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.