HiSET Test Centers By State

Last Updated on April 14, 2024.

All states or jurisdictions that administer the HiSET exam have their own policies and testing requirements.

Some states require test takers to be state residents or to participate in a prep course before they are allowed to sit for the exam, and minimum age requirements also vary by state.

Additionally, retesting rules and testing fees may vary, but if you pass the HiSET®, better employment is waiting for you.

The diploma that you’ll receive upon completing the HiSET exam also allows you to get into college.

So you will understand that it is important to learn all about your state’s requirements and policies or those of the state where you plan to take the test before you decide to schedule your tests.

Not all states and territories are using the HiSET for high school equivalency (HSE) testing.

The HiSET contains questions in five subject fields:

• Math
• Science
• Language Writing
• Language Reading
• Social Studies

Here is an overview of states and territories that do use the HiSET and short overviews of their specific requirements.

California

California offers two high school equivalency (HSE) tests, the HiSET® and GED®. Both exams are available at test centers and online.

HiSET testing is, among other locations, offered at Chula Vista Adult School, Long Beach School for Adults, and Los Angeles USD Testing Center. 

In California, test takers must be state residents or members of the U.S. armed forces located in California. The HiSET exam can now be taken online as well. Check here to learn more about-> online HiSET testing.

The minimum required age in California is 18, or applicants need to be within 60 days of their 18th birthday. For 17-year-olds, more requirements apply, so contact a testing center or the HiSET website for details. If you passed the HiSET exam, you would not receive your diploma before you turn 18.

Until then, you will get a letter stating that your certificate is withheld until your 18th birthday. In California, test takers are not required to first take a HiSET prep course or the HiSET practice test prior to testing. Check here for -> all California GED and HiSET prep classes and test centers.

Colorado

Colorado is using two available HSE (high school equivalency) tests, the GED and HiSET exams. You must meet the following criteria:

You need to be at least 17 years old, though 16-year-olds may also qualify if they meet more strict requirements like parental consent and approval from their school district. Further restrictions apply, so get informed. You may also benefit from this website’s free HiSET practice tests.

HiSET test takers don’t need to be Colorado residents, attend a prep course, or take and pass a practice test before they are allowed to take the test.

Please note that in all states, proper identification is required and that not all Colorado testing centers administer both HSE testing options, so get well-informed. Click here to see all-> Colorado HiSET and GED test centers and prep sites.

Georgia

In Georgia, individuals that never complete their standard high school education have two options to earn their high school equivalency (HSE) credentials, the GED and HiSET exams.

GED testing is exclusively offered in a computerized format, while the HiSET exam is offered on-computer and on-paper. In Georgia, HSE candidates need to be at least 16 years of age, but 16 and 17-year-olds are required to meet strict additional requirements such as having permission from both a parent and their school district.

Additionally, underage testers must attend a prep course to qualify. Check details here:->Georgia GED and HiSET information,

Illinois

Illinois offers 2 options for the HSE (high school equivalency) testing, the GED and HiSET. To be able to take the HiSET exam in Illinois, you need to be at least 17 years of age, though, for 17-year-olds, additional strict requirements apply. Check here to learn all about -> Illinois GED and HiSET test centers and prep class sites.

Under-age test takers must be officially withdrawn from school and have consent from a parent or guardian. 16-year-olds may also qualify, but only if they are enrolled in the state’s National Guard’s Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy Program or an Illinois Alternative Learning Opportunity Program offered through the state’s Regional Offices of Education.

Illinois is not requiring applicants to partake in a test HiSET prep course, though proper preparation help is, of course, highly recommended.

Applicants are also not required to take an official practice test first, but in Illinois, test takers must also pass a U.S. and Illinois Constitution Test. Test takers must have been Illinois residents for at least 30 days prior to testing.

Indiana

Indiana uses both the GED and HiSET exams for its High School Equivalency (HSE) program. The minimum age to qualify for the exam is 16 in Indiana.

Test-takers 16 and 17 years old, however, must meet specific additional requirements. Please get in touch with your nearest GED or HiSET test center for details. The Indiana GED and HiSET exams are only open to state residents, but there’s no requirement to first take a GED or HiSET practice test (unless you take the exam online).

