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:
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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
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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
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Social Studies (2 sections - with a total time of 90 minutes)
- Section 1 - tests all content 25 minutes
- Section 2 - extended response 65 minutes
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Science (1 section - total 90 minutes)
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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.
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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.
Identificaiton 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 online at www.gedtestingservice.com. For more information on the GED Exam, you can call our non-credit admissions office at 760-776-7348.
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
All GED preparation classes are online.
To Register For GED Prep Classes
If you wish to take preparation classes online, contact the Non-credit programs office by emailing abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu or call 760-776-7348. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m and 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m on Fridays.
