a number of community adult literacy programs and other service organizations that will send books and materials to incarcerated people for free. You can contact these organizations to request the study materials you need. For a list of organizations that provide books and materials to incarcerated people, visit Urbana Campaign to Prisoners at http://www.books2prisoners.org/partnerships.php or see Appendix B, PG. 891.

Helpful HintIf Your Release Date Interferes with your GED Program in Prison or Jail:

If you are preparing for a GED test while incarcerated and find out that you will be released before you finish your class or program, ask your GED teacher for a “progress report.” This report will show exactly where you are in the process, so that you can pick up your studies in the same place after your release.[2792]

If you’re formerly incarcerated:

    Visit your local America’s Job Center of California for information on GED programs in your area (see PG. 838 for information on finding your local America’s Job Center of California).
    Contact your local public library, adult school, or community college to ask about free or low-cost GED classes near you.[2793]
    If you have Internet access, search online for GED programs near you. Try these resources to start:
    California Adult Schools: www.californiaadultschools.org/cas/
    California Adult Education Provider Directory: www.otan.us/caaeproviders/
    California Community College Finder at www.californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/maps/map.asp
    Contact the GED Testing Service for information and resources:
    Call 1-800-626-9433 to get information about GED classes or test centers near you; or to request a practice test that you can score by yourself.
    Call 1-877-392-6433 if you have specific questions about how the computer-based test works.[2794]
    Visit http://www.gedtestingservice.com/ged-testing-service.
    Visit your local public library or bookstore to find free or low-cost GED study materials.
  1. 2783

    Cal. Dep’t of Educ., General Education Development Description—CalEdFacts, www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/cefged.asp; GED Testing Serv., 2014 California, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/policy_ca. ↑

  2. 2784

    GED Testing Serv., 2014 California, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/policy_ca.; Cal. Dep’t of Educ., High School Equivalency Tests, www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/; GED Testing Serv., Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.gedtestingservice.com/educators/2014-faqs#corr. ↑

  3. 2785

    If you do not have a high school credential, you will be required enroll in adult literacy classes (up to 240 hours, or until you earn a GED, whichever comes first). See U.S. Dep’t Justice Fed. Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5350.28 Literacy Program (GED Standard) (Feb. 1, 2003); U.S. Dep’t Justice Fed. Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5300.21 Education Training & Leisure Time (Feb. 18, 2001); U.S. Dep’t Justice Fed. Bureau of Prisons, A Directory of Bureau of Prisons’ National Programs (May 21, 2014) at 1-3. ↑

  4. 2786

    Cal. Dep’t of Corr. & Rehab. Div. of Rehabilitative Programs, General Education Development, www.cdcr.ca.gov/rehabilitation/general-education-development.html ↑

  5. 2787

    Cal. Dep’t of Corr. & Rehab. Div. of Rehabilitative Programs, Voluntary Education Program, www.cdcr.ca.gov/rehabilitation/voluntary-education-program.html; Cal. Dep’t Corr. & Rehab., Operations Manual 101010.1 - 101010.5.4 (2015). ↑

  6. 2788

    Cal. Dep’t Corr. & Rehab., Operations Manual 101010.1–101010.5.4 (2015); Cal. Dep’t of Corr. & Rehab. Div. of Rehabilitative Programs, Frequently Asked Questions, www.cdcr.ca.gov/rehabilitation/faqs.html#tabe. ↑

  7. 2789

    Cal. Veh. Code §§ 1900-1909.5; Cal. Dep’t of Educ., Adult Education Program Overview, www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ae/po/. ↑

  8. 2790

    Interview with Carmen Garcia, Legal Administrative Assistant, Root & Rebound (April 15, 2015). ↑

  9. 2791

    U.S. Dep’t of Educ. Office of Vocational & Adult Educ., Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need (2012). ↑

  10. 2792

    U.S. Dep’t of Educ. Office of Vocational & Adult Educ., Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need (2012). ↑

  11. 2793

    U.S. Dep’t of Educ. Office of Vocational & Adult Educ., Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need (2012); Cal. Veh. Code §§ 52501- 52503; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 5 § 10560; Cal. Dep’t of Educ., Adult Program Overview, www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ae/po/. ↑

  12. 2794

    GED Testing Serv., Frequently Asked Questions, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/faqs-test-taker; GED Testing Serv., Prepare for the Test: Locate a Prep Center, www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/locate-a-prep-center. ↑

I’m ready to take a GED test. how do I sign up?

