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GED Program

Testing and Preparation

General Education Development tests (GED) give adults who have not graduated from high school the opportunity to earn a high school level equivalency certificate.

The total time of the GED test is 7 ½ hours.

The GED test is comprised of four subjects:

  1. Reasoning through Language Arts (3 sections - with a total time of 150 minutes)

Section 1 - Tests all content 35 minutes

Section 2 - Extended Response 45 minutes

Required break10 minutes

Section 3 - Tests all content60 minutes

  1. Mathematical Reasoning (1 section 2 parts - with a total time of 115 minutes - parts not timed separately)

Part 1 - (first 5 questions) calculator not allowed

Part 2 - (remaining 41 questions) calculator allowed

  1. Social Studies (2 sections - with a total time of 90 minutes)

Section 1 - tests all content 25 minutes

Section 2 - extended response 65 minutes

  1. Science (1 section - total 90 minutes)

There are two short answer questions included on the test, but they are not timed separately. Students are expected to manage their time and spend about 10 minutes on each of the short answer questions.

GED CERTIFICATE

Most postsecondary institutions, licensing boards, and some branches of the armed services accept the GED certificate as they would a traditional high school diploma.

Check to be sure of the certificate requirements towards your individual goals.

THE GED TEST

The General Education Development test was developed by the American Council on Education for adults who did not graduate from high school. When you pass the GED test you will receive a certificate from the State of California that is the equivalent of a high school diploma.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age in CA to qualify for the test is 18 yrs old with the following exceptions: 17 yr olds who are within 60 days of their 18th birthday or within 60 days of when their class would have graduated from high school had they remained in school and followed the usual course of study toward graduation, or 17 yr olds who can prove they have been out of school for at least 60 days (not counting summer) and have, on official letterhead, a written request from either a) the military b) an employer or c) a post secondary institution stating they would accept them if they had the GED.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

You will need any valid government issued identification.

WHEN, WHERE AND HOW?

You must register, pay for and schedule your GED exam in advance in advance in advance online at www.gedtestingservice.com. For more information on the GED Exam, you can call our PaCE Center, located at the Westfield Shopping Mall at 76-776-7420.

PREPARATION

Although it is not required that you study first, if you so desire you may either purchase a GED preparation book in any bookstore or take the GED Preparation class to prepare yourself for the test.
 

PREP CLASS SCHEDULES

Palm Desert

  • 8:00am - 2:55pm, Monday thru Thursday
  • 5:00pm - 7:50pm, Monday thru Thursday

Indio

  • 6:00pm – 8:50pm Monday thru Thursday

TO REGISTER FOR GED PREP CLASSES

If you wish to take preparation classes in Palm Desert, call the Adult Basic Education office at 776-7318 to schedule an appointment.
 
 
NOTE: English as a Second Language students are required to complete the level five classes or test out of ESLN Level 5 before taking the GED preparation courses. The actual GED test may be taken at any level, however we recommend that individuals test out of ESLN Level 5 before attempting to take the GED exam.

GED PREP CLASSES AND TEST IN SPANISH

Coachella Valley Adult School gives the GED preparation and the GED test in Spanish. You may contact them for further information.
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