GED Requirements in California: What You Need to Know

To obtain a GED in California, you generally need to be at least 18 years old, not currently enrolled in high school, and a resident of California. There are specific exceptions for 17-year-olds under certain conditions.

Requirements for a GED in California 

To be eligible for a GED in California, candidates must meet the following general criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years of age or older. There are exceptions for 17-year-olds if they are:

  • Within 60 days of their 18th birthday.

  • Within 60 days of when they would have graduated from high school.

  • Out of school for at least 60 consecutive days and provide a letter of request from the military, a post-secondary educational institution, or a prospective employer.

  • Confined to a state or county hospital or institution and meet academic skill requirements.

• Enrollment Status: You cannot be currently enrolled in an accredited high school or possess a high school diploma.

• Residency: You must be a resident of California, or a member of the armed services assigned to duty in California. Proof of residency is required through documents like a driver's license, utility bill, or a completed California High School Equivalency Declaration of California Residency form.

• Identification: A valid, current photo identification document with your name, date of birth, signature, photograph, and address is required for both registration and testing.

If you pass the GED test at age 17, you will not receive the High School Equivalency Certificate until your 18th birthday.

Subjects Covered on the GED Test 

The GED test consists of four main subject areas, designed to assess knowledge and skills typically acquired during high school:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA): This section evaluates your reading comprehension and writing skills. It includes questions on reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, and grammar and language, along with an extended response (essay). The test is approximately 150 minutes long.

• Mathematical Reasoning: This section covers fundamental math concepts, including basic math (arithmetic), geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions. A formula sheet and calculator are provided. This test is approximately 115 minutes long, with a portion where calculators are not allowed.

• Science: This section assesses your understanding of scientific concepts, reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting science experiments, and using numbers and graphics in science. The test is approximately 90 minutes long.

• Social Studies: This section covers reading for meaning, analyzing historical events and arguments, and using numbers and graphics in social studies. The test is approximately 70 minutes long.

The entire GED test takes approximately 7.5 hours to complete, though you can schedule each subject test individually.

Eligibility Criteria and Registration Process 

As detailed above, the primary eligibility criteria in California include age and residency.

Registration Process:

1. Create a MyGED Account: All GED tests are scheduled through the official GED website (GED.com). You will need to create a personal account on the MyGED™ portal.

2. Verify Eligibility: During registration, you'll answer demographic questions and confirm you meet California's eligibility requirements.

3. GED Ready® Practice Test (Optional but Recommended): The GED Testing Service strongly recommends taking the GED Ready® practice test for each subject. You may be required to score in the "Green" (likely to pass) zone on the GED Ready exam for each subject before taking the official exam, especially for online proctored testing.

4. Schedule Your Test: Once eligible, you can log in to MyGED, select "Start scheduling," choose your desired subject(s), select a testing center (or online proctored option if eligible), and pay the fees.

   • The cost for each of the four subject tests in California is $41.00 per test, totaling $164 for all subjects.

   • Online testing is available in California for eligible test-takers, with specific requirements for parental consent if under 18 and a 60-day waiting period after a second failed online attempt.

5. Accommodations: If you require testing accommodations due to a documented disability, you must apply through the GED Testing Service website during the registration process. Documentation review can take approximately six weeks.

Preparation Resources and Study Tips 

Effective preparation is key to passing the GED test. California offers various resources:

• Official GED Website: GED.com provides free study materials, practice questions, and official GED Ready® practice tests (which indicate your likelihood of passing).

• In-Person Classes: Many adult schools and community colleges in California offer GED preparation classes. These provide structured instruction, experienced teachers, group study opportunities, and career/college planning services. You can find local classes through the GED website by entering your city, state, or zip code.

• Online Classes: If in-person classes aren't feasible, online GED prep courses are available, offering flexible schedules and mobile-friendly content. Programs like GED Academy provide lessons aligned with test standards.

• Library Resources: Local libraries often have study guides, practice books, and online learning platforms to help with GED preparation.

• Study Guides and Strategies: Websites like Study Guides and Strategies offer general test-taking strategies.

• Practice Tests: Utilize practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format, question types, and timing of the actual exam. Analyze your scores to identify areas needing more study.

• Study Tips:

  • Create a Schedule: Dedicate consistent time to studying each subject. Many people study one subject for about 3 weeks before taking that test.

  • Focus on Weak Areas: Use practice test results to pinpoint subjects or topics where you need the most improvement.

  • Review Reference Sheets: Familiarize yourself with the math formula sheet and calculator reference sheet provided during the test.

  • Practice Essay Writing: For the RLA extended response, practice structuring arguments and writing clearly and concisely.

Understanding Scoring and Passing Standards 

• Passing Score: To pass the GED test in California, you must achieve a minimum score of 145 on each of the four subject tests. The scoring scale for each subject ranges from 100 to 200.

• Retake Policy:

  • In-person at a Test Center: In California, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes of a subject test. After three attempts, you will have to wait 60 days before retesting that subject.

  • Online Proctored Exam: The online proctored exam allows for one retake before a 60-day waiting period. After two online attempts for a subject, you'll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

• Score Levels Beyond Passing:

  • GED® College Ready (165-174): This score indicates you have the skills needed for college-level courses and may be exempt from placement tests or remedial courses at some colleges.

  • GED® College Ready + Credit (175-200): This score suggests you've demonstrated college-level skills and may be eligible to earn college credits (up to 3 credits in Math, Science, Social Studies, and 1 credit in Humanities, depending on the college).

It is advisable to check with the specific colleges you are interested in regarding their policies for GED College Ready scores and potential college credit.