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:
-
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
-
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
-
Social Studies (2 sections - with a total time of 90 minutes)
Section 1 - tests all content 25 minutes
Section 2 - extended response 65 minutes
-
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.
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.