Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the High School Equivalency Tests (from the California Department of Education's website)

Eligibility Requirements

California High School Equivalency Test Requirements

To obtain an official California High School Equivalency Certificate test takers must meet all of the following State requirements:

• You have not completed high school.
• You are a California resident or a member of the armed services assigned to duty in the state of California.
• You have passed all portions of a High School Equivalency (HSE) Test that has been approved by the State Board of Education taken at a testing center that has been approved by California Department of Education.

Test takers must also meet one of the following requirements:

• You are 18 years of age or within 60 days of your 18th birthday.
• You are within 60 days of when you would have graduated from high school had you remained in school and completed the usual courses required for graduation.
• You are 17 years of age, have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive days and provide a letter of request from the military, a post-secondary educational institution, or employer that states the need for you to take a HSE Test.
• You are at least 17 years of age, have accumulated fewer than 100 units of high school credit and are confined to state or county hospital or correctional agency and you meet all of the following criteria:
• You do not have a realistic chance of completing the requirements for a high school diploma.
• You have adequate academic skills to successfully complete the HSE Test.
• You understand the options available regarding acquisition of a high school diploma, the High School Equivalency Certificate, or the High School Proficiency Certificate and the requirements, expectations, benefits, and limitations of each option.
• You have sufficient time left to complete the entire HSE Test while confined; however, if released before the test is completed, you may complete testing at an authorized testing center.

Identification for Admittance to Testing

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. All test takers must present current picture identification.  Acceptable identification includes:

• Current California driver’s license
• Current California identification card
• Current identification card issued by the military
• Current identification card issued by the United States or  foreign government
• Current passport issued by the United States or foreign government
• Current tribal identification card
• Current Identification card issued by a postsecondary school
• Current identification card issued by the military (if it includes proof of being stationed in California)

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 California driver’s license
• Current California identification card
• Current state and federal tax returns
• Current vehicle registration
• Current utility bill statement
• Current voter registration
• Current bank statement
• Current residential lease
• Current identification card issued by the military (if it includes proof of being stationed in California)
• Current United States government issued documentation (shows city, county, or state)

Have more questions?

Visit the California Department of Education's website for answers to your most frequently asked questions about the three tests.