How Do You Get a Copy of a GED in California?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

After completing the General Educational Development test, a California test-taker can obtain a copy of the high school equivalency certificate or test results by using the online credential request form on the GED Testing Service website. However, 17-year-old test-takers cannot receive equivalency certificates or copies until they reach the age of 18. A fee may be charged when ordering new documents.

For individuals tested before 1990, the online request service is only available if their testing center is on the list of California locations published on the GED Testing Service website. The list includes local schools and colleges in over 40 California cities, such as Anaheim, Pasadena, San Francisco, San Diego and Santa Monica. The GED Testing Service does not have records for tests administered at other locations before 1990. In these cases, the test-takers must contact the testing center directly to request copies of GED records.

The GED gives adults who do not have traditional diplomas a chance to earn a high school equivalency certificate by testing on core academic subjects, such as math, science, reading, writing and social studies. In California, the GED is offered to state residents who are at least 18 years old; 17-year-olds may take it if they satisfy additional criteria. As of 2014, the test is administered at roughly 190 centers across the state.