Diplomas & HSE

In Minnesota, there are three options for adults to complete a high school credential.

One option is High School Equivalency (HSE), which is a test-based credential that requires passing a series of exams. These exams cover high school content including English, Math, Social Studies and Science. In Minnesota there are two options for HSE testing – GED and HiSET.

There are also two options for how adults in Minnesota can earn a high school diploma. One option is the Standard Adult High School Diploma. This is a competency-based diploma option, where a student submits a portfolio containing evidence of mastery of high school content. After all evidence has been reviewed and rated a pass, the student receives a high school diploma awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The Standard Adult High School Diploma can only be offered by Adult Education programs that have been approved and received training to offer the program.

The second way an adult can earn a high school diploma is with their local high school or K-12 district. In some cases, these schools run programs that allow adult students to complete high school coursework and earn their diploma. These programs are sometimes referred to as credit completion, or credit recovery. In these programs the local district awards the high school diploma. These programs may or may not be offered in partnership with Adult Education providers.