High School Equivalency (HSE)

Beginning July 1, 2026, Missouri HiSET® testing will transition to the TI-30XS calculator.

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A High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate is comparable to a traditional high school diploma and can be used 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.
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Certificates/Transcripts & Education Verifications

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) partners with DiplomaSender (DS) to provide high school equivalency (HSE) data management and HSE document processing services. 

  • DESE does not process requests for official HSE documentation. HSE documentation requests sent to DESE will not be processed.
  • All HSE documents (certificates, transcripts, letters of verification) are only available through DiplomaSender.com.

Test Takers: Visit DiplomaSender to register for an account to order HSE documents. 

Third-Parties (employment verification companies, post-secondary institutions): Visit DiplomaSender to register for an account to verify HSE records. 

Contact DiplomaSender customer service with your questions: Chat via DiplomaSender.com 

Note: Individuals looking for record of a high school diploma should contact the local school district in which they last attended.

GED® & HiSET® Comparisons

Test Description

GED® Exam

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.

 

HiSET® Exam

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.

 

Costs

GED®

Total cost for all four GED® tests proctored 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 GED® 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.

 

HiSET®

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

•              Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $15) = $75

•              Remote Proctoring Fee (five subtests x $17.50) = $87.50

  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Minimum Passing Score

GED®

145 (out of 200) in each content area

Understanding GED® Scores

 

HiSET®

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

Understanding HiSET® Scores 

 

Retake Policy

GED® Retake Policies - Select the Test Retake Policies button.

HiSET® Retake Policies

 

Test Registration and Schedule

To take the GED® or HiSET® exam, you must schedule an appointment in your test taker account with the test publisher. 

Use the links below to find an approved testing center near you.  

Find HiSET® Testing Centers

Test Fee Assistance
Age Waiver Application

Age Waiver Application

Missouri citizens (with a Missouri mailing address) less than 17 years of age interested in taking a state-approved High School Equivalency (HSE) examination must apply for an age waiver by completing and submitting the Missouri HSE Test Age Waiver Application. Requirements for applying for an HSE Age Waiver are listed below under HSE Age Waiver Policy. Missouri Option Programs must complete a separate age waiver application process found here.

Follow these steps to request an age waiver:

  1. Create an Account: Create a student account for GED or HiSET. Your GED ID# or your HiSET ID# is required to complete the Missouri HSE Test Age Waiver Application.
  2. Complete the  Missouri HSE Test Age Waiver Application: Please read it carefully! If none of the listed conditions in the age waiver apply, you cannot be approved and must wait to test until you are 17 years of age.
  3. Submit: Submit the Missouri HSE Test Age Waiver Application AND any necessary transcripts to hse@dese.mo.gov or mail to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, High School Equivalency Office, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

 HSE Age Waiver Policy

  • Per Missouri HSE Rule 5 CSR 20-200.310, one of the following conditions must be met for an HSE age waiver to be approved.  Please note that, by law, these are the only conditions under which an age waiver can be approved. If none of the conditions apply, the student cannot be approved and must wait to test until the age of 17.
    1. Be currently enrolled in school and qualify as a participant in an approved Missouri Option Program for at-risk youth;
    2. Be withdrawn from school, have successfully completed 16 units of credit toward high school graduation, and have written confirmation of course completion from the superintendent of schools where the most recent high school graduation credits were earned; or
    3. If home schooled, have met the requirements of Section 167.031, RSMo for course instruction and have written permission of the parent or legal guardian.
  • High School Transcript(s): For those applying as a withdrawn high school applicant less than 17 years of age, you must submit a copy of your high school transcript(s) in addition to the application.

Notification Process

  • Application Status: The Missouri HSE Office will notify you via email of your application status. You will not be able to schedule your HSE exam until you receive an approval notification.
  • Incomplete or Denied Application: The Missouri High School Equivalency Office will contact you via email. If incomplete, you must make the necessary changes and resubmit the application and if necessary, your high school transcript(s).
  • Wait time: Application processing can be as quick as two business days but may take up to two weeks, especially if the application is incomplete.
Legislation Overview
  • 5 CSR 20-200.310 – Administration of High School Equivalence Program Rule
  • RSMo 161.093 – High School Equivalency Certificate may be issued by State Board
  • RSMo 161.094 and H.B. 1606 - Examinations for High School Equivalency Certificate
  • Missouri Adds a Second High School Equivalency Test Option
    • Read the HSE news release here.
    • US Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter
      • Information from the US Department of Education to institutions of higher education regarding state-authorized examinations that the state recognizes as the equivalency of a high school diploma. This US Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter addresses the 2014 version of the GED® and other HSE exams, such as HiSET®, that emerged at that time.