Basic Skills and High School Diploma Program

WHAT IS THE GED & WHO WILL ACCEPT IT?

The “General Education Development” certificate, or GED, is often considered to be an equivalent to a high school diploma. This GED certificate is earned by passing the official GED test. This is one of the major differences between GED and a high school diploma – the GED is a test, while earning a diploma is accomplished by studying required high school subjects, passing tests in each subject, and earning credits toward a diploma. For employment purposes, many employers will require job candidates to hold a high school diploma “or equivalent” – this equivalent can be the GED certificate.

WILL THE ARMED FORCES RECOGNIZE & ACCEPT A GED CERTIFICATE?

The United States Armed Forces, some four-year institutions, many trade & vocational schools and several large aerospace employers will NOT accept a GED certificate for admission or employment purposes. Be sure to check with the appropriate branch recruiter for current enlistment standards.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY GED CERTIFICATE?

The SCE Wilshire Learning Center offers preparation for students to study and prepare to take the GED test. At this time, preparation for the GED test is only available in the Wilshire Learning Center. The Wilshire Learning Center is generally open to students Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 2:45 pm and Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. To inquire about GED preparation in the Wilshire Learning Center, please call 714.992.9535.

The SCE Wilshire campus serves as a test center for the GED test, however, the test is actually administered by the Orange County Department of Education. Please see the current SCE class schedule for available testing dates, cost of taking the GED test, and registration procedures.

Once you complete the GED test at our Wilshire campus, the OC Department of Education will mail the results of your test to the GED Board in Sacramento. Your test results or certificate will be mailed to you. When you come to take the GED test, ask your test proctor the time frame and details of receiving your test results.

SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE GED TEST OR EARN MY HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA? WHICH IS BETTER FOR ME?

Every student will need to decide which of these options is best for their needs and situation. There are, however, some factors to consider when making this decision:

•Time Available – How much time do you have to devote to studying for the high school diploma? Will you be moving soon? Are you joining the military or enrolling in college? Depending on the amount of credits you need to complete your diploma, you may decide it is better for you to study for the GED and try to pass this test.

•What is your educational purpose? – Both the GED and diploma are for the most part equally accepted for employment or school admissions by state agencies, some trade and vocational schools and some four year universities. You do not need either one of these to enroll and attend a community college in California, but again consider that more and more employers are requiring GED or diploma when they hire for jobs, even when individuals have completed some college courses. Branches of the US Armed Services do NOT accept GED for enlistment – they require recruits to hold a high school diploma.

•How long will it take you to do your GED or your High School Diploma? – This question is hard to answer and depends on each person’s unique situation and abilities. Earning your high school diploma depends on several factors such as: the number of credits you need to still complete, how many hours you can attend our high school lab (effective fall 2011, diploma students are required to attend a minimum of six hours per week), your individual skill level in reading and math, how quickly you understand and absorb the materials, how focused you are while you are attending our program, and most of all, your motivation to get done. If you only need to complete a few more credits to get your diploma, you may decide it is best for you to pursue the high school diploma. If you need half or more of the 160 credits our program requires, and you do not have much time to spend on your studies, you may decide to study for and take the GED test. You can schedule an appointment with an SCE counselor to discuss your individual circumstances and get help making the decision that is best for you.

Offered through the Orange County Department of Education, the exam is hosted at SCE’s Wilshire (Fullerton) Campus.

The next test date is:
Saturday, August 20, 2011

Call Olivia Badillo Perez at 714.992.9519 for further information

On the DAY OF THE EXAM:
1. Arrive by 7:30 a.m.
2. Have a valid photo ID with birth date, signature, and address
(Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID,Residency/Alien Card, or Mexican Consulate Card)
3. Obtain a Parking Permit which is necessary to park in the student lot.

Age Requirements

You must be 18+ years of age to take the GED exam. There are some special circumstances that would allow a 17 year old student to take the GED. Applicants with physical and learning disabilities can request accommodations. Such requests must be made at least four weeks in advance of the test date. For further information, please contact Olivia Badillo Perez at 714.992.9519.

In order to prepare for the GED Exam, please complete the following procedures:

1. Preparation for the GED Exam is offered in the Learning Center at the Wilshire (Fullerton) Campus. The Wilshire Learning Center will reopen to students on January 7, 2013- Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

2. Apply for an SCE Student Identification Card

3. Attend the GED Prep Lab in the Learning Center- Wilshire campus only - Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. and Monday through Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The 2011 GED test is limited to the first 20 paid applicants. Bring a MONEY ORDER for $125 payable to: Orange County Department of Education. The money order should be delivered to the Wilshire (Fullerton) Center located at 315 East Wilshire, Fullerton, CA 92832. Fees are non-refundable.

A registration packet will be issued once registration fees are paid. The new GED test is now in effect; scores from the previous version of the GED cannot be combined with the new test scores.

The $125 cost is applicable to the complete battery of the official tests which includes all 5 sections. There is a $20 charge to retake Tests 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The test fee is applicable for 60 days from the date of registration. The fees are subject to change without notice.

Individual tests must be a 410 or higher to pass. The entire test score must reach a minimum of 450 points. A score higher than 450 on your practice tests may be a good indication that you will pass the official GED test.