Indiana requires test-takers to complete the four GED or five HiSET subtests within a 60-day period after taking the first subject test. Test-takers that don’t complete the full GED or HiSET battery within that 60-day timeframe will need to start all over again. Check here for more information about-> GED and HiSET testing in Indiana.

Iowa

Iowa uses the HiSET exam for its high school equivalency (HSE) testing program. In Iowa, the minimally required age is 18, but underage applicants (17 years old) may qualify as well if they meet strict criteria like being officially withdrawn from their high school and parental consent is required.

In Iowa, 16-year-olds may also be able to take the HiSET exam if they are residents of an IA Juvenile Institution (State Training Schools at Mitchellville and Eldorado) or are under the supervision of one of Iowa’s Juvenile Probation Offices.

Test takers will not receive their high school equivalency diplomas until they’ve reached the age of 18 and their classes from 9th grade have graduated.

Iowa residency is not required, but all applicants must have attended an adult education prep course prior to testing, and passing the Iowa practice test (available through the state’s Adult Education and Literacy Programs) is also required. All Iowa HiSET testing sites and prep classes are listed on this page.

Louisiana

Louisiana is using the GED and HiSET exams for its HSE (high school equivalency) testing program. In Louisiana, you must be at least 16 years old, but for 16, 17, and 18-year-olds, there are strict eligibility requirements.

Test-takers 16–18 years old must be enrolled in a WorkReady U program or a state-approved LA “Options” program and take the official HiSET or GED Practice Test and score at least “prepared” or “well-prepared” on the HiSET practice test or in the “green” zone on the GED Ready test. Just click on the appropriate links on this website for free HiSET video lessons and practice tests or for information about financial aid.

From 19 years on, there are no extra requirements (though taking the OPT -Official Practice or GED Ready Test is recommended). Applicants cannot already hold a secondary education degree or be registered for another school program.

There is no Louisiana residency requirement. Check here for all -> Louisiana HiSET test and prep sites.

Maine

Maine uses the HiSET exam for high school equivalency testing. The HiSET is open in Maine to students who never finished high school and are at least 18 years old. Under-age testing is not possible in the state.

There is no Maine residency requirement, but for state residents (proof required), HiSET testing is offered at no cost. Check here to see a complete list of -> Maine HiSET test centers and prep sites.

To be able to receive the Maine high school equivalency diploma, test takers must have taken at least 1 of the 5 HiSET subject tests from an official Maine testing center and, but that goes without saying, also meet all Maine eligibility requirements.

HiSET applicants are required to take the Official Practice Test (OPT), and they are strongly encouraged to prepare well for the tests at one of Maine’s adult education sites or through a well-respected online program.

In Maine, adult education centers offer comprehensive instruction and study support at little or no charge. Local Maine testing centers may have additional requirements relating to, for example, age waivers or retesting imposed by local school boards, so please contact a testing center in your area.

In Maine, HiSET graduates, like high school grads who earned their diplomas in recent years, are now eligible for two years of college tuition, TOTALLY FREE at the seven Maine community colleges. Check here -> to learn more about free college tuition in Maine.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is using two options for high school equivalency testing, the HiSET and the GED. The GED is only available in a computerized format, while the HiSET is offered both on a computer and on paper.

To be able to take the exams in Massachusetts, test-takers need to be at least 18 years old, though 16 and 17-year-old applicants may also be eligible if they meet strict additional requirements.

Just like in other states, test takers cannot be signed up for any other school program and already hold a high school or equivalent diploma.

The diploma that is awarded after successful completion of the Massachusetts HiSET or GED exam is nationally accepted in lieu of a high school degree. Check here to see all ->Massachusetts GED test sites and prep classes. Online testing is NOT offered in Massachusetts.

Michigan

Michigan is offering two HSE (high school equivalency) tests, the GED (General Education Development) and HiSET (High School Equivalency Test). Not all testing centers administer both options, so get well-informed. With our free online GED c;asses that can also be followed on your phone, you can always learn in accordance with your calendar.

To be able to sit for the HiSET or GED exam in Michigan, applicants must be at least 16 years old. For those 16 and 17, though, there are strict extra requirements like having parental consent and an official Michigan Age Waiver. Please get in touch with a test site near you for specifics.

