

High School Equivalency
A High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate is comparable to a traditional high school diploma to obtain employment or pursue education and training in Missouri. The Missouri State Board of Education approves two HSE tests in Missouri:
- the GED® (General Educational Development) Test, provided by GED Testing Service (GEDTS®); and
- the HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test), provided by PSI Services.
GED® / HiSET® Comparisons
Topic | GED® Exam | HiSET® Exam |
---|---|---|
Description |
Test in four subjects
For more detailed information on the content and structure of the GED® test, go to GED®: GED About the Test. |
Test in five subjects
|
Fee Structure |
Total cost for all four tests at a test center = $142
Total cost for all four tests proctored online (at home) = $181.96
*Undiscounted, public price. Discounted GED® Ready Practice Tests are available to GED Manager users through GED Direct. |
Before January 1, 2024: Total cost for all five tests at a test center = $98.75
Total cost for all five tests proctored online (at home) = $151.25
*Paper-based accommodated HiSET® tests incur additional fees. Beginning January 1, 2024: Total cost for all five tests proctored at a test center = $120
Total cost for all five tests proctored online (at home) = $172.50
Annual State Administration Fee = $10 |
Minimum Passing Score |
145 (out of 200) in each content area |
8 (out of 20) in each content area, 2 (out of 6) on the essay, and a total combined score of at least 45 (out of 100) on all five subtests |
Notes |
GED® Test Notes: Each subtest has a 12-month testing window, beginning January 1 of each year. During this window from January 1-December 31, test takers can take subtests up to three times (initial attempt and two retakes) with no wait period between attempts. After the third attempt, the test taker must wait at least 60 days between each subsequent attempt through December 31 of that year. There is no limit to the number of attempts per year as long as the test taker waits at least 60 days between each attempt after the third attempt. Test takers using the available retakes during the 12-month testing window pay the test center fee ($7 per student). Test takers who attempt at least one subtest in a subsequent 12-month testing window will follow the fee structure for initial test takers. Test takers are required to take the GED® Ready practice test and score a “Green” (score of 145 or above) before taking the online proctored official GED® test. The GED® Ready practice test is not required for test takers taking the official GED® test at a test center.
|
HiSET® Test Notes: Each subtest has a 12-month long testing window, which automatically begins at the time of purchase of that subtest. During this window, test takers can take the subtest up to three times (initial attempt and two retakes). Test takers using the available retakes during the 12-month testing window pay the test center fee ($7 per student). Test takers who attempt a subtest in a subsequent 12-month testing window will follow the fee structure for initial test takers. |
Certificates/Transcripts | DiplomaSender.com | |
Additional Information | HiSET.org |
Legislation Overview
- 5 CSR 20-200.310 – Administration of High School Equivalence Program Rule