​GED and GED Preparation

ESL and GED Classes

Each semester we offer various online and in-person classes for Beginning ESL, Beginning-Advanced ESL, Pre-GED Test Preparation, GED Test Preparation, citizenship preparation, and English 350 Reading and Writing Foundations. 

​GED and GED Preparation

GED preparation cl​asses are available! The Skill Development Courses (SDEV) for the GED are FREE at Shasta College. You can enroll at any time during a regular semester or summer session. Please call (530) 242-7750 option 4 or email ged@shastacollege.edu for more information.

What is the GED?

The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four subject tests which, when passed, certify that the test taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills.  Its standards are set by the General Educational Development Testing Service (GEDTS) and based on the acquired learning of a 4-year high school education the GED test is your chance to get the job or career you want.  The GED test credential is the only high school equivalency credential recognized in all 50 states.

What topics are on the test?

There are four different subject tests within the GED.

Each subject tests your skills and knowledge in different topics

  • Social Studies - Civics and government, U.S. history, economics, geography and the world
  • Science - Life science, physical science, earth and space science
  • Reasoning Through Language Arts - Ability to read closely, write clearly, and edit and understand written text
  • Math - Quantitative and algebraic problem solving

How did the GED get started?

Originally, the GED was designed for World War II veterans that were drafted before graduating high school. It was put in place in 1942 and considered a “tool” to reintegrate soldiers into civilian life.  Today, however, the GED serves all adults, helping hundreds of thousands every year to achieve personal goals, move on to better jobs, and begin a college education. 

Who is eligible to take the test?

You are eligible to take the GED test if you are a resident of California and meet any one of the following criteria:

  • You are an adult (18 yrs. or older), or within 60 days of your 18th birthday (regardless of school enrollment status).
  • You are within 60 days of when you would have graduated high school had you remained in school and followed the usual course of study.  (Candidates testing under these criteria may not be currently enrolled in High School).
  • You are 17 years old, have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive school days, and provide a letter of request for the test from the military, a post-secondary educational institution, or a prospective employer.
  • You are 17 years old and incarcerated in a California state or county correctional facility. 

Note:  If you pass the GED test at age 17 you will not receive the equivalency certificate until your 18th birthday; a letter of intent is issued and states that the certificate is being held pending the examinee's 18th birthday.

Are preparation classes available?

Yes there are! The Skill Development Courses (SDEV) for the GED are FREE at Shasta College. You can enroll at any time during a regular semester or summer session.

The Skills Development Courses (SDEV) are:

SDEV 301, Pre-GED Test Preparation is a course to prepare the student at the 6th to 8th grade reading level, preparing students to apply the knowledge gained to real-life situations. Course content includes skill building and test-taking practice in the areas of reading, writing, social studies, science and math. The purpose of this class is to provide the necessary foundation for the student to tackle GED-level work.

SDEV 302, GED Test Preparation is a course to prepare the student to pass the GED and enable them to apply the knowledge to real-life situations. Course content includes skill building and test-taking practice in the areas of reading, writing, social studies, science and math. The purpose of this class is for students to successfully pass all five parts of the GED examination. 

Four Steps to Earning Your GED 

  1. Students can enroll at the Admissions Office on the Main Campus, online at Shasta College's Webpage, or in person at the first class they attend. 
  2. You may enroll at any point during the semester because GED classes have an open enrollment policy.
  3. It is important that you attend classes regularly to prepare you for the exam.
  4. To take the test:
    • Logon to https://ged.com/ 
    • Create an account. 
    • Go to "Schedule Test." 
    • Select Content Areas desired to take. 
    • Select "Shasta College Test Center." 
    • Choose dates and times available for scheduling tests.

For more information about GED preparation classes at Shasta College call (530) 242-7750 option 4 or email ged@shastacollege.edu.​​​​​