Michigan has no residency requirements, you don’t need to take a prep course (though that is recommended), and you’re also not required to take and pass a practice test first. Check here for all -> Michigan GED test centers and prep sites.

Mississippi

Mississippi is using both the HiSET and GED for the state’s high school equivalency testing program. Applicants can not already have a high school or equivalent credential, not be enrolled in another school program, and be at least 18 years of age. Applicants 16–17 years of age may qualify as well if they hold an official withdrawal form issued by the school they last attended.

In Mississippi, there is no residency requirement, and though it is strongly advised to get decently prepared, the state has no preparation requirements, and test-takers don’t have to take an official practice test first as well.

All across Mississippi, you can find numerous locations that offer HiSET prep courses, often at no cost whatsoever. Check here to learn all about -> Mississippi HiSET and GED test and prep sites.

Missouri

The state of Missouri uses the HiSET and GED exams for high school equivalency testing. The minimum age for HiSET or GED testing in Missouri is 17.

To secure a Missouri Certificate of High School Equivalence, students must be state residents (with a MO mailing address), and 1/ be seventeen years old or older, or 2/ be currently enrolled in high school but qualify as participants in a state-approved Missouri Option Program for at-risk youth, or 3/ be officially withdrawn from their schools but have completed sixteen credit units toward graduation and hold written confirmation of course completion signed by the superintendent of the school where the student’s most recent high school credits were earned, or 4/, if home-schooled, have met all the requirements of section 167.031, RSMo for course instruction and hold written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

In Missouri, you must be a state resident to be able to sit for the five HiSET tests, and though it is recommended to attend a prep class or follow a good online course to get all set for the rigorous HiSET exam, the state does not require you to do so.

You also don’t have to take and pass an official practice test prior to GED HiSET testing (except when testing online). Check here to see all -> Missouri HiSET test sites and prep classes.

Montana

To earn your HSE (high school equivalency) diploma in Montana, you must pass the five subject tests of the HiSET exam or the four GED subtests. The minimum required age to be able to sit for the HiSET or GED exam in Montana is 16. Check here for all -> Montana GED and HiSET prep class sites and test facilities.

For 16, 17, and 18-year-olds, the state has some pretty strict requirements that vary by age, so please contact a testing site near you. For test takers 19 or older, there are no additional age-related requirements or policies.

HiSET and GED testing in Montana is only open to state residents. Applicants need to provide proof that they live in Montana through an official government-issued ID. Test takers who are stationed at a U.S. military installation or who are in a U.S. federal correctional facility must claim Montana as their state of residency.

Montana does not require applicants to attend any prep course or to first take an official practice test but getting all set for the five HiSET subtests is absolutely advisable as the tests are rigorous.

Nevada

The state of Nevada is using two HSE (high school equivalency) exams that are available in America, the HiSET and GED. The minimum required age in Nevada is 16 years old, but applicants who are 16 or 17 must meet very strict requirements.

They need, for example, to present official permission from their school district along with parental permission. Please contact a test center in your area for specifics prior to scheduling your HiSET tests.

HiSET and GED testing is only open to Nevada residents, and you’ll be required to show residency proof at the testing center.

In Nevada, individual test centers or educational agencies may require applicants to demonstrate readiness before actual testing, so please check with a test center near you before registering. Check here to learn all about -> Nevada HiSET and GED test and prep sites.

New Hampshire

The minimum required age in New Hampshire for the HiSET or GED test is 18. Applicants 16 and 17 may qualify, but they should contact the New Hampshire Bureau of Adult Education for requirements.

HiSET or GED testing in New Hampshire is only available to state residents or people who physically reside in the state. The state recently also introduced the GED test. Test takers will have to provide proof that they actually live in New Hampshire by presenting, for example, a current driver’s license.

There is no need to partake in a HiSET or GED prep course, but you can imagine that decent preparation is a MUST for this rigorous test. New Hampshire does not require HiSET applicants to take and pass the official HiSET or GED practice test, except when testing online (for support, use our free GED practice tests), but local testing sites may require applicants to do so anyway, so get well informed.

