General Educational Development (GED)

This certificate helps students build foundational skills in math, reading, and writing for everyday life, employment, and continued education.

Required Courses:

BASK 7011 – Basic Math

This course helps students improve essential math skills. Topics include:

• Whole numbers
• Multiplication
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Percentages

Students apply math skills to real-world situations and problem-solving.

BASK 7012 – Basic Reading and Writing

This course builds foundational reading and writing skills for daily life and workplace tasks.

Students will learn:

• Reading comprehension
• Writing skills
• Communication for everyday situations
• Skills that support success in GED Language Arts courses

This course is especially helpful for students with an educational background around the 6th–8th grade level but is open to all students.

Completion Requirements

To earn this certificate, students must:

• Successfully complete both required courses
• Demonstrate foundational skills in reading, writing, and math

Accessibility and Support

All programs are designed to be accessible to all students.

Students who need accommodations should contact the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) for support services, including academic adjustments and accessibility resources.

This certificate prepares students to complete the General Educational Development (GED) test. Students gain knowledge and skills in core subject areas and learn strategies for test-taking success.

Required Courses

BASK 7005 – Preparing for the GED Test

This course prepares students for the GED test by covering four subject areas:

• Language Arts (Reading and Writing)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

Students also learn test-taking strategies to improve performance.

BASK 7013 – GED Computer and Calculator Skills

This course helps students develop the technical skills needed for the computer-based GED test.

Students will learn how to:

• Navigate the online testing system
• Use on-screen tools and features
• Operate the GED-approved calculator
• Complete practice tests when recommended by the instructor

Completion Requirements

To earn this certificate, students must:

• Complete both required courses
• Demonstrate readiness for the GED exam

Accessibility and Support

All programs are designed to be accessible to all students.

Students who need accommodations should contact the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) for support services, including academic adjustments and accessibility resources.

When you are ready to take the GED test, you must create an account on the official GED website and select your preferred testing location.

Visit the official GED website to create your account and schedule your test:
https://ged.com

We are pleased to offer a GED testing location in Santa Maria through a partnership with the Workforce Development Board at the Workforce Resource Center (WRC) Testing Center.

Testing Site Name:

Allan Hancock Joint Community College District

Testing Site Address:

Workforce Resource Center
1410 S. Broadway Street
Santa Maria, California 93454

Telephone:805-614-1550

Direction Information:

If you are traveling from the North (San Luis Obispo)

• Take exit 170 towards Stowell Road
• Turn right onto South Bradley Road
• Turn left onto East Stowell Road
• Turn left onto South Broadway (CA-135 S)
•  Make a U-Turn at West Enos Drive onto South Broadway
• Turn right onto the parking lot

If you are traveling from the South (Santa Barbara) 

• Take exit 170 towards Stowell Road
• Turn right onto East Stowell Road
• Turn left onto South Broadway (CA-135 S)
• Make a U-Turn at West Enos Drive onto South Broadway
• Turn right onto the parking lot

How long does it take to earn a GED?

The time it takes to earn a GED varies for each student. It depends on your learning pace, study habits, attendance, and personal commitment.

Some students complete the program within one semester. Others may take a year or longer. Both options are completely acceptable.

Once you achieve a passing score on the GED Ready Practice Exam, you can schedule your official test.

At Allan Hancock College, we support every student by providing:

• Accessible instruction
• Personalized guidance
• Learning resources

Our goal is to help you build skills and move forward toward college, career advancement, and lifelong learning.

Can GED exams be retaken?

Yes. If you do not pass a section, you may retake that subject test up to three times without a waiting period.

After the third attempt, you must wait 60 days before taking the test again.

What subjects are on the GED test?

The GED includes four subject tests:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Science
• Social Studies

These tests measure knowledge and skills similar to a high school diploma.

 What languages are the GED tests offered in?

GED tests are available in:

• English
• Spanish

How do I register for the GED exam?

To register, you must create an account on the official GED website. Once your account is set up, you can schedule your test.

Where can I take the GED exams?

GED testing is available at the Workforce Resource Center (WRC) through a partnership with Allan Hancock College and the Workforce Development Board.

Location:
1410 South Broadway Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454

Will earning a GED help me get a job or go to college?

Yes. Earning a GED can help you:

• Qualify for many jobs
• Enroll in college or training programs
• Access career advancement opportunities

How much does the GED program cost?

The GED preparation program is tuition-free.

Students receive:

• Instruction
• Academic support
• Study materials

Please note: There is a fee to take the official GED test.