High School Equivalency (HSE)/formerly GED

The Indiana HSE (High School Equivalency) is an alternative for earning a high school diploma. An HSE Diploma can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies).

BRIEF SUMMARY

The Indiana HSE (High School Equivalency) is an alternative for earning a high school diploma. An HSE Diploma can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies). The skills that are taught and eventually tested on are at the same level as those of graduating high school seniors.  (Indiana Department of Workforce Development, http://www.in.gov/dwd/HSE.htm)

KEY POINTS

  • Who can take the HSE?
    • Anyone living in Indiana for a minimum of 30 days before taking the test.
    • Those who have not already earned a diploma from an accredited high school in the United States.
    • Students who are at least 16 years of age.
    • Indiana residents 18 years old and older can register for the HSE Exam. 16 and 17 years olds can take the HSE Exam with the signature of a superintendent.

RESOURCES

SHARED WISDOM

  • What’s new with HSE?
    • Students will no longer take the GED® and will now take the Indiana HSE test.
    • Official transcripts will show student’s Indiana HSE test scores.
    • Students can now take the test using a computer. A traditional paper and pencil version is also available.
    • The content of the test matches current Indiana high school academic demands.
  • What’s the same about HSE?
    • The official document students earn is still the Indiana High School Equivalency Diploma.
    • All GED’s earned in Indiana prior to the new test will be recognized as an Indiana HSE.
    • Test-takers still need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of subject matter at the level of a high school senior.
  • How can students prepare?
    • Enroll in an Adult Education program, which provides free classes to adults who have not earned a high school diploma or those who need some help preparing to be College and Career Ready.
    • For more information, email dwdadulted@dwd.in.gov or call 1-866-220-6675.
  • Thoughts on what students are best suited for HSE classes and taking the TASC exam (from Counselor Talk, January 2018): …we too get students who are struggling in school–especially in Math and English–saying that they are just going to “drop out and get their GED” as if that’s an easier option–and it’s usually not.  I would say it’s better for them to stay in school.
    The students who tend to do well on the HSE exam are those who were close to graduating, but for one reason or another never completed.  Current high school students who are struggling with required courses in math, science, and english don’t tend to do well on the exam alone because it is a “high school equivalency.”  So, they’re basically going to be tested over the content that we expect students graduating with a Core 40 diploma to know (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies).  And, often times, the same reasons students aren’t doing well in high school, are the same reasons they don’t do well dropping out and taking the exam (attendance, discipline, financial limitations, life’s challenges).
    That is where the classes come in–by offering them accountability, a dedicated location to study, help from a licensed teacher, increasing their skills, and being better prepared for the exam–but that takes time and commitment.  I would say the majority of students that take HSE classes in our area are adults who have been out of school for awhile and are now very limited in their employment options.  Their struggle is getting caught up on material they haven’t seen in a while, if ever.

CONTENT FEEDBACK

If you have suggestions, feedback, or resources, please email counselor1stop@inspiresuccess.org and let us know.