Sacramento GED: Taking the GED in Sacramento, CA

What Is the GED?

The GED test measures skills and knowledge that would have been acquired by the end of high school. The credential is considered equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges.

Most questions are in multiple-choice format, with one written essay on the writing assessment. The test is divided into five parts covering the following subject areas:

• Language arts - reading
• Language arts - writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies

Am I Eligible to Take the Test?

You're eligible to take the GED if you are a resident of California and meet any one of the following requirements:

1. You are 18 or within 60 days of your 18th birthday. You may still be enrolled in school.

2. You are within 60 days of when you would have graduated if you had remained in school; however, you are not currently enrolled in school.

3. You are 17, been out of school for at least 60 days and have a letter of request from the military, a post-secondary educational institution or a prospective employer. You will not receive the actual GED certificate until your 18th birthday.

4. You are 17 and incarcerated in a California state or county correctional facility. Other requirements that apply to this condition can be found on the California Department of Education website.

Where Can I Take the Test?

You must take the GED at an official test center. You can locate centers in Sacramento by visiting the California Department of Education website, which lists test centers by city and county. Testing schedules are determined by each center. Larger centers, serving more people, tend have more tests scheduled than those in smaller communities.

How Can I Prepare for the GED Test?

Many of the testing centers might be able to offer advice on preparing for the test. One option is to take in-person classes, which are often available through adult education programs. Classes provide direct instruction, feedback and individualized assistance. However, if you are not able to take a class, there are many manuals available at bookstores and libraries to help you prepare. Staff at a testing center might be able to refer you to a good program.

What's a Passing Score?

To pass the GED you need to average a 450 on each sub-test and receive no score lower than 410. If your score is below 410 on any test, you have failed that part. You are allowed to retake all or portions of the test three times within a given year. Some testing centers might make you wait a period of time or take preparation classes before you're allowed to re-test.