Diplomas & HSE

High School Equivalency (HSE)

Three adult education students, one with a GED prep book

Overview

Minnesota recognizes two nationally available High School Equivalency (HSE) assessments: the GED® (General Educational Development) and the HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test). Both tests are designed for individuals who did not complete a traditional high school program but want to demonstrate academic proficiency equivalent to a high school diploma. Both the GED and the HiSET allow a tester to demonstrate high school-level academic skills and earn a state-issued high school equivalency diploma.

GED & HiSET: At a Glance

GED

The GED includes four subject tests: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. A score of 145 (of a maximum of 200) is considered passing for each subtest. All four subtests must be passed to earn a GED diploma.

Visit the links below for more information about GED:

HiSET

The HiSET includes five subject tests: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. A score of 8 (of a maximum of 20) is considered passing for each subject test. To pass the essay section, a score of 2 (of a maximum of 6) must be earned. To earn a HiSET diploma, the sum of the subject test scores must be at least 45.

Visit the links below for more information about HiSET:

Subsidy Code

GED and HiSET testers in Minnesota can now get one free test in each subject by entering the code MNHSEFREE when scheduling and paying for testing, while test approval and funding last. This promotional code must be entered when scheduling tests.

This code applies to any eligible tester who meets all of the following criteria:

  • has a Minnesota address
  • marks that they intend to test in Minnesota
  • schedules testing via online proctored or at an approved Minnesota or border state’s testing center

If a tester does not pass or does not show up for testing, they will not receive the subsidy for the retake tests; they will have to pay the standard retake test price.

Once the funding runs out, the code will not work and testers will have to pay the full testing fee. We cannot predict how long funding will last.

HSE Forms

Records Request Form

Use this form to request copies of a GED or HiSET earned in Minnesota.
HSE Records Request Form

Age Waiver Form

Use this form for 17- and 18-year-olds looking to take an HSE test in Minnesota.
HSE Age Waiver Form and Instructions

Administrator Access Requests

GED

Request access to GED Manager

  • Select the GED Manager role that matches your role

Become a GED Test Center

  • Linked page includes an overview of requirements and a link to the application

HiSET

Request HiSET Test Portal Access

  • In the “Choose your area of need” dropdown, select “TCA & GPS Portal New Account Request”

Become a HiSET Test Center

  • In the “Choose your area of need” dropdown, select “New site setup request”