GED® test in California

Taking the GED® test in California

The facts below come from GED.com and the California education agency, checked on October 20, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm on GED.com before you schedule.

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Official facts (checked October 20, 2026)

Price per subject: $41 per subject at a test center, and $41 per subject online.Source: GED.com — California policies, checked October 20, 2026.
Age: 18 or older. Some 17-year-olds can test under the state's exceptions (for example, within 60 days of turning 18, or with an approved request letter after 60 days out of school). Check the full list with GED.com and the California Department of Education.Source: GED.com — California policies; California Department of Education — Who may take an HSE test, checked October 20, 2026.
Online testing: Allowed for test takers who meet California's eligibility rules. Under-18 test takers need an approved waiver and a parent or guardian at check-in.Source: GED.com — California policies; California Department of Education — HSE tests, checked October 20, 2026.
Retakes: At a test center: no wait for your first two retakes; after 3 attempts on a subject, wait 60 days. Online: one retake, then a 60-day wait. A test-center retake has a $15 test center fee; an online retake costs $41.Source: GED.com — California policies, checked October 20, 2026.

Good to know

You must be a California resident and bring proof of residency if your ID does not show it.
California also accepts the HiSET exam as a high school equivalency test.

Before you book

Create your free account on GED.com and choose your state; GED.com shows your exact price and rules there.
Find your weakest topics first so you study the right things.
Check you are ready with GED Ready®, the practice test made by GED Testing Service, before you pay for the real test.

Other states

Sources

GED.com — California policies (checked October 20, 2026)
California Department of Education — Who may take an HSE test (checked October 20, 2026)
California Department of Education — HSE tests (checked October 20, 2026)

FinishHigh is an independent study tool for the GED® test and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Council on Education or GED Testing Service. GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education (ACE), used here only to name the test. No pass guarantee. Rules and prices can change; always confirm on GED.com.