The General Education Development (GED) is one method to receive the equivalent of a high school diploma. The test measures the student in five subject areas: math, writing skills, social studies, science, and the interpretation of literature and the arts.

The State of California requires that the student be at least 18 years of age and is eligible whether or not he/she is currently enrolled in school. Students who are within 60 days of their 18th birthday may also take the GED test, however, their certificate will be withheld until they actually turn 18.

Students who have been out of school 60 days and who present a written request on official letterhead from a prospective employer, the military or a post-secondary institution are also eligible to take the GED at the age of 17.

The GED is administered in most communities and preregistration is required. Cost is determined by local testing centers and runs approximately $75.00. A CA high school equivalency certificate is issued to those who successfully pass the test.

For further information, contact your local high school for testing dates or contact the GED Program Coordinator at 800/331.6316 or visit the website.

The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) is the standardized assessment tool which is acknowledged in the State of California as being equivalent to a high school diploma. A certificate of proficiency is issued by the CA State Board of Education. This is not the CA Exit Exam that is now required of all public school students.

Students are tested in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. The test is available to those who are at least 16 years of age by test date. There is no upper age limit to taking the test. Younger students may take the exam provided that the principal of the child's school verifies that the child has completed at least one semester of the tenth grade. The CHSPE is generally administered twice a year at sites throughout the state. Preregistration is required. The test fee is $85.00 ($100.00 for late registrations).

Upcoming CHSPE Dates

June 23, 2007
October 20, 2007
June 24, 2006

Updated information is available by calling 866/342.4773 or on the CHSPE website.

Those who are enrolled in BayShore School and who meet all of the graduation requirements are eligible to receive a high school diploma from BayShore without having to take the GED or CHSPE exams.

Most private independent study programs (ISP) do offer a diploma, check with your ISP administrator for requirements.