Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Who May Take a High School Equivalency Test

A list of the eligibility requirements to sit for a California High School Equivalency Test.

The candidate must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. 18 years of age or older; OR
  2. Not currently enrolled in high school; OR
  3. 17 years of age and confined to a state or county hospital or institution; OR
  4. 17 years of age and enrolled in a dropout recovery program.

Complete eligibility requirement language can be found in California Education Code Section 51420External link opens in new window or tab.

Identification For Admittance to Testing

High School Equivalency Identification Guidelines (PDF)

Each test taker's identity and age must be verified by photographic identification, both at the time of registration and before admittance to the testing room. The identification document must include name, date of birth, signature, photograph and address of the test taker. Acceptable identification includes:

  • Photographic driver's license, with a signature, issued by any U.S. State or foreign government
  • Photographic identification card, with a signature, issued by any of the U.S. Armed Forces, any U.S. state, or any foreign government
  • Photographic Tribal enrollment card with a signature
  • Photographic identification card or badge, with a signature, issued by a California department or agency (e.g., California Conservation Corps)
  • Photographic passport, with a signature, issued by the U.S. Or foreign government

Proof of Residency

Proof of California residency must be verified, both at the time of registration and before admittance to the testing room. Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Current rental or lease agreement
  • Current deed or title to a residential real property
  • Current mortgage statement
  • Current home utility bill
  • Current cable or phone bill
  • Current employment documents
  • Current insurance documents
  • Current Internal Revenue Service or California Franchise Tax Board tax return
  • Current property tax bill or statement
  • Court documents that list the applicant as a California resident
  • Current California certificate of vehicle or vessel title or registration
  • Completion of the California High School Equivalency Declaration of California Residency

California High School Equivalency Declaration of Residency

Declaration of California Residency(PDF)
Declaración de Residencia de California(PDF)

Questions:   Proficiency, Equivalency, and Fitness Testing Office | hseoffice@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-9438
Last Reviewed: Friday, April 19, 2024
Related Content
  • High School Equivalency (HSE) Test
    California has approved the use of two high school equivalency tests (GED® and HiSET®) for students 18 years old and older, and 17 years old in some instances, for the purpose of receiving a California High School Equivalency Certificate.
  • HSE Administrative Documents
    Administrative documents regarding the California High School Equivalency (HSE) Exams.
  • HSE FAQ
    Frequently asked questions about the California High School Equivalency Test.
Recently Posted in Testing

  • Assessment Spotlight, Issue 297 (added 29-Oct-2024)
    California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) email update, October 18, 2024.
  • 2024 Assessment Data Release FAQs (added 11-Oct-2024)
    Frequently asked questions related to the release of 2024 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) statewide results.