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LAUSD HiSET® Requirements

The following policies apply to anyone taking the HiSET®exam in LAUSD. When you schedule an appointment, you will need to confirm that you have read and understand these policies.

See the Education Department website for more information.

Eligibility Requirements

To take the HiSET exam in LAUSD, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • High School Equivalency Status: You must not have not completed high school
  • Age:
    • 18 years of age or older or within 60 days of your 18th birthday (regardless of school enrollment status).
    • Within 60 days of when you would have graduated from high school had you remained in school and followed the usual course of study (may not currently be enrolled in school).
    • 17 years of age and out of school for at least 60 consecutive days. You must also provide a letter of request for the test from military, postsecondary educational institute or a prospective employer.
    • 17 years of age, have accumulated fewer than 100 units of high school, be confined to a state or county or correctional agency, and meet all of the following criteria:
      • Do not have a realistic chance of completing the requirements of a high school diploma.
      • Have adequate academic skills to successfully complete the HiSET exam.
      • Understand the options available regarding acquisition of a high school diploma, the high school equivalency certificate, or the high school proficiency certificate and the requirements, expectations, benefits and limitations of each option.
      • Have sufficient time left to complete the entire HiSET exam; however, if you are released before the test is completed, you may complete the test at an authorized testing center.
    • 17 years of age, have less than 100 units of high school credit and have successfully completed a dropout recovery high school program.
      • “Dropout recovery high school” means a school offering instruction from grades 9 to 12, in which 50 percent or more of its pupils are dropouts that are pursuing the exit and withdrawal codes developed by the department. It also includes students that left a school and were not enrolled for at least 180 days. In either case, the school provides instruction in partnership for the following:
        • the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113-128)
        • federally affiliated Youthbuild programs (29 U.S.C. Sec. 3226 et seq.)
        • federal job corps training or instruction provided pursuant to a memorandum of understanding with the federal provider
        • the California Conservation Corps or local conservation corps certified by the California Conservation Corps pursuant to Section 14406 or 14507.5 of the Public Resources Code
  • Residency:
    • Proof of California residency must be verified, both at the time of registration and before admittance to the testing room
  • Test Preparation or Instruction: Though LAUSD does not require a practice test, we do encourage you to visit your local adult school to take a basic reading, writing and math test and speak to a counselor. Being prepared is important, and LAUSD offers classes to help you study and get ready. Please call 1-213-765-2573 to find a program near you.
  • Identification: You must provide acceptable proof of identity and California residency in the form of documentation that provides all of the following information:
    • driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
    • identification card issued by the military
    • identification card issued by the United States or a foreign government
    • passport issued by the United States or a foreign government
    • tribal identification card
    • Note: The identification must include your name, birth date, signature, photograph and address.

If you do not have the preferred identification, acceptable documentation to verify identity and residency can include any combination of the following:

  • current California driver’s license
  • current California identification card
  • current rental or lease agreement
  • current deed or title to a residential real property
  • current mortgage statement
  • current home utility bill
  • current cable or phone bill
  • current employment documents
  • current insurance documents
  • current Internal Revenue Service or California Franchise Tax Board tax return
  • current property tax bill or statement
  • court documents that list the applicant as a California resident
  • current California certificate of vehicle or vessel title or registration
  • completion of the California High School Equivalency Declaration of California Residency

LAUSD HiSET Testing Fees

Paper-based Test

Perfect for test takers who love the scratch of pencil on paper and the feeling they’re in high school all over again.

$ 35 .00

per subtest, plus test administration fee
(see below)

  • Includes two (2) re-tests per subtest *
  • Paper-based tests may only be taken at a designated test center and are not available for Test at Home.

Computer-based Test

Ideal for test takers who are more comfortable clicking a mouse. Plus, it costs less.

$ 30 .00

per subtest, plus test administration fee
(see below)

Test Administration Fees

Test Center Fee:

$ 8 .00

per subtest

Test at Home Fee:

$ 17 .50

per subtest

State Admin Fee:

$ 20 .00

per subtest

* A test center administration fee is required for each re-test. Test center administration fees by modality are outlined above.