To earn a high school equivalency, take your state's approved test - the GED, HiSET or a state-specific exam - after preparing through free adult education classes offered by school districts, community colleges, libraries and nonprofits. Find classes through your state adult education office, an American Job Center or 211. Some states and programmes cover testing fees. Some states also offer alternative diploma pathways for adults.
How it works
The short version, before the detail.
Each state chooses which equivalency tests it accepts. The GED covers language arts, math, science and social studies; HiSET is similar. Tests are computer-based at testing centres, with online proctoring available for some tests in some states.
Adult education programmes funded under WIOA Title II offer free classes in reading, math and test preparation, often with flexible schedules, online options and support services.
Testing fees vary by state; some states subsidise them, and adult education programmes or workforce boards may pay fees for students who pass practice tests.
Some states offer adult high school diploma programmes or competency-based diplomas as alternatives.
An equivalency credential meets requirements for many jobs, apprenticeships and college admission, and makes you eligible for federal student aid.
Most people need to prepare for some subjects more than others. The GED has four subject tests - Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies - which you can take separately and in any order. Many learners start with the subject they feel strongest in to build confidence, and official practice tests show whether you are likely to pass before you pay for the real test.
Adult education programmes usually provide much more than test preparation. Teachers help with study skills and test anxiety, and programmes often connect students to career counselling, digital skills and next steps such as community college or job training. Some offer Integrated Education and Training so you can work toward a job credential at the same time as your equivalency.
Who usually qualifies
Factors the agency looks at. Only they make the final decision.
Minimum ages and residency rules vary by state.
How to apply, step by step
Find adult education classes
State office, job center or 211.
Take a placement assessment
Find your level.
Prepare
Classes and practice tests.
Register for the test
Your state's approved test.
Ask about fee help
Vouchers.
Take the test
By subject.
Use your credential
Jobs, training, college.
What to have ready
Missing one item is rarely a reason to wait - start now.
- ID
- Proof of state residency if required
- Withdrawal documentation for under-18s
What happens after you apply
How it compares
Similar programmes, and which one fits which need.
| Programme | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GED/HiSET | Equivalency credential | Adults without diploma |
| Adult high school diploma | Alternative diploma | Some states |
| ESL classes | English skills | Non-native speakers |
| Job Corps | Diploma plus training | Ages 16-24 |
Real situations
How this plays out for people in common circumstances.
Left school at 16
A 30-year-old wants a better job.
Free classes and GED.
Needs English first
An immigrant adult.
ESL then equivalency.
Fees are a barrier
A student cannot afford tests.
Programme voucher.
Wants apprenticeship
Needs diploma equivalent.
Earns HiSET.
Needs a diploma for a promotion
A 42-year-old warehouse worker is offered a supervisor role that requires a high school credential.
He attends evening classes, passes the maths test he was most worried about first, and completes the remaining subjects within months with a programme voucher covering fees.
What people miss
True, rarely explained, and it changes the outcome.
Classes are free
Adult ed.
Fees may be covered
Ask.
Test one subject at a time
Flexible.
Opens FAFSA eligibility
Yes.
Online options exist
Check.
Some employers pay for prep and testing
Larger employers, particularly in retail, logistics and healthcare, sometimes fund equivalency classes and test fees for employees as a benefit. Ask HR before paying yourself.
Common reasons people get stuck
Paying for fake online diplomas
Scams.
Skipping practice tests
Use them.
Not checking state test
Varies.
Giving up after one subject
Retake.
Missing support services
Ask.
How it differs by state
States choose tests, set fees and age rules.
Key terms explained
The words on forms and letters, in plain English.
- High school equivalency (HSE)
- A credential recognised as equivalent to a high school diploma, earned by passing an approved test.
- GED
- The General Educational Development test, the most widely used high school equivalency exam, with four subject tests.
- HiSET
- An alternative high school equivalency test used in some states.
- Practice test
- An official shorter test that predicts whether you are ready to pass the real exam.
- Testing voucher
- Payment or discount for test fees provided by a state or programme to eligible students.
- Adult education programme
- A publicly funded programme offering free classes in reading, maths, English and equivalency preparation.
Questions people ask
How can I get my GED for free?
What tests count as high school equivalency?
Can I take the GED online?
How long does it take to get a GED?
Is a GED the same as a diploma?
Are online high school diplomas legitimate?
How much does the GED test cost?
What score do I need to pass the GED?
Can I take the GED if I am 16 or 17?
Can I take one GED subject at a time?
What if I fail a GED subject?
Do employers accept a GED?
Can I get a GED in Spanish?
Can I get help with child care while studying for the GED?
Can I study for the GED online for free?
How do I find a GED testing centre?
Does a GED help me get financial aid for college?
Can I get a high school diploma instead of a GED as an adult?
Is the GED harder than it used to be?
How long are GED scores valid?
Numbers to call
Free lines. We are not affiliated with any of them.
Official sources
Current figures and applications live here.