Ways to Earn Your Diploma

Option #1: Earn your High School diploma or get your adult school diploma through your local adult school!

What you should know

• 2 possible plans
  • CAHSEE + 34 specific classes
  • CAHSEE + 10 specific classes + GED

• You get credit for all classes or equivalent courses that you have already passed at:
  • High school
  • Adult school
  • Community College

Advantages

• Qualifies you for financial aid and all jobs that require a diploma
• You can take the equivalent Community College courses to receive credit towards earning your high school diploma

Option #2: Pass your GED – Pass a single test to get a high school GED

What you should know

• The GED is a 7.5 hour test that includes 5 “mini-tests:” Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing Math, Science and Social Studies
• Test is given over two Saturdays and offered 4-5 times a year
• Around $110.00 for the initial battery; $25.00 per section to re-test
• Once you pass a section, you do not need to retake it; you have one year to pass all 5 tests

Advantages

• Can be faster than a diploma – No courses or prep work required (may be recommended, however, depending on practice test results).
• Qualifies you for financial aid.
• Qualifies you for most jobs that require a high school diploma.

Disadvantages

• Not an easy test.
• Will not qualify you for all jobs.
• Does not feel the same.

Option #3: Skip the diploma – Go straight to career training/college program

What you should know

• You do not need a high school diploma or a GED to attend a community college, adult school, or most job training program.

Advantages

• No need for GED or Diploma program.
• Certificates and Degrees are often more employable than a high school diploma.

Disadvantages

• Harder to get financial aid without a GED or diploma.
• Harder to get a job while earning degree or certificate.
• Some places will not allow you to work or train unless you have a high school diploma even with a degree or certificate.