Congratulations! You have passed the five HiSET subtests and will receive a high school equivalency credential from your state. So what now?
Use the resources below to help you take your next step on your new path.
Follow instructions for your state / jurisdiction
To request your transcript or diploma, find the instructions for your state or territory at the link below.
What Your High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential Means
You did it! The HiSET® exam is rigorous and requires a lot of preparation and study. Though you didn’t graduate from a traditional high school, you showed that you are dedicated and focused enough to put in the work and earn your HSE credential. The United States Department of Education recognizes the HiSET exam as a valid high school equivalency, which means it’s worth just as much as a diploma or a recognized equivalent (PDF). Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.
Interpreting Your Scores
Your scores allow you to compare your performance to actual student performance. If your total score is 45 or higher, you would be in approximately the top 40 percent of graduating high school seniors!
The HiSET® exam is designed so that if you scored at least a 15 out of 20 on any of the subtests, your performance is similar to the minimum level required to succeed in college-level, credit-bearing courses. It also signifies that you’re ready to start your career, if you choose to join the workforce next.
Talking About Your Credential
When meeting with employers or college admission staff, they may ask you if you have a GED®. Many people — even employers — aren’t aware there are other options available to earn your high school equivalency credential, and, like the HiSET exam, the GED® is another way test takers can earn their state-issued high school equivalency credential. Both tests are approved by the U.S. Department of Education and are Nationally Recognized.
If you get asked that question, the best response is:
“No, I have a state-issued high school equivalency credential. Currently, the GED® is one of two possible tests that lead to a high school equivalency credential. Depending on the state you live in, there can be multiple pathways to earning a state-issued high equivalency credential. I took the HiSET® to earn my credential.”
What Your HiSET® Scores Mean for College Course Selection
If you score at least 15 out of 20 on any of your subtests, it means you’ve demonstrated college and career readiness and that your performance is comparable to the level required to pass a college-level, credit-bearing course.
If you don’t score at least a 15, don’t worry. It just means you might want to do additional preparation or enroll in remedial courses for content categories that you didn’t score as well on.
Comprehensive Score Report
The HiSET Program’s Comprehensive Score Report contains a variety of indicators that speak to a student’s qualifications. Learn more about score reports and what they include on the Scores page.
Everything test takers need to know about the HiSET.
For a complete overview of everything you need to know about the HiSET high school equivalency test and credential, download the official HiSET Test Taker Bulletin.