In New Hampshire, there’s no requirement to have a Social Security Number to be able to register for the HiSET exam. Check here for all -> New Hampshire GED prep and test sites.

New Jersey

New Jersey offers applicants for the state’s high school equivalency (HSE) testing programs, HiSET and GED. All options are only offered in computer-based format; paper-based testing is no longer offered in the state.

The minimum age for HSE testing in New Jersey is 16, but applicants 16 and 17 years old must meet strict regulations like a “Consent to Participate” declaration signed by a parent or guardian and permission from their school districts.

HiSET testing in New Jersey is only available to state residents, and there is no need to first attend some prep course or take the official HiSET practice test to qualify for HiSET testing.

In New Jersey, test takers are required to register for HiSET testing in person at one of the state’s testing centers prior to testing. Check here to see all -> New Jersey HiSET and GED test and prep sites.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, there are two options for high school equivalency (HSE) testing, the HiSET and GED. Test takers can, like in all other states, not already hold a high school or equivalent degree and not be signed up for any other academic program.

The New Mexico minimum age for HSE testing is 16, but for applicants 16 and 17 years of age, strict regulations apply, like submitting an underage form and parental consent.

HiSET test takers don’t need to be New Mexico residents, and there is no requirement to first attend a HiSET prep course or take the HiSET Practice Test to be able to sit for the test. Check here to see all  -> New Mexico HiSET and GED test and prep locations.

North Carolina

North Carolina is using two available options for HSE (high school equivalency) testing: the GED and HiSET exams.

The minimum required age for HSE testing is 18, though 16- and 17-year-old applicants may also qualify when they meet some pretty strict requirements. They need, for example, special approval from their school districts and hold parental consent.

Not all North Carolina testing facilities offer the HiSET both on a computer and on paper, so get optimally informed and contact a testing site near you.

In North Carolina, there is no state residency requirement, and test-takers are also not required to take the IOPT (Official HiSET Practice Test) or the GED Ready test prior to testing, except when writing the exams online. Check here to find all -> North Carolina HiSET and GED test and prep facilities.

Ohio

The state of Ohio is using two options for its high school equivalency (HSE) testing program, the HiSET and GED exams. Check here for all -> HiSET and GED test and prep sites in Ohio.

Whereas the GED exam is offered only in an entirely computerized format, the HiSET is available in both paper- and computer-delivered formats, though not all test centers offer both formats.

HiSET testing in Ohio is available to adult learners of at least 18 years old, though test takers 16 and 17 may also be eligible if they meet strict requirements. These underage applicants must be officially withdrawn from their high school, for example, and hold parental consent or have permission from a guardian or court official.

HiSET test takers must be Ohio state residents. In Ohio, applicants don’t need to first partake in a HiSET prep course or take the official HiSET practice test to qualify, except when taking the exams online.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is offering adults who never completed their high school education two options if they want to earn a high school equivalency (HSE) credential, the GED and HiSET exams.

In Oklahoma, the minimally required age for HiSET testing is 18, but test takers 16 and 17 years of age could also qualify when they meet strict regulations like being officially withdrawn from their school and holding parental approval.

The HiSET exam is available in both paper-based and computerized formats. To be able to register for the Oklahoma HiSET exam, you don’t need to be a state resident.

There’s also no need to first partake in a prep course or take the HiSET Official Practice Test (OPT), though getting optimally prepared for this rigorous and very challenging exam is absolutely required. Check here to see all -> HiSET and GED prep and test sites in Oklahoma.

Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is offering two options for adults wishing to acquire their HSE (high school equivalency) diploma, the HiSET and GED exams.

The HiSET is available in Pennsylvania in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats, but please be aware that not all Pennsylvania testing centers offer both options. So please contact your nearest testing site to see if they offer your preferred testing method.

In Pennsylvania, test takers must be 18 years old, though 16 and 17-year-old applicants may qualify if they are, among other requirements, officially withdrawn from school and hold parental approval.

In Pennsylvania, HiSET testing is open only to state residents, but there’s no requirement for applicants to first take part in a preparation program or take and pass a practice test prior to HiSET testing. Check here to see all -> Pennsylvania HiSET and GED test and prep sites.

