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High School Equivalency (HSE)

Adult learners standing together in a classroom, holding books, notebooks and a tablet.

High School Equivalency (HSE)

Support to help you earn your high school equivalency in Michigan

  • “It’s never too late to graduate!”

    According to the American Council on Education, 90% of high school dropouts will never earn more than $40,000 a year. But earning your high school diploma or equivalency tells employers that you have the self-discipline needed to work well and complete assignments. It tells employers that you are capable of setting and achieving goals.

    The simple truth is a high school diploma or equivalency will open doors for you. That’s why support is in place to help all create educational and career opportunities for adult learners in Michigan.

    In compliance with Public Act 249 of 2016, the State of Michigan recognizes the following high school equivalency tests as options for individuals to earn a high school equivalency credential:

    The purpose of these options is to certify an individual's attainment of academic knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate.

Comparing the tests

  • The State of Michigan High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate is awarded to individuals who pass the GED®, the HiSET®, or a combination of test subjects from both, once all required criteria have been met. This certificate is considered equivalent to a high school diploma and can be used for college admission or employment opportunities. To learn more about requirements for testing in Michigan, please reference Michigan High School Equivalency Jurisdictional Policy or email LEO-HSEProgram@michigan.gov.
Logo: GED®

GED® Test

General Equivalency Diploma Test
(Provided by GED Testing Service)

  • Overview

    The GED® Test is administered through GED® Testing Service and assesses knowledge and skills in four subject areas, each with a separate exam. The exams are computer-based and may be taken either at an approved testing center or online from home using a computer.

    The four subject areas are:

    • Mathematical Reasoning
    • Reasoning Through Language Arts
    • Science
    • Social Studies

    More information about GED's test subjects

  • Testing formats

    The GED® Test is computer-based and may be taken either:

    • In person at an approved testing center: Complete the official GED® Test on a computer at a local testing center.
    • Online from home: Complete the official GED® Test remotely using a computer that meets the required technical and testing requirements.

  • Languages

    Available in English and Spanish

  • Cost

    For in-person testing at a testing center:

    • $43.50 per subject (4 subjects)
    • Total: $174 (without retakes)
    • Includes test, state administration, and test center fees

    Online proctored options (OP at Home): No extra cost, but eligibility requirements apply

  • Scoring

    • Score range: 100-200
    • Passing: 145-164 per subject
    • GED College Ready: 165-174 per subject
    • GED College Ready + Credit: 175-200 per subject

  • Retake policy

    At a testing center: No waiting period for first two retakes. If you fail your second retake, a 60-day waiting period begins.

    Online at-home exam: One retake. If you fail that one, a 60-day waiting period begins.

    The first retake is discounted. There is no limit to how many times you may test in a year. 

    Read the full GED® retake policy

Logo: HiSET®

HiSET® Test

High School Equivalency Test
(Provided by PSI Services)

  • Overview

    The HiSET® Exam is administered through PSI, a subsidiary of Educational Testing Service (ETS), and assesses academic skills in five subject areas, each with a separate exam. The exams may be taken on a computer or on paper at an approved testing center, or online from home using a computer.

    The five subject areas are:

    • Language Arts — Reading
    • Language Arts — Writing
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies

    HiSET Test at a Glance (TAAG) Information Brief

  • Testing formats

    In person at an approved testing center: Available in paper-based (PBT) or computer-based (CBT) formats at designated local test centers.

    Online from home: Available in select states through HiSET Testing Centers depending on local rules and technical eligibility.

  • Languages

    Available in English and Spanish

  • Cost

    For in-person testing at a testing center:

    • $26 per subject (5 subjects) + $30 annual administration fee
    • First test of the year: $56 (subject fee + administration fee)
    • Total: $160 if completed in the same calendar year without retakes

    HiSET® Test at Home

    • $41 per subject
    • Total: $235 if completed in the same calendar year without retakes

  • Scoring

    • Score range: 1-20
    • Passing: 8 out of 20 per subject, at least a 2 out of 8 on the writing essay, AND a combined score of at least 45 on all five tests.
    • College and Career Ready: 15 per subject

  • Retake policy

    Six attempts allowed in a calendar year (per subject).

    The first and second retakes will be discounted. The third retake will be the full cost, and the fourth and fifth retakes will be discounted again.

    Read the full HiSET® retake policy

Getting started

Middle-aged person sitting at a computer and writing in a notebook on a tabletop while other people use computers in the background.

