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HSE Administrative Documents

Administrative documents regarding the California High School Equivalency (HSE) Exams.

2023 HSE Summer Convenings

Registration Now Open for 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings!

2023 HSE Summer Convenings Informational Flyer(PDF)

Registration is open for the 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings that will be happening across California from August 7–18, 2023! The California Department of Education (CDE) invites chief examiners, test site administrators, school counselors, and others with a connection to HSE and Proficiency exams to attend a session. These convenings are designed to provide timely updates and to collect valuable feedback regarding the HSE and proficiency exams. Register for free todayExternal link opens in new window or tab. to join us at a location near you.

2022 HSE Summer Convenings Videos and Notetaking Guides

This three-series webinar was provided by the CDE, HiSET®, and GED® Testing Services. These webinars were designed for high school equivalency chief examiners and test site administrators, high school counselors, and others with a connection to this alternate option for students. Below are links to the session videos and their respective notetaking guides.

2022–23 HSE and Proficiency Webinar Recordings

Homeless and Foster Youths Waiver

Homeless Certification Form (PDF)
The Homeless Certification Form is to be used by a homeless child or youth to obtain a fee waiver for the high school equivalency test.

Homeless Certification Form Instructions (PDF)
The instructions for the Homeless Certification Form.

Homeless and Foster Youths Flyer (PDF)
Promotional flyer for distribution.

Historical GED Documents

Letter to Chief Examiners and Testing Center Administrators
Provides important information about ownership, storage, and access to California High School Equivalency (HSE) records.

Regulations

California Code of Regulations External link opens in new window or tab.
California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Education, Division 1, Chapter 11, Subchapter 8, Article 2, High School Equivalency Certificates, sections 11530–11532.

Education Code

California Education Code External link opens in new window or tab.
California High School Equivalency Certificates, California Education Code, sections 51420–51427.

Historical California High School Equivalency Scoring Standards

Calculator Guidelines

The California Department of Education (CDE) does not have a “state-specific” policy for calculators in regard to high school equivalency testing. Rather, the CDE defers to the California State Board of Education-approved testing vendor’s policy and proceeds in as permissive a manner as that policy allows.

Questions:   Proficiency, Equivalency, and Fitness Testing Office | hseoffice@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-9438
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
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