High School Equivalency (HSE)

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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

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

For more detailed information on the content and structure of the GED® test, go to GED®: GED About the Test.

Test in five subjects

  • Language Arts Reading
  • Language Arts Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
For more detailed information on the content and structure of the HiSET® test, go to HiSET®: HiSET-Test at a Glance (TAAG) Information Brief.
Fee Structure

Total cost for all four tests at a test center = $142

  • Fee per Subtest (four subtests x $26) = $104
  • Test Center Fee (four subtests x $7) = $28
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Total cost for all four tests proctored online (at home) = $181.96

  • GED® Ready Practice Test (four subtests x $6.99*) = $27.96*
  • Fee per Subtest (four subtests x $36) = $144
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

*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

  • Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $10.75) = $53.75
  • Test Center Fee (five subtests x $7) = $35
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Total cost for all five tests proctored online (at home) = $151.25

  • Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $10.75) = $53.75
  • Online Proctoring Fee (five subtests x $17.50) = $87.50
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

*Paper-based accommodated HiSET® tests incur additional fees.

Beginning January 1, 2024:

Total cost for all five tests proctored at a test center = $120

  • Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $15) = $75
  • Test Center Fee (five subtests x $7) = $35
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Total cost for all five tests proctored online (at home) = $172.50

  • Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $15) = $75
  • Online Proctoring Fee (five subtests x $17.50) = $87.50

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

 DiplomaSender.com
Additional Information

GED.com

 HiSET.org

Legislation Overview