HSE FAQ

As of January 1, 2020, in California, you have two options for the HSE Test:

• The General Educational Development Test GED^®
• The High School Equivalency Test HiSET^®

Yes. Because of COVID-19, online proctoring is now available for test takers eighteen years of age or older using a camera-enabled computer. For more information, use these links: GED Ready and HiSET At-Home.

Yes, Both GED and HiSET offer online test preparation courses for registered test takers. Log on to your account and select the eLearning modules.

Reopening is contingent on your testing center’s compliance with the local and state government guidelines for operating safely. The CDE has provided a Best Practices for Testing Centers(PDF) document that describes safety precautions to aid in running a safe center.

In California, the minimum age required to take the HSE Test is 18 unless you meet any one of the following criteria:

1. You are 18 years of age or within 60 days of your 18th birthday.
2. You are within 60 days of when you would have graduated from high school had you remained in school and completed the usual courses required for graduation.
3. You are 17 years of age, have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive days and provide a letter of request from the military, a post-secondary educational institution, or employer that states the need for you to take a HSE Test.
4. You are at least 17 years of age, have accumulated fewer than 100 units of high school credit and are confined to state or county hospital or correctional agency and you meet all of the following criteria:
   • You have adequate academic skills to successfully complete the HSE Test.
   • You understand the options available regarding acquisition of a high school diploma, the High School Equivalency Certificate, or the High School Proficiency Certificate, and the requirements, expectations, benefits, and limitations of each option.
   • You have sufficient time left to complete the entire HSE Test while confined; however if released before the test is completed, you may complete testing at an authorized testing center.

Yes, in California you are required to prove you are a resident or a member of the armed forces assigned to duty in the state using a valid form of identification. The following are examples of documents that may be used to meet this requirement:

• Current California driver's license
• Current California identification card
• Current identification card issued by the military (if it includes proof of being stationed in California)
• Current United States government issued documentation (shows city, county, or state)
• Current residential lease
• Current state or federal tax returns
• Current California certifcate of vehicle or vessel title or registration
• Current home utility bill
• Current cable or phone bill
• Current employee documents
• Current insurance documents
• Current court documents that list the applicant as a California resident
• Completed California High School Equivalency Declariation of California Residency form (PDF)

States have different policies on allowing out of state test takers. Also, not all states offer the GED^® and HiSET^®. You will need to check the residency and age requirements for the state you wish to test in to confirm eligibility and test availability.

States have different polices on allowing out of state test takers and not all states offer the GED^® and HiSET^®. You will need to check the residency and age requirements for the state you wish to test in to confirm that eligibility and test availability.

California does not require you to prepare for the HSE Test in an adult education class. However, studying in a classroom setting or reviewing official HSE Test preparation materials are good ways to review the topics and areas you will find on the HSE Test.

Each HSE Test vendor provides information on authorized instructional classes and preparation materials. Please visit the following vendor web sites for further information:

• The General Educational Development Test (GED^® )
• The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET^® )

If you are taking the HiSET^®, you can take part of the test on paper and part on computer. For example, you may take the math section on paper and the other test sections on computer. Please note not all local authorized testing centers provide both versions of these test.

No. You must pass all subtests from one of the approved HSE Tests to earn your California High School Equivalency Certificate.

Yes. In California you can take the HSE Test in Spanish.

Yes. California residents are allowed to combine different language versions to complete the test. This means you may take any test subject in the language of your preference, either English or Spanish, to earn your California High School Equivalency Certificate.

English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction can help non-native English speakers, but there are not any requirements for ESL classes in California.

In California, the GED^® and HiSET^® are the approved options to get your California High School Equivalency Certificate. The California Department of Education and the United States Department of Education have released letters for employers and schools.

Each High School Equivalency Test vendor website has information on registration, scheduling procedures, and a list of authorized California testing centers. Access vendor websites for information on registering and scheduling a HSE Test.

For registration issues such as clearing alerts, please contact the authorized California testing center where you plan to test. Each vendor website has a list of testing centers authorized to provide their HSE Test.

In California, you can take all test sections on the same day; however, not all testing centers may be able to schedule the entire test on the same day due to staffing levels and hours of operation. Please contact the authorized California testing center where you plan to test.