High School Equivalency Diploma Requirements

High school equivalency tests offer a pathway for individuals who left high school prematurely to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). This article delves into the requirements and alternative pathways to obtaining an HSED, focusing on the HiSET exam and state-specific regulations.

The Role of High School Equivalency Tests

High school equivalency tests provide an opportunity for students who left high school before graduating to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). These tests assess skills and knowledge equivalent to that of a high school graduate, opening doors to further education and employment opportunities.

HiSET Exam: A Key to HSED

In some states, the HiSET high school equivalency test is used to award a HSED. The HiSET meets the requirement set by state law that the diploma be issued on the basis of satisfactory competence as shown by tests covering all of the following: Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.

Iowa's Approach to HSED

As of July 1, 2023, Iowa's Adult Education and Literacy Programs have transitioned to Iowa Workforce Development to reflect programs and services primarily focused on workforce development and employment. Each of Iowa's community colleges offers programs to help students earn their HSED with HiSET.

Alternative Pathways to HSED in Iowa

Iowa law gives the State Board of Education authority to approve additional pathways to achieve a HSED based on quality standards and demonstrated competency. Entities wishing to provide one or more HSED Alternative Pathway options must be approved by the Department per Iowa Administrative Code. The process of becoming an authorized HSED alternative pathways provider begins by completing an application and submitting it with all necessary signatures to the Department.

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GED Exam: Another Route to Equivalency

In the United States, there are two nationally available exams that can lead to a high school equivalent diploma: the GED and HiSET exams.

GED Test Updates and Resources

GED Testing Service launched the free Official GED® Mobile App last summer, which is available to download from the Apple App store for iPhone users. The App can help students prepare for and pass the GED® test. The App can also send text alert reminders of scheduled testing appointments. To receive text alert reminders, the setting for notifications must be turned on. It is expected that future developments in 2025 will include an App for Android phones and the App in Spanish. To learn more, please see: GED Mobile App. GED Testing Service (GEDTS) will hold its 2025 conference in Chicago from August 4-6. adult educators and HSE administrators are invited to attend. Pearson VUE - the computer-based testing provider of the GED - is transitioning to a new data center. All scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations will be unavailable during this time as well. GED Marketplace and GED Direct will also be unavailable for purchases during this time. As noted on the form, the link for the session will be sent to all registrants before the session. GED Testing Service recently released the free Official GED® Mobile App to help students prepare for and pass the GED® test. The Mobile App is available to download from the Apple App store for iPhone users. Effective May 1, 2024, there will no longer be a fee for submitting the College Credit Pathway Application J form. The application and college transcript are evaluated by the HSE Office to determine if they meet the criteria for an HSE diploma. The HSE Status Verification Report has been significantly upgraded.

GED Test Policies

GED test takers who cannot attend a scheduled testing appointment must cancel that appointment in their online account at least 24 hours before test delivery or the missed test will be considered a No Show. Test takers must then wait 60 days to reschedule. Test takers who are No Shows for 5 subtests will be restricted from scheduling additional subject tests for a 6-month period (180 days).

State-Specific High School Graduation Requirements

Nearly all states have established minimum credit and course requirements to earn a standard diploma, but graduation requirements may also serve to assess specific skills and content knowledge prioritized by the state, evaluate college and career readiness, or offer multiple pathways to a diploma. This resource provides a national comparison of state policies addressing graduation requirements, including pathways, diploma types and endorsements, course and assessment requirements, as well as non-course requirements and flexibilities for students and schools.

Indiana's HSE Exam

The Indiana High School Equivalency Exam (HSE) is an alternative for earning a high school diploma. As of July 1, 2025, the online proctored High School Equivalency test is suspended in Indiana. At-home testing will only be available for students that are: Enrolled in an Indiana-approved Adult Education program, and Qualify for modified testing conditions that require at-home testing. The High School Equivalency Testing, DWD Policy contains information about: Registration and Scheduling, Accommodations, Testing Fees, Indiana HSE Candidate Eligibility, Proof of Identity, GED® and HiSET® Passing Scores, Retesting, College and Career Readiness, and Portability and Reciprocity. Your HSE Diploma can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). The skills you are taught and eventually tested on are at the same level as those of graduating high school seniors. DWD has partnered with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield to provide HIP Plus members with free vouchers that cover the cost of the Indiana HSE test.

The Value of a High School Equivalency Diploma

Education plays an important role in life by improving your knowledge and preparing you to get a better job. Workers who have a high school diploma earn more per year than those who do not. Taking the HSE test is your first step to moving forward. Whether your goal is to get a better job or continue on your educational pathway to a certificate, 2-year associate degree or 4-year bachelor’s degree, this is where your second chance starts. For practically all employers, the distinction between applicants holding a GED and a high school diploma is negligible. High school and GED diploma holders may expect to make more annually than those who didn’t complete their secondary education. So, holding a GED diploma is preferable to not having a high school diploma at all. your GED is your stepping stone to higher education. And for employers, it counts that how you completed high school makes no difference at all. This specifically applies to the military, where candidates with particular professional experience and training are wanted. When you apply for a job, always mention your equivalent experience. You should put emphasis on those elements of your equivalent experience that relate to the position at hand or the company. Make sure to list your experience close to the job requirements in your resume, if possible, right at the beginning of your resume. When you are really interested in a certain position and think about whether you have perhaps some equivalent experience, don’t screen yourself out. The decision to screen you out is up to the employer, but you should give it all you’ve got to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the position, right?

Furthering Education and Career Prospects

For the majority of Americans in the age range 5-18, school is a major part of their lives. While in high school, however, a growing number of students opt to quit high school prematurely for a number of reasons. But this doesn’t need to be the end. They can go back at a later stage to earn their state’s high school equivalency (HSE) diploma through the GED or HiSET exam. citizens aged 25 and older have a GED diploma or similar. military. But apart from that, the key difference is actually between students who completed secondary education (high school or GED) and those who did not. High school and GED diploma holders may expect to make at least $9,900 more annually than those who didn’t complete their secondary education. So, holding a GED diploma is preferable to not having a high school diploma at all. your GED is your stepping stone to higher education. And for employers, it counts that how you completed high school makes no difference at all. This specifically applies to the military, where candidates with particular professional experience and training are wanted. When you apply for a job, always mention your equivalent experience. You should put emphasis on those elements of your equivalent experience that relate to the position at hand or the company. Make sure to list your experience close to the job requirements in your resume, if possible, right at the beginning of your resume. And if that works, and you have secured a job interview, you’ve got a real opportunity to personally make your case. When you are really interested in a certain position and think about whether you have perhaps some equivalent experience, don’t screen yourself out. The decision to screen you out is up to the employer, but you should give it all you’ve got to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the position, right?

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