In California, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. The credential is called the California High School Equivalency Certificate. A GED or HiSET certificate is accepted by most employers and 98% of colleges, making it a widely recognized and respected credential.

Here is a list of California GED and HiSET testing centers.

If you're like many, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED or HiSET fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED or HiSET certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.

Steps to Take the GED or HiSET Test in California

1. Check Your Eligibility in California: Every state has its own GED and HiSET test eligibility requirements. For California, you can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
2. Study for the Test: Preparing for the GED or HiSET test is key to success. Choose from various study options, including using a GED or HiSET California study guide, attending local GED or HiSET prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
3. Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use GED or HiSET study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
4. Take GED Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. If you choose to take the GED test online, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.
5. Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your GED test or HiSET exam.
6. Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
7. Get Your Transcript and Diploma: After passing the GED test or HiSET exam, the State of California will award you a high school equivalency certificate, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.

The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. The HiSET also offers practice tests. Additionally, you can take a free GED practice test or a free HiSET practice test through Essential Education, with the option to focus on one or multiple subjects.

Yes, in fact, GED Academy and HiSET Academy are fully aligned with GED test and HiSET exam standards and recognized by the testing services. That’s why over 4.5 million people have used these programs to earn their credentials. It's fast, easy, and affordable.

The California GED test and HiSET exam are the same as in every other state since they are national exams. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready. For more on how hard the GED test is, read our article How Hard Is the GED in 2025?

GED: The California GED tests you on Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

HiSET: The California HiSET tests you on Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED: 145 minimum per subject

HiSET: 8 minimum per subtest, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

Yes, in California, you can take the GED or HiSET exams either at an official testing center or online. For the GED, if you choose the online option, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.

Use our list of authorized testing centers in California to find a location near you.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: In California, there is no waiting period if you do not pass a subject area test the first time. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. Retests are administered using a form of the GED test that is different from the form(s) the candidate has already taken.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60-day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

HiSET: HiSET test takers may take each subtest a maximum of three times in a calendar year.

What you should know:

• You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
• You don’t have to memorize formulas and will be given a formula sheet in the test center as well as on the screen in the test.
• Essential Education offers a free practice test for math that will help you assess your readiness for the test.
• GED Academy gives you all the math you need to study at one affordable price.

Yes, in California, you can test in English or Spanish and you can combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

For Spanish speakers, GED Academy and HiSET Academy provide mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. These programs cover all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: Yes, in California you can take all GED test subjects in one day, provided you find a testing center with available hours that can accommodate this.
• Online Testing: No, each subject must be scheduled separately, one at a time. After completing one online exam, you can schedule the next, depending on available appointment times.

HiSET: You can choose to take each subtest individually, but if you prefer, you may also take multiple subtests in a single day, subject to availability at your testing center and your personal preference.

No, in California, you cannot combine scores from the GED and HiSET tests to earn your high school equivalency credential. You must pass all subjects from one of the approved tests, GED or HiSET.

• GED Cost at a Test Center: $41 per subject or $164 for all subjects.
• GED Cost Online: $41 per subject or $164 for all subjects.
• HiSET Cost at a Test Center: $17 per subtest or $85 for all subtests.
• HiSET Cost Online: $34.50 per subtest or $172.50 for all subtests.

Note: California HiSET requires a $20 one-time state administration fee when you book your first HiSET subtest.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee, but there is a $15 test center fee. You will receive one discounted retake for every GED test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full-price test to use this discounted retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam costs $41 for a retake in California. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.

HiSET: You may retake each subtest two times over the 12 months following your first attempt by paying only the test center fee, or the at-home online proctor fee, which is $17.50 for each at-home subtest.

To get a copy of your California transcript, you can request it through the GED Testing Service or HiSET.

GED: A passing score on the California GED test is 145 points (45% correct) in each of the four subjects. You can check your results in your MyGED account after you have completed the test.

HiSET: A passing score on the California HiSET exam is 8 points in each of the five subtests. You can view your results in your HiSET account after you have completed each subtest.

Yes, you must be a resident of California to take the GED test or HiSET exam.

You must be 18 years old to take the GED test or HiSET exam in California.

GED: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website.

HiSET: Find out about disability accommodations and complete a HiSET Accommodations Request Form.

In California, you will need to meet specific requirements to qualify for the GED or HiSET age waiver.

GED: If you are under the age of 18, you may be eligible to test with an approved waiver from the California Department of Education.

HiSET: View the Age Waiver Processes for the HiSET to see if you qualify.