High School Equivalency (HSE) Tests

GED Online Proctoring / HiSET At-Home Testing

HiSET “At-Home” testing and GED Online Proctoring has been developed by both GED^® and HiSET^®. For more information visit GED Testing Services and/or HiSET^®.

Latest High School Equivalency (HSE) Communications and Presentations

Protect Yourself from HSE Testing Fraud

If you are considering taking the GED^® or HiSET^® test, please be aware of the following:

• Although some high school equivalency test preparation programs may issue “diplomas or certificates” demonstrating program completion, these documents ARE NOT official California high school equivalency credentials.
• As of January 1, 2020, the California Department of Education (CDE) only authorizes the companies offering the GED^® or HiSET^® to issue a California High School Equivalency Certificate or Official Transcript.
• There are many legitimate, fee-based, online and classroom high school equivalency test preparation programs. However, before enrolling and spending money for these courses, take advantage of the many free programs available through the California Adult Education Provider Directory , GED^® or HiSET^® .

Transcript/Certificate Verifications

To request a document verification or replacement copy, please use the options below. Only the test taker can initiate a CDE search. Federal law prohibits CDE staff from discussing test taker information with 3rd party requestors.

For Test Takers

• For copy requests of your traditional high school diploma or transcript, please contact the authorizing school or district. For convenience, the California School Directory can be used to locate contact information.
• For copy requests of your GED certificate or transcript, please call 888-906-4031 or visit the GEDTS Parchment web site. 
• For copy requests of your HiSET certificate or transcript, please call 1-888-662-0874 or visit the HiSET Parchment web site.

On behalf of a Test Taker

GED Requests - Third Party Organization (Non-Academic)

• To verify or request a GED Credential, go to On Behalf of a Test-Taker .

GED Requests - Academic Institution or School

• If you are an academic institution, please sign-up for a free Parchment Lite Account . This account provides you a convenient way to request, pay for, and receive GED transcripts on behalf of learners.

HiSET Requests - To verify a HiSET certificate, please call 1-888-662-0874 or visit the HiSET Parchment web site .  

Higher Education Agencies and Employers

If you are considering hiring or enrolling persons who state that they passed a California High School Equivalency (HSE) test and you want the best assurances that the documents they have are “official,” you should request that they provide an original HSE Transcript—not a copy. As with a high school or college transcript, this official transcript will show you whether they did indeed pass their HSE test. Certificates have, unfortunately, been forged; however, California HSE Transcripts are designed with many security measures that ensure that they cannot be replicated.

Beginning July 1, 2020, the official California HSE Transcript paper will have the following security features:

• The authentic document has California High School Equivalency printed continually across the face.
• The words “unofficial” and “copy” appear on a photocopy of the document.
• Hidden UV fibers appear under black light.
• On the face is a color artificial watermark of the Department of Education seal.
• The signature and seal in the bottom right corner of the face of an authentic document is printed with gradient color.
• On the back of an authentic document a custom anti-copy artificial watermark (Department of Education seal) can be seen when held at an angle.
• The authentic Department of Education seal on the back will change from color to clear when rubbed or warmed.
• When this paper is touched by fresh liquid bleach, the authentic document will stain.

A black-and-white or color copy of this document is not an original and should not be accepted as an official document. Alteration of a California HSE Transcript may be a criminal offense.

Letters of Recognition for Higher Education and Employers
Memo from the CDE to Institutions of Higher Education and Employers and Letter on State-Authorized Examinations from the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.

TASC^™ – No longer offered in California as of January 1, 2020.

• Eligibility Requirements
  
• Frequently Asked Questions
  
• Administrative Documents
  
• High School Equivalency Advisory Page
  Quarterly email updates sent out through the California Department of Education HSE electronic mailing lists.

Assessment Spotlight web page contains archives of all previous Assessment Spotlight emails. Send a blank email to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov to receive regular updates on the latest information about the statewide assessment system.