Find a program or testing center

Ready to take the GED® or HiSET® test, or need help preparing? Use the Adult Education Service Locator to find approved adult education programs that can help you build your skills and prepare for testing. When you're ready to take your exam, you can also use the locator to find a nearby testing center.

  • Quick Tips graphic featuring a yellow light bulb beside the words ‘Quick Tips’ on a dark blue background.

    Tips for testing day

    • Get a full night’s sleep.
    • Eat a solid, balanced breakfast.
    • Arrive early, stay calm, and bring a valid ID.
    • Pace yourself throughout the test.
    • Use mindful breathing to manage stress and maintain focus.

Resources for testing centers

HSE-to-School Program: Support to help you succeed!

  • The HSE-to-School Program is designed to support and encourage Michiganders who are pursuing their high school equivalency credential — and inspire them to continue their education at a Michigan community college or university for academic and career focused coursework and programs. Based on available funding, the HSE-to-School Program covers the cost of one attempt on each subject area for the two high school equivalency testing options — GED® or HiSET® — for Michigan residents who meet eligibility requirements. The HSE‑to‑School Program covers the cost of one GED® or HiSET® attempt per subject for eligible Michigan residents and encourages them to continue their education at a Michigan college or university.

    *HSE-to-School program participants must be 16 years of age or older. Participants who are 16 but not yet 18 must complete a HSE Age Waiver Form. This form is required to waive the minimum age requirement (18 years) to take a high school equivalency test and must include justification as to why high school equivalency testing is in the minor’s best interest.

  • GED® test series requirements

    (in-person or online testing)

    To qualify for the HSE‑to‑School GED® voucher, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Have an active GED® account. Create an account at MyGED® Sign Up.
    • Have not previously taken a GED® content area test free of charge through the HSE‑to‑School Program.
    • New requirement: Achieve a minimum score of 150 on the official GED® Ready Practice Test within the last 90 days. GED® Ready tests can be accessed through your online GED® account.
    • Submit the HSE‑to‑School GED® Voucher Request Form for voucher consideration.

    Processing time: Voucher codes are processed within 7–10 business days.

    HSE‑to‑School GED® Voucher Request Form

  • HiSET® test series requirements

    (in-person testing only)

    To qualify for the HSE‑to‑School HiSET® voucher, applicants must:

    • Have not previously taken a HiSET® content area test free of charge through the HSE‑to‑School Program.
    • Complete the official HiSET® practice tests with a passing score prior to scheduling a HiSET® content area test. Practice tests may be completed through an adult education program offering HiSET® preparation.
    • Locate an adult education program using the Adult Education Services Locator.

    Important note: Participants are encouraged to complete official testing within two weeks of earning a passing practice‑test score.

How to request your High School Equivalency certificate or transcript

  • Requests for all official High School Equivalency (HSE) certificates, transcripts and verifications for the GED®, HiSET® and TASC® Test Series must be made through DiplomaSender (The TASC® Test Series was offered from June 2018 through December 2020 but is no longer a high school equivalency testing option in Michigan).

    Please Note: Requests for documents should NOT be made to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development.

    The benefits of DiplomaSender include the following:

    • First time test takers receive their initial diploma and transcript FREE if ordered within the first 12 months of the date completed.
    • Documents can be delivered electronically via email or through fax, USPS first class, or priority express mail.
    • Duplicate diploma requests are $22.
    • Duplicate transcript requests are $22.
DiplomaSender logo in white on a blue background.

DiplomaSender

Test takers can create accounts at DiplomaSender.com to view their test scores, order diplomas and transcripts, and access all historical and current test scores for each test series.

Beware of fake GED® and HiSET® offers

Protect your money, personal information and credential. Fraudulent websites may claim to offer legitimate GED® or HiSET® testing, diplomas or credentials for a fee.

  • Use only official testing websites: Visit GED.com or HiSET.org for legitimate testing information and services.
  • Avoid offers for instant diplomas or shortcut tests: Legitimate HSE credentials require completion of approved testing requirements.
  • Never pay someone to take the test for you: Using a proxy test taker is prohibited and will result in cancellation or revocation of test scores.

If a website promises quick credentials without approved testing or asks you to pay for an unverified test, it may be fraudulent.

 

 

Need additional assistance?

  • Questions about the HSE-to-School Program

    For questions about High School Equivalency or the HSE-to-School Program, please contact:
    LEO-HSEtoSchool@michigan.gov
    517-335-5858

  • Learn More, Earn More!

    If you need to build academic skills, prepare for the GED® or HiSET® Test Series, or explore adult education opportunities in Michigan, visit LEO-Workforce Development's Learn More, Earn More! page.