Tennessee

The state of Tennessee is using the five-test HiSET exam for its HSE (high school equivalency) testing program. In Tennessee, HiSET applicants must be no younger than 18, though 17-year-olds may also qualify when they have parental consent and approval from their school district’s Director of Schools.

The Tennessee HiSET exam is open to all who qualify; applicants don’t need to be state residents to be able to sit for the Tennessee HiSET exam.

The state requires test-takers, though, to first take and pass the half-length official HiSET practice test that is offered at all of the state’s Adult Education & Literacy program locations. Check here to see all -> Tennessee HiSET prep sites and test centers.

West Virginia

West Virginia offers the GED and HiSET exams for its high school equivalency testing program. In West Virginia, applicants cannot be younger than 16 years of age, but 16, 17, and 18-year-olds must meet strict additional requirements. To be able to take the GED or HiSET exam, applicants need to create their accounts at hiset.org or GED.com

The West Virginia GED and HiSET exams are only offered in a computer-based format. Paper-based HiSET testing is a thing of the past in West Virginia.

To qualify for online GED or HiSET testing, candidates are required to reach sufficient scores on the official HiSET or GED Practice Test. These tests are half as long as the actual test. Check here for all -> West Virginia GED prep class locations and testing centers. There’s no online testing option in West Virginia.

Wyoming

The state of Wyoming is offering two options for its HSE (high school equivalency) testing program, the HiSET and GED. Check here to discover all -> Wyoming HiSET and GED test and prep centers.

In Wyoming, the five HiSET subtests are available in both paper- and computer-delivered versions, while the GED is entirely computerized. Please contact a testing center near you, though, as not all facilities offer both formats.

To qualify for HiSET testing in Wyoming, applicants need to be at least 16 years of age, but an age waiver is required for test-takers 16 and 17 years old. There is no residency requirement in Wyoming, and though test preparation is strongly advised, it is not mandatory.

In Wyoming, taking the HiSET practice test is mandatory, though, but only for 16 and 17-year-old test takers. Please contact your local Adult Education Center for specifics. In Wyoming, online testing is not possible.

Guam

To qualify for HiSET or GED testing in Guam, applicants need to be at least 16 years old, but for those 16 and 17 years old, strict requirements apply, such as holding consent from a parent or guardian consent. Guam residency is required, and test-takers must have lived in Guam for no less than 12 months.

All HiSET test takers are required to take the CASAS Appraisal prior to scheduling for HiSET testing. To make an appointment for the CASAS Appraisal, please contact the Guam Adult Education Office (671-735-6016).

Guam does not require HiSET applicants to take the HiSET practice test first. Check here for all -> HiSET and GED test centers and prep classes in Guam.

American Samoa

In Samoa, test takers must be 18 years of age to qualify for HiSET or GED testing. Applicants 17 years old may qualify as well, but they must contact the local testing site for more information.

Testing is open to U.S. citizens and residents of American Samoa. In American Samoa, there is no preparation or practice test requirement. Check here for all -> HiSET and GED test and prep locations in Samoa.

Marshall Islands

To qualify for HiSET testing in the Marshall Islands, applicants must be at least 17 years old, not hold a secondary education degree, and not be registered for any education course.

There is no requirement for prep courses prior to testing, and taking a practice test is also no requirement, except for online testing. Check here for all -> HiSET test and prep centers in the Marshall Islands.

Northern Mariana Islands

To be eligible for HiSET or GED testing in the Northern Mariana Islands, applicants need to be at least 16 years old, but for individuals 16 and 17, extra restrictions apply. For more GED and HiSET details, check here.

They must be officially withdrawn from the K–12 system and not be partaking in another education program. Like all across the U.S., applicants cannot hold a secondary education credential.

Successful test-takers will not get their diploma until their 18th birthday but will receive a letter stating that their high school equivalency diploma is held pending their 18th birthday.

HiSET and GED testing is only available to Northern Mariana Islands residents with a valid address, and attending a prep course is mandatory, as is taking the official HiSET practice test.

Palau

To be able to take the HiSET in Palau, applicants are required to be official Palau residents or U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and have been out of school for at least one year. To be eligible, applicants must have resided at a Palau address for no less than one year. Palau requires test takers to follow a prep course prior to HiSET testing.