CDE Announcements Archive

Dear Adult Educator:

As you are aware, California has two approved high school equivalency tests (GED® and HiSET®) for adult education students for the purpose of receiving a California High School Equivalency Certificate. The California Department of Education (CDE) Adult Education Office (AEO) has received questions regarding the use of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (WIOA, Title II: AEFLA) funds for costs related to GED® and HiSET® Testing (e.g., non-monetary GED® vouchers).

California Education Code Section 84913(a) provides that California Adult Education Program (CAEP) funds shall be used to support programs leading to a high school equivalency certificate. As a result, the AEO recommends using CAEP funds for the costs of GED® and HiSET® testing, prior to considering WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds.

If CAEP or other allowable funds are not readily available, WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds may be used to meet the identified need of costs for GED® and HiSET® testing, until other resources become readily available. However, the agency should maintain documentation to demonstrate any efforts to obtain funds from other programs prior to using WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds. The documentation should be available for review upon request of the CDE Consultant and include such items as financial records, meeting minutes, communication with the AEO, and any other supporting documentation. Additionally, as with any use of WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funds, the costs must comply with the factors affecting allowability in accordance with 2 CFR 200.403.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Adult Education Office, by email at adulteducation@cde.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Zachry, Ed.D.
Education Administrator and State Director
Adult Education Office
California Department of Education
916-322-2175
adulteducation@cde.ca.gov