HSE education stands for High School Equivalency education, a pathway for adults and older teens who didn’t finish high school to earn a credential recognized as equivalent to a traditional diploma. Instead of completing remaining coursework at a high school, you study for and pass a standardized exam that measures knowledge across core academic subjects. Passing earns you an official state-issued High School Equivalency Certificate, which colleges, employers, and federal financial aid programs generally treat the same as a high school diploma.
How HSE Education Works
The HSE process has two parts: preparation and testing. Many people enroll in free or low-cost adult education programs offered through community colleges, school districts, libraries, or nonprofit organizations to brush up on the subjects covered by the exam. These prep programs can be in-person classes, online courses, or self-study using official practice materials. Once you feel ready, you register to take one of the approved exams at an authorized testing center in your state.
When you pass, the state issues an official High School Equivalency Certificate and transcript. This is the only document that counts. Some test-prep programs hand out their own “diplomas” or “certificates” when you complete their coursework, but those are not official HSE credentials and won’t be recognized by colleges or employers the way a state-issued certificate is.
The Two Main HSE Exams
Two nationally recognized exams are used for high school equivalency testing: the GED (General Educational Development) and the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test). Which one you take depends on where you live, since each state decides which exams it authorizes. Some states offer both options, while others approve only one.
The GED has four sections: Reasoning Through Language Arts (which covers both reading and writing), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. It’s delivered entirely on a computer and uses a mix of question types, including multiple choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and written responses. Each section is scored on a scale of 100 to 200, and you need at least 145 on every section to pass. Total testing time runs about seven hours across all four sections, though you can schedule them separately.
The HiSET has five subtests: Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing (including an essay), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. It’s available on computer or on paper, which makes it a good fit if you’re more comfortable with pencil-and-paper testing. Each subtest is scored from 0 to 20. You need at least an 8 on every subtest and a combined total of 45 or higher across all five. Total testing time is roughly seven hours as well.
Both exams test the same general knowledge areas at roughly the same level of difficulty. The practical differences come down to format (computer-only versus paper option), number of sections (four versus five), and question style (the GED uses more varied item types, while the HiSET relies more heavily on multiple choice).
Subjects You Need to Know
Regardless of which exam you take, you’ll be tested on knowledge that graduating high school seniors are expected to have in four core areas.
- Language Arts: Reading comprehension, grammar, sentence structure, and the ability to write a clear, organized essay or extended response. You’ll analyze passages from informational texts and literature.
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry, and some data analysis. A scientific calculator (the TI-30XS) is provided for most of the math section, though a small portion of the GED math test must be completed without one.
- Science: Life science, physical science, and earth/space science. You won’t need to memorize textbook facts so much as interpret data, read charts, and apply scientific reasoning to passages and graphics.
- Social Studies: U.S. history, civics and government, economics, and geography. Like the science section, the focus is on reading and analyzing source material rather than pure memorization.
Cost and Eligibility
Pricing for HSE exams varies by state and by exam. Some states subsidize testing so it’s free to residents, while others charge per section. When fees do apply, expect to pay somewhere in the range of $30 to $40 per subject on the GED, with the full battery costing roughly $120 to $160 in states that charge. HiSET pricing follows a similar pattern. If you don’t pass a section on the first try, you can retake it, though retake fees apply in most places.
Age requirements also vary. Most states require you to be at least 18, though many allow 17-year-olds to test under certain conditions, such as being formally withdrawn from school or having parental consent. Some states have residency requirements as well. Your state’s department of education website will list the exact rules and current prices for your area.
The prep classes themselves are often free. Federally funded adult education programs operate in every state, and many community colleges offer HSE preparation at no charge. Public libraries frequently host study groups or provide access to online practice platforms.
What an HSE Credential Gets You
An HSE certificate opens the same doors a traditional high school diploma does in most situations. Community colleges and four-year universities accept it for admission purposes, and you become eligible for federal student aid (Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study) once you hold the credential. Many career training and certificate programs that require a high school diploma will also accept an HSE certificate.
Employers broadly recognize the credential. For jobs that list “high school diploma or equivalent” in their requirements, an HSE certificate satisfies the “or equivalent” part. Government jobs at the federal, state, and local level typically accept it as well.
The one area where an HSE credential may be treated differently is military enlistment. Each branch sets its own education tier system, and GED holders have historically needed higher scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or may face limited enlistment slots compared to candidates with traditional diplomas. Earning some college credits alongside your HSE certificate can improve your standing in this process.
How Long It Takes
The timeline depends entirely on your starting point. If you left school in 11th or 12th grade and your skills are relatively fresh, a few weeks of focused study may be enough. If it’s been years since you were in a classroom or you need to build up your math and writing skills, a structured prep program lasting three to six months is more realistic.
One advantage of HSE testing is flexibility. You don’t have to take all sections on the same day. Many people spread the exams across several weeks or months, tackling their strongest subjects first and saving more study time for weaker areas. If you pass three out of four GED sections but fall short on math, for instance, you only need to retake the math section.
From registration to receiving your official certificate after passing, the administrative side typically moves quickly. Most states issue results within a day or two for computer-based tests, and you can request your official certificate shortly after.