The General Educational Development Test, also known as the GED, is a test given to those who were unable to complete their high school education either by choice or by life circumstances. It is important to have at least a high school diploma, or GED, as many higher education institutions require this diploma for admission and higher paying jobs may require a diploma or GED for hiring consideration. If you live in California and do not have a high school diploma, you may take the GED examination, which is overseen by the California Department of Education.
California GED Test Eligibility:
The first eligibility requirement to take the California GED examination, and perhaps the most important requirement, is your resident status. You must be a California resident, which is a person who spends most of their time in California, pays California taxes or has a California driver’s license. If you are unsure about your resident status, contact the California Department of Education by phone: 916-445-9438 or by email at: [email protected]
The next eligibility requirement is your age. If you are at least 18 years of age or older, or if your 18th birthday is within 60 days, you may take the California GED test, even if you are currently enrolled in high school.
If you are 17 years old and have not been in school for a minimum of 60 consecutive days you also qualify to take the GED test. If you are at least 17 years of age and have a written request to take the California GED from a post-secondary institution, employer or the military then you may also take the California GED examination.
It is important to note that if you are under the age of 18 when you take the California GED examination then you will not receive your GED equivalency certificate until your 18th birthday. While you will not receive your certificate until your 18th birthday you will be sent a letter of intent, which states you have passed the California GED and the GED certificate is being held until your 18th birthday.
Once you ensure you are eligible to take the California GED test, you will then need to locate an official GED testing center nearest you. The California Department of Education offers a searchable database of all sanctioned testing facilities, which may be found in the Sources section below. Take note, you will not be able to take the California GED test online thus any “organization” or “testing facility” claiming you can take the test online is fake and a scam.
Passing the California GED Test:
The California GED test consists of a total of 7.5 hours, thus the test may be taken in a single day or up to three days. The exact testing time frame may vary from testing location to testing location. The total price to take the California GED testing facility varies from each testing facility; however, on average the cost for the California GED test is $100, although some centers may charge more or less.
SOURCES:
California Department of Education: General Educational Development Test (GED)
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/
California Department of Education: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedfaq.asp
California Department of Education: Local Test Centers by City
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedtestcntrs.asp
California Department of Education: Am I Eligible to Take the GED Test?
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/gedeligible.asp
