California Graduation Requirements

A person is holding a diploma with a red ribbon around it.

There are five ways to homeschool legally in California and how a homeschooler is graduated depends on which homeschooling legal option they are using. 


Private School in Your Own Home

If you establish your own private school, then you are responsible for determining your school’s graduation requirements. You can graduate your child on any basis you choose, at any age, considering your own child’s interests and needs. You issue the diploma and create transcripts. Your 16-18 year old child may leave school early with your permission. Students under 16 must continue to be enrolled even though they have graduated.


Public School and Charter School Independent Study Programs

Public high school graduation requirements apply to homeschooling students enrolled in independent study programs (ISP). Districts can determine their own graduation requirements as long as they include a minimum set of required courses set by the state. The program will give you a list of the required courses and how many credits are required. They make the decision about when a student has met all requirements. They may or may not give credit for work done prior to enrollment in that school so it is important to clarify this with the program upon enrollment if a student is entering during their high school years.


The California High School Exit Exam

(CAHSEE - don’t confuse this with a different test referred to as the CHSPE) has been suspended as a graduation requirement for the 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18 school years. The state government will decide if a revised version of the CAHSEE or another test will be required for graduation after that.


Transcripts and a diploma will be provided by the school.


Note: If your child goes to a public school or charter program and does not meet their requirements for graduation, it is possible for you to remove him or her from the public school and establish your own private school in order to graduate him or her.


Private School Satellite Programs

There are no state requirements for graduation from private schools and each private school determines their own specific requirements. If your child is enrolled in a private school satellite program (PSP), that program will give you the information about graduation requirements and will explain to you how to provide required documentation. You should discuss this with the school and be very clear from the beginning about exactly what they expect from you and what you can expect from them. It is important to have this information in writing. There are no staterequired testing or reporting requirements.


The school should provide you with transcripts and a diploma.


HiSET (General High School Equivalency Exam)

Eligibility in California

For Adults (18 and Over)

  • If you are 18 years old or older, you can take the HiSET high school equivalency test in California without special permission as long as you:
  • Are not currently enrolled in high school, and
  • Meet residency and ID requirements. (The HiSET Exam)

Simple path: Age ≥ 18 ➝ Eligible to register and take the full HiSET exam to earn a High School Equivalency Certificate.

For Minors (Under 18)

California has specific rules for those under 18 — and they depend on age and circumstances:

A 17-year-old may be eligible if they meet special conditions, such as:

  • They have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive school days and
  • They provide a letter of request from one of:
  • The military,
  • A post-secondary educational institution, or
  • A prospective employer. (California Department of Education)

Some local test centers also list rules like being absent from school for a long period and possible approval by district officials, depending on policies. (Prepsaret)

Important Legal Background

  • In California the Department of Education allows HiSET and GED tests primarily for people 18+, but 17-year-olds can qualify under defined exceptions (outlined above). (California Department of Education)

California HiSET Proficiency Program

(NEW State Option, Different)

Aside from the full high school equivalency exam, California now also has a Proficiency Program (CPP) using the HiSET tests. This is distinct from the full HiSET equivalency exam and has its own, lower age requirement:

California HiSET Proficiency (CPP)

  • Students who are 16 years old or older may be eligible for the proficiency exam version. (The HiSET Exam)
  • To take the HiSET Proficiency, a student must also meet California compulsory education criteria (e.g., enrolled in grade 10, or enrolled in schooling that counts under state law). (The HiSET Exam)

Note: The Proficiency certificate is different from the full HiSET equivalency certificate — it proves proficiency at a certain academic level but is not the same as earning a full high school equivalency diploma.


Summary:

  • HiSET High School Equivalency Certificate — typically for adults 18+ (with limited 17-year-old exceptions).
  • HiSET Proficiency Certificate (CPP) — available for those 16+ meeting additional state education criteria. (The HiSET Exam)


The General Education Development Test (GED)

In California, students who are 18 (and some 17-year olds that meet specific criteria) may take the GED test. The GED test covers reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. See the CDE GED website for more information about this test.