How to Get a High School Diploma in California
The California Education Code specifies the state requirements to graduate from a public high school in California. Local school districts, however, are given the responsibility for establishing graduation requirements and the education code serves to define the minimum standards. Adults who wish to obtain the equivalency of a high school diploma can take the General Educational Development Test (GED) and receive an equivalency certificate.
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Instructions
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Students of High School Age
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Locate the public high school closest to you using the U.S. Department of Education's Common Core of Data Search Tool. A link to the tool is provided below in the Resources section.
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Enroll in the high school, where you'll be put into courses that will guide you to getting your diploma after about three years. The California Education Code requires the following: three courses in English, two each in math, science and physical education, three courses in social studies (including American government and economics), one course in a foreign language or visual/performing arts. Note: there may be other local district requirements.
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Complete and pass each course to the standards required by the school and/or district.
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Pass the California High School Exit Exam (CHSEE) and meet any other graduation requirements as established by the school districts. Local requirements may include additional coursework or a community service component.
Students Beyond High School Age
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Locate your local GED test center to sign up and take the General Educational Development Test (GED).
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Prepare for the test, which assesses knowledge in the areas of science, math, social studies, reading and writing. There will be an essay portion that assesses your ability to write and communicate effectively.
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Take and pass the GED tests. If you do not pass one or more of the content area(s), you can re-test on the content area(s) at least two more times in a single year.
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Receive your equivalency certificate, which is recognized by the State of California as the equivalent of a high school diploma and can be used to satisfy high school requirements by many universities, colleges and technical-education centers.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are choosing to take the GED, the American Council of Education has advice on how to prepare. A link is below in the Resources section.
