A high school equivalency (HSE) diploma shows that you have the same academic skills and knowledge as someone who completed high school.
It is accepted by employers, colleges, and training programs across Louisiana and the U.S. You can earn your diploma by passing the HiSET® or GED® exam, or through certain college coursework options.
Earning your HSE opens doors to better job opportunities and further education.
If you did not finish high school, earning your HSE can give you the chance to:
Start a new career
Qualify for promotions
Enroll in college or technical training
Become eligible for financial aid
It’s a powerful first step toward building the future you want!
Louisiana offers four pathways to earn your high school equivalency diploma:
Pass the HiSET® or GED® Exam
Both tests cover Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
They are offered on computer (and in some cases, paper), in English and Spanish.
Complete College and Career Readiness Courses
Complete specific Math, English, and Reading courses at a Louisiana community or technical college.
Achieve College Placement Test Scores
Earn minimum qualifying scores on the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer in Math, Reading, and English.
Combination of Test Scores and College Coursework
Some students may qualify by combining college placement scores with college course completion.
There are a couple of things you should consider before deciding to get your high school equivalency diploma:
Can You Still Go Back to High School?
Are you young enough that going back to high school is an option? If you're under the age of 20, you may be able to re-enroll in high school. Contact your local school district for more information. Overall, it's better to get a regular high school diploma than an high school equivalency diploma or a HiSET ®. If it's at all possible for you to return to high school, you should seriously consider doing so.
What Are Your Career and Educational Goals?
The purpose of earning an high school equivalency diploma is to increase your potential in the job world and possibly attend college. In almost any career field, it's vital or at least beneficial to have a high school diploma. If you hope to go to college, it's essential. Still, while pursuing your high school equivalency diploma, you should start investigating what you want to do or where you want to go to college.
You can find free HSE preparation classes and testing support at:
Louisiana’s community and technical colleges
WorkReady U Adult Education Centers
Find a program near you https://pathwayfinder.lctcs.edu/FindYourCenter.
Before scheduling your exam:
Take free practice tests online for HiSET® or GED®.
Attend free preparation classes.
Review the subjects and question types you'll encounter.
Even if it’s been years since you were last in school, there are free resources and instructors ready to help you succeed!
Yes!
LCTCS colleges have open admissions, meaning you can start many programs even without a diploma or equivalency.
However, if you plan to apply for financial aid, you must either have a high school diploma or an HSE diploma (earned through HiSET®, GED®, or coursework pathways).
Earning your diploma also gives you access to more programs and scholarships.
To pursue your HSE in Louisiana:
You must be at least 16 years old.
You must be withdrawn from K-12 school enrollment.
You will need to provide official documentation to verify your eligibility.
El examen completo HiSET® cuesta aproximadamente $115 en Luisiana.
El examen completo GED® cuesta aproximadamente $144 en Luisiana.
Puede haber asistencia financiera, programas de becas o descuentos disponibles a través de WorkReady U o tu colegio local.
Before your HiSET® or GED® test day:
Create your testing account online (HiSET® or GED® portal).
Bring valid ID to the test center.
Know the test format:
Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies
Multiple choice and essay questions
Timed sections
Understand the rules and procedures for testing day.
The more you prepare ahead of time, the more confident you’ll feel on test day!