High school equivalency

If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can earn a high school equivalency (HSE) now and get the full benefits of a high school diploma.

Having your HSE can open a lot of doors. People who have a diploma or equivalency earn more than people who don't. Also, many jobs and training programs require that you have one or the other.

What is a high school equivalency?

A high school equivalency or HSE is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma. There are three common exams used to determine high school equivalency:

• The General Educational Development (GED®) test
• The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

What high school equivalency exams does my state offer?

States typically promote and endorse one or more high school equivalency diplomas. Find your state high school equivalency options.

For workforce professionals

Looking for resources to help people earn their high school equivalency and become college and career ready?

Find current information and valuable resources in these two guides produced by the U.S. Department of Labor Education & Training Administration.

• The High School Equivalency: Resource Guide for the Workforce System provides information about the options for high school equivalency.
• College and Career Readiness: Resource Guide for the Workforce System provides information about the general topic of college and career ready (CCR) standards. The new HSE options now available to out-of-school individuals are based on CCR academic standards.