Earn Your High School Diploma or Equivalency at San Diego College of Continuing Education
Increase your earning potential throughout your career with a high school diploma or equivalency.
Qualify for more job opportunities and career advancement.
Gain confidence and satisfaction from completing your education.
Inspire your family and friends with your commitment to education.
No cost education to help you succeed.
Classes that fit your busy life.
Learn at a speed that works for you.
Choose how you want to learn.
Prepare for tests like the HiSET or GED to earn a credential recognized as equal to a high school diploma in the United States.
Earn credits toward your High School Diploma in as little as 6 weeks.
I went into the program not knowing how it would affect me as a person and my life as a student, it shaped my success now and I’m in college now. It gave me a lot of flexibility to have the confidence to finish my high school diploma
- Raelin
I found out about the school because one of my friends told me she got her GED. I’m a single mom and sometime life can be hard, I want to be a role model for my son and I want to show him how important education is.
- Olga
Note: Individuals currently enrolled in a comprehensive High School at SDUSD, including those under the age of 17, and are interested in high school classes at SDCCE should first contact their high school counselor to talk about Adult Education options or contact the SDUSD Adult School.
Those who attended SDUSD but did not complete High School and are under 20, should contact the SDUSD Adult School.
DSPS (Disability Support Programs & Services) provides academic adjustments or accommodations to students with disabilities in the classroom and on campus.
Need accommodations? Schedule an appointment online, email sdcedsps@sdccd.edu, or call 619-388-4812.
This is the first step. Click on Apply Now and fill out the application.
You'll receive your Student ID Number (CSID). Make sure to write it down—you'll need it to schedule counseling and enroll in classes.
You will receive an email with information about the portal.
Need in-person help? Visit a Welcome Center at a campus near you.
Your portal is where you'll register for classes and access important student resources.
Not sure what program is best for you? Schedule an appointment with a Counselor to discuss your options.
A counselor can help you decide between earning your High School Diploma or completing a High School Equivalency (HiSET or GED) based on your past education, transcript, and goals.
A counselor (in person or on Zoom) will help you understand your options and guide you toward the right path.
How to Make an Appointment:
What to Bring: High school transcripts (if available) and any questions you have
Enroll Here through mySDCCD
Choose a class from those listed on the HSDP page, HSEP page, página de HSEP en español, or go to the Course List.
Note: You'll need a permission number from your instructor if you enroll after the first day of class.
HSDP (High School Diploma Program): Earn a traditional high school diploma by completing credit-bearing classes. Upon completion, students receive a joint high school diploma from San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and San Diego Community College District (SDCCD).
HSEP (High School Equivalency Program): Classes help you prepare for and practice the GED® or HiSET® High School Equivalency subject tests. Both GED® and HiSET® are recognized by the State of California and nationally as equivalent to a high school diploma. Equivalency subject tests include Math, Reading, Writing/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
It depends on your official transcript analysis, which shows previous credits that can transfer to the SDCCE High School Diploma. The SDCCE High School Diploma (HSD) Option 2 requires 22 credits total.
The exact number of classes you'll need depends on what credits you already have from previous education. A counselor will review your transcript to determine your specific requirements.
For more detailed information about required classes and credits, visit: HSDP Requirements
Click Apply Now and fill out the application. You'll receive your Student ID Number (CSID) usually within 24 hours - write it down!
Your portal is where you'll register for classes and access student resources. Log in or Create Your Portal
Choose either High School Diploma or High School Equivalency. A counselor can help you decide based on your past education, transcript, and goals.
Schedule in person, by phone, or on Zoom. Contact options:
What to Bring: Official sealed high school transcripts from ALL high schools you've attended. This saves time and helps with proper class placement!
Choose from classes listed on the HSDP page, HSEP page, or the Course List. Then enroll through mySDCCD.
Need Help? If you need more help choosing the best program or courses, make an appointment with a counselor and bring your transcript. We're here to guide you!
Yes! We offer flexible learning options to fit your lifestyle. You can find class "Types" listed in our course offerings to see what format works best for you.
Visit the "courses offered this semester" list under each program area and search by class "Type" to see your options. For more information: High School Diploma / Equivalency Programs
Whether you're a morning person who loves campus life or a night owl who prefers online learning, we've got you covered!
No, it's not required - but we strongly encourage it! A counselor can help you choose the right pathway (Diploma or Equivalency) and the best classes to make the most of your time and reach your goals efficiently.
Think of it as having a GPS for your educational journey - you can drive without one, but it sure makes the trip smoother!
Technically no - but it's highly recommended! Classes help improve test readiness and confidence, and may qualify you for test voucher support.
For High School Diploma: Yes - When you meet with a counselor, bring official transcripts from all U.S. high schools you've attended.
For High School Equivalency: No - transcripts are not required, but we encourage you to review your education history with an academic counselor to determine the best program for your goals.
Completion times depend on several factors, both academic and personal:
Academic Factors:
Personal Factors:
Typical Timeframes:
If you're not sure what program is best for you, schedule an appointment with an academic counselor to discuss your options. They can help you make an informed decision based on your unique situation.
Ways to schedule counseling:
If you can bring the most recent copy of your official sealed high school transcripts from all high schools you've attended, this will save time and help with proper program placement!
All High School classes are free. There are no fees for books or materials.
However, official HS Equivalency testing for GED® or HiSET® have costs that are paid directly to the test provider. For detailed testing cost information, visit our High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Centers page.
It would be best to meet with an academic counselor for your unique situation. If your foreign diploma is officially evaluated and meets U.S. requirements, you may not need a high school equivalency.
However, for some college programs or employers, you may be advised to pursue HS Equivalency GED®/HiSET® for broader acceptance.
To make an appointment with an academic counselor:
Yes! Concurrent enrollment while attending one of the credit community colleges at SDCCD is allowed. You may take noncredit or credit CTE or credit college courses alongside your High School classes.
For the High School Diploma at SDCCE, there is actually a college course requirement.
Talk to your counselor for more information.
To make an appointment with an academic counselor:
Through the Disability Support Program & Services (DSPS) at SDCCE, accommodations such as extended time, voice-to-text, interpreters, adaptive technology, and other supports are available at no extra cost.
To arrange support:
Learn more about the DSPS program: https://sdcce.edu/dsps
Absolutely! We offer Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses to build your foundational skills before moving on to diploma or equivalency coursework.
Start with Adult Basic Education classes in reading, writing, or math to build your skills first.
For information on how to obtain a copy of your SDCCE diploma for employment, school, or military purposes, visit the SDCCE Admissions & Records webpage: https://sdcce.edu/services/transcripts
Only the test taker can initiate a search for GED® or HiSET® records. Federal law prohibits discussing test taker information with third parties such as employers, schools, or military.
For GED® certificate or transcript copies:
For HiSET® certificate or transcript copies:
For more information from the California Department of Education: High School Equivalency (HSE) Tests
SDCCE CARES is a comprehensive basic needs program designed to help students meet fundamental needs including:
CARES connects students to dignified, accessible, and timely resources that allow students to live well and thrive while completing their educational goals. We offer both on-campus and off-campus support programs.
For more information: https://sdcce.edu/services/sdcce-cares
Visit an SDCCE Campus or contact the SDCCE Virtual Welcome Center for help with your application, mySDCCD portal, or student email.
You can also call the Welcome Center at 619-388-SDCE (7323) for assistance.
Mission: San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college. Read more about the SDCCE mission »