GED San Diego: Earning a GED in San Diego, CA

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

You can take the GED test in California if you're a resident of the state and meet any of the following requirements:

1. You're at least 18 or within 60 days of your 18th birthday.

2. It's within 60 days of when your high school class is graduating.

3. You're 17, have not attended school for 60 consecutive days and can provide a letter of request from an employer, a post-secondary school or the military.

4. You're 17 and incarcerated in a county or state correctional facility and meet additional criteria.

Where Can I Find Test Centers?

The GED must be taken at an official testing center; it's not available on the Internet. There are many test centers located in San Diego County. The California State Department of Education lists centers and contact information on its website. Depending on the testing center, the GED is usually offered several times a month, on weekdays and Saturdays. The test lasts 7.5 hours and is spread over 1-3 days.

What's on the Test?

The GED is divided into five subject areas, which measure your knowledge of the skills and concepts attained in a full high school curriculum. The tests consist of reading, writing, social studies, mathematics and science. The questions are mostly multiple-choice, but one essay is required to evaluate communication and writing skills. When you pass all of the tests, you earn a high school equivalency certificate, which is considered equivalent to a high school diploma.

What's Considered Passing?

California requires a total score of 2250, which averages to 450 per test. In addition, each test score must be at least 410 to pass the GED. All or part of the exam may be re-taken up to three times in a calendar year. Some testing centers require additional preparation courses or a waiting period before allowing you to retest.

How Do I Prepare?

Many test centers have preparation programs available or the staff can refer you to other resources. Adult education centers also have classes. You can locate these centers in San Diego County by contacting the California Board of Education or by using the locator on the American Council of Education website.