If you’re currently incarcerated:

    In a federal prison: Ask your education advisor to sign you up. You should be able to take the test if the education staff thinks you’re ready based on your most recent assessment and/or your current work in class.[2795]
    In a California state prison: First, sign up with your facility’s testing coordinator to take a GED predictor test. Depending on your score, you may be scheduled for the next available GED test date at your facility, or you may be enrolled in a GED preparation program for further study.[2796] Ask your correctional counselor or education department staff if you have questions about GED classes, VEP, or the GED predictor test.
    In a California county jail: Ask the education staff at your facility to sign you up to take the test the next time it is offered (if it is offered at your facility).

GED vs. High school diploma

Compared to a GED program, which may focus on preparing you to answer test questions quickly, a high school diploma program requires you to complete many classes that are part of a high school education. Required course subjects include: English (reading, writing, literature); math (algebra, geometry); natural science (biology, ecology, physics); social science (history, civics, economics); humanities (art, religion); and electives (health, media literacy).

If you’re formerly incarcerated:

    Create an online account at www.ged.com, and then sign up for a specific test date at a specific GED test center. To complete your registration, you must pay the fee ($35 per test module) using a credit card.
    To find out what GED test centers are near you, call the GED Testing Service at 1-800-626-9433.[2797] If you have Internet access, you can also use the search tool on the GED Testing Service website,[2798] or visit the GED test center directory on the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedtestcntrs.asp.[2799]

General Tips

    You may want to register for just 1 or 2 test modules at a time if you can’t afford the full fee or if you want to give yourself time off between studying for the different subjects.[2800] To take the test in California, you must provide state-issued ID[2801] and proof of California residency.[2802] Before registering, ensure that you will have these documents on your test date. (You do not have to be a U.S. citizen or have a SSN to take the GED.[2803]) If you have more questions, contact the GED office at (916) 445-9438 or [email protected]. If you have Internet access, you can also find information posted online by the California Department of Education[2804] and the GED Testing Service.[2805]
  1. 2795

    If you don’t have a high school credential, you must be enrolled in a literacy class; and you must participate until you’ve spent 240 hours in class or until you earn your GED, whichever comes first. 28 C.F.R. § 544.70-75; see U.S. Dep’t Justice Fed. Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5350.28 Literacy Program (GED Standard) (Feb. 1, 2003); U.S. Dep’t Justice Fed. Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5300.21 Education Training & Leisure Time (Feb. 18, 2001); U.S. Dep’t Justice Fed. Bureau of Prisons, A Directory of Bureau of Prisons’ National Programs (May 21, 2014) at 1-3. ↑

  2. 2796

    Cal. Dep’t Corr. & Rehab., Operations Manual 101010.5.4 (2015); General Education Development, Cal. Dep’t of Corr. & Rehab. Div. of Rehabilitative Programs, www.cdcr.ca.gov/rehabilitation/general-education-development.html. You may also be able to get extra tutoring support through the Voluntary Education Program (VEP). See Voluntary Education Program, Cal. Dep’t of Corr. & Rehab. Div. of Rehabilitative Programs, www.cdcr.ca.gov/rehabilitation/voluntary-education-program.html. ↑

  3. 2797

    Test Taker Frequently Asked Questions, GED Testing Serv., www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/faqs-test-taker; Locate a Prep Center, GED Testing Serv., www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/locate-a-prep-center. ↑

  4. 2798

    Locate a Prep Center, GED Testing Serv., www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/locate-a-prep-center. ↑

  5. 2799

    Local GED Test Centers by City, Cal. Dep’t of Educ., www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedtestcntrs.asp; see also Local GED Test Centers by County, Cal. Dep’t of Educ., www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/centercounty.asp. ↑

  6. 2800

    Note: If you took any parts of the old paper-based GED before January 1, 2014, those scores no longer count. You must now take all four modules in the new computer-based format to earn your GED. See GED Testing Service: On the Record (June 25 - 26, 2012), www.ceanational.org/PDFs/QuestionsfromCorrectionsWebinarsFINAL.pdf. ↑

  7. 2801

    Acceptable forms of ID include: California driver license or ID card, passport, employment or work visa, green card, military or other government ID card, college ID card. See GED Eligibility, City Coll. of San Francisco, www.ccsf.edu/en/student-services/matriculation_services/ged_center/ged_eligibility.html. ↑

  8. 2802

    Acceptable forms of proof include: California driver license or ID card, birth certificate, tax returns, marriage license, car registration, utility bill, voter registration, bank statement, or apartment lease. 2014 California, GED Testing Serv., www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/policy_ca ↑

  9. 2803

    Frequently Asked Questions, GED Academy, www.passged.com/faqs.php. ↑

  10. 2804

    GED Test, Cal. Dep’t of Educ., www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedtest.asp. ↑

  11. 2805

    2014 California, GED Testing Serv., www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/policy_